Re: Superhero Images
Ok I'll tackle this individually.
1)"I still have a little bit of uncertainty about the concept of reliance on 3rd party models; isn’t it sometimes a problem?"
It can be. But again if you have a -good- model, there isn't much you can't do. In laymen's terms: If you have shotty pencils and paper and little imagination, you will turn out shotty work. If you have quality tools and the right mindset with technique, there isn't much you can't do.
I'll use to models found in or purchased for Poser. Posette (which is the nickname for the Poser 4 female model) and Victoria 2. Now with Posette you had -some- things you could do. And for what it's worth people have cranked out some awesome images for Posette. But the lack of model manipulation hinders greatly. Posette is decent if you put a lot of work into her.
Now Victoria 2 is all kinds of model manipulations. If Posette had a total of 10 (just an example) Victoria 2 has 30+. Anything from model height (which they both have) to improved breast, chest, face, and overall body. With Posette you run into the problem of most of your figures carrying a similiar "look". Anyone who's used Poser can almost point them out without batting an eyelash. And it's that look that keeps it from crossing the treshhold IMO. With Victoria, it's harder to pick up on. The look and feel of the model in question looks more unique.
Think back to how many comics carried that Rob Liefeld or Jim Lee look? And how few carried the Todd MacFarland, Brett Booth, Frank Miller look? In the end, let the popularity of the model carry some of the weight. If you look online, one of the most supported Poser models is the Victoria series.
So yes, sometimes it can be a problem but only if you let it.
2)Poser for characters and Sacrosanct's comments:
Actually I think I've achived a moderate amount of success in designing character pics using Poser. And I know I'm not the only one. I'd point you to http://www.animotions.com as a site almost solely dedicated to 3d/super hero art. And while not apart of that community I can say that some of those artists have done wonders with Posette. Let alone the Michael, Victoria, Stephanie, & Freak models.
Now as for the problem finding the right model: Remember my comments about Posette and Victoria? If you're having problems finding the -right- model, find one thats close and then look for model morph packs. Or do it yourself in Poser outright. Another MAJOR point to raise is texturing. Always always always use a skin texture for your characters. As that can be the difference between night and day for your model. Photorealistic ones tend to work best.
And they are discussing cost: True, in some cases modelers already have what you want. And like any vendor it will cost some. But depending on what you need you just might be able to find what you need for free. Legally free. Renderosity, 3dcommune, Animotions and others all have free props. And some are incredibly professional.
http://www.giovanni-wod.net/images/rapierman1a.bmp (careful, it's a large image)
This is a prime example of a quality character pic that cost virtually nothing. Michael 3 figure (which I got for free for being apart of the Platinum club at Daz 3d), the texture cost me and so did the hair. The outfit complete with swords and all was free.
The statement of $15 a prop and up is fairly misleading. While some do indeed charge that, there is always the free options available. As is joining certain clubs or memberships. Daz3d has some awesome props, textures, and figures with their Platinum club. And http://www.poserstyle.com has a great deal for their club membership as well.
In the end, you are only limited by your own limitations. Sacrosanct sounds like he knows what he's talking about but (based purely on what I read) might have a jaded viewpoint towards Poser. You always have the option of creating your own model. Even in Poser.
Hope this helps a bit