If you noticed the one constant in the secretive teaser photos from Weta lately, you may have just surmised that the new range of sculptures would be based on John Howe’s Middle Earth art.

No, it’s not the The Hobbit line (yet!) that was in much speculation, but it is very much Tolkien, as imagined by John Howe. There’s a rich body of iconic imagery to draw on. And even strict film-fans not intimately familiar with Mr. Howe will discover that the movies were richly influenced by his works. It really does make you a Howe fan by default. In hindsight, there’s a real feeling of ‘why doesn’t this already exist?’ That’s perhaps just how overdue the 3D-ization of Howe’s work is, and how natural a fit that it is Weta who takes on this task. It’s like a no-brainer that’s slipped the mind.

Of two things I am sure: First is that the pieces will be real beauties, and refreshing in a way; a respite from the pure film-licensed collectibles. The second certainty is that they will not come cheap.

The terms “short editions”, “bronze”, “white metal”, and “fine art” can only amount to one thing: you had better start saving your pennies immediately. If you’re curious for more, steer your browser to the latest Weta Cast to hear from John Howe himself. Two pieces will be shown at Comic-Con. I can’t wait to see them.