For clarity, I wasn't saying that Asmus's Thorin isn't a good figure. I think it's a great figure from the looks, one of their best even. So, just b/c I'm saying that I think the InArt is improvement over the Asmus, how much of an improvement depends on the person. For me, as great as the Asmus figure is, I think InArt's has an added level of realism and better proportions, but it does come at a higher cost as you've mentioned.
Just b/c I say one looks to be better than the other, doesn't equate to me thinking that the Asmus one is trash, though. I know a lot of ppl on here like to bag on Asmus b/c InArt is here to save the day, but I'm not one of them. I think Asmus has done a commendable job over the years especially when they were pretty much the only ones giving us quality LOTR figures for a great price for quite some time. Like most, I just wish their final products matched up closer to the prototypes, particularly the headsculps and paint apps. Regardless of the jokes ppl make now about them, those figures were still an improvement over the original Sideshow figures IMO. Collector's are a fickle bunch though. What was once good yesterday, is now outdated today. Just the nature of the hobby though. When updates happen, everyone will have to decide for themselves if it's worth it to them to keep or sell the old when the new is revealed. I don't have the space for doubles nor desire to keep figures I don't intend to display, so if there's an update, I'm usually more than willing to sell the old to have the newer one on the shelf if I like it enough.
