3D creatures are everywhere -- in movies, games, comics, videos, and advertising. Some of these creatures are lifelike and realistic while others portray bizarre fantasy images. No matter which type you want to create, you'll find insightful ideas and hands-on techniques for bringing your creatures to life in this completely updated version of the best-selling 3D Creature Workshop. Whether you are just beginning in 3D modeling and animation, are a seasoned pro, or a creative hobbyist, you'll find innovative tools and techniques to enhance your creature creations.
survey of the various approaches to modeling circa 1999. box modeling and subdivision surfaces seem to be the current fave in 2008, thanks to fast hardware.
bill's characters don't appeal, but he does know how to model.
these days i'd check out bay raitt (created gollum's face model for the LOTR movies and pushed the whole normal map thing for valve and zbrush.