Just stipping by during my Stateside holiday to check the board, and I have to say it since I see my handle (Enkida) being thrown around here. I was a professional artist who studied and then later worked in producing graphic art and websites. I'm certainly not famous but neither am I a completely unknown artist, just a retired one who still produces fanwork as a hobby. The point is, with my real world professional experience, I can tell you with 100% certainty that the professionals who are working on the
BGEE enterprise are just that, professionals, and you should give them a little more credit. The difference between a professional and a fan is that the professional can get the job done. The fan might be able to produce one or two works that are universally loved, but a real professional will make sure the entire product looks consistently good while keeping to both the budget and the schedule.
I think there is no tougher test for a professional finished artistic product than producing a graphic novel for a major label under a deadline. If this Nat Jones has experience in producing a successful commercial graphic novel, which is not as easy as it sounds - I've worked with artists both in the industry AND trying to break into it - then I have no doubt that Jones will do a fine job on a video game. You may not like his particular style but the overall product will not be of poor or inconsistent quality, and that's what really counts in the end. And remember art direction is more than just nice looking portrait artwork, the lion's share is about design decisions and organization.
My 2 cents, though thanks for the vote of art confidence.