I can model a realistic character in about 10 to 15 hours of work depending on how complex it is.... There will be a DVD tut comming out some time near the end of next month on how to model a whole character using poly/sub-d from start to finish.
I find UV lay outs and texturing the most time consumming.
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination, knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world. (Albert Einstein)
https://www.artstation.com/kurtb