Silo really seems to be  great value in character modeling (at least for lower cost packages.)  Their current version is 1.42  for around $109 and I believe you can get version 2 for free (if you purchase 1.42)

Anyway, take a look at some of the work being done with the beta versions at:
http://www.silo3d.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6806