Hi Radagaster
Please allow me explain my intentions a bit.
That promo card that was scanned on this blog is an accurate representation of what the layout will look like, as far as the placement of the characters,scale, etc. What it does NOT show is how I will approach the layout when it gets fully painted.
For instance, Merry and Pippin are at the top of the Moria gate. Currently, they are painted in a monochromatic map-colored style to push them back, while Arwen for instance,is fully painted because I want to bring her forward. Some characters like Gandalf, are a bit less colorful because my intentions are to concentrate more vibrant colors on the characters closest to the center of the layout.
As far as it being just another movie poater collage, it may not suit your taste at all, and that's perfectly fine. Pleasing everyone is an impossible job, and I do have to satisfy New Line Cinema as well as other LOTR buffs like you and I. New Line approved my layout, and gave me the go-ahead, so there you are.
Wait and see. I hope you like it when it's all done. If not, that's OK too; I'm not twisting any arms.
SDCC will not see these lithos, because I have other commitments that have to be cleared first. No matter where offered, these lithos will be sold with the industry's best shipping tube available. I'm not cutting any corners.
I hope this helps explains things.