I kinda liked both pics. Wierd enough, they seemed to have a nostalgic 1E feeling to them. Except they were far better than the art of old, IMO. I guess, I like the art of the new editions better than the old, sparse art. For one thing, the art in 3E usually has something to do with the texts its with.
Hehe. The Balor looks like a Scarran (from Farscape)
As for D&D stealing from TolkienL If one thinks about it, Tolkien took stuff from many sources as well. Such as the Nibelung (spelling?) for the one ring, Fafnir (and other dragons) for Smaug, Elves (Alfs) and Dwarves (Dvergar) from Celtic Lore.
I love the man's work but its not like he was Mr. All Original himself.