a render is an image which has been cut out. e.g. a character cut from a scene. renders are used in photoshop as a layer so you can have things like your own background. hope that helps it wasnt freehand. well could have been origionally i suppose, but he has said he got it as a render.
Thanks andymayo, it helps a lot, and its ok to use the character, say as long as its not used commercially?
im not 100% sure but i have used a lot of big characters (for example the gears of war guy, dont know his name cos i hate thegame lol) and freinds have also ... on a few big sites too.. and nothing has been done.. i think as long as its promotional they would be glad of it.
True it helps promote, i see nothing wrong with it, was just wondering, it looks great i see it often on certain types of forums, anime styles sigs. Nice work by the way.