** @Joe** Sorry man, somehow I missed your post out.

I don't agree with you on that one.  That pencil work was very fine indeed, truly outstanding the way he got that skin texture on the face, back and shoulders etc, wish I could do that.

Funny enough that's one of the things that fascinates me about pencil and charcoal; the fact that no matter what surface finish you want to achievce it can be done if you have the skill to do it.

It wouldn't matter to that guy whether he needed SSS, frosted class, or plastic, he simply draws it using the techniques he has to achieve the look of those finishes.  Think about that, imagine the power you posses when you can pick up a pencil and effectively render whatever you want, without limit, and no lack of technology will stand in your way!

Amazing, and here's another mind-blower:
MAJOR TALENT AT WORK

I don't know what he's saying, but it probably goes something like ...
*'I have total control over my pencil, and therefore, my art'.

Regards whether something that has been copied is art, well, that question is true of CG or traditional art.  My take on it is this, if I had the skill with a pencil that these guys have, I'd be able to create absolutely anything in my imagination and it would look as real (or unreal) as I wanted.

Technology can't limit you, only your own skill and imagination.