After the first few hours I am at this stage. I'm modeling in polys using symmetry and meshSmooth in the stack so that I can see the end result as I work.

This is the same model with Isoline Display turned on.

Edge loops at this point are fairly good and will need little clean up as the model progresses. It is important to get things right from the beginning and not try and clean up later. If the edge loops are a mess the model will be a mess as well.

Side view. Still working on detailing the ears nose and mouth. I'm mostly happy with the over all shape.

Base head mesh.
Num Faces: 1434

With the start of the body you can see the edge loop method that I have used to created the head. I start with the main loops that are important to the shape, volume and contours of the character.

Close up of eye and ear. both still need work in detailing but I want to get the body form worked out before I go back to the head and neck.

Iso of the eye and ear.

I keep wanting to modeling more definition but this guy has a lot of fat on him.

Iso of the legs.

I updated the feet a bit and made the joints on the toes more pronounced. It needs a bit more adjusting but I have to move on to other things so I think it will stay this way for now.

I didn't go crazy on details in the kuckles as this will all be textured in. I think the whole character looks more balanced now that he has hands.