I'm actually enjoying the new art direction Wyrd are taking with M2E.
I think most of the characters artwork (I haven't seen all of it yet, just what's been spoiled on-line) makes them look more...dynamic? (not sure if this is the right word) The art from 1.5 always struck me as very static, just like the models themselves, it was hard for me to imagine how the characters would move just by looking at the art.
For example: Did Lilith move like a woman on a misson, strong & with purpose? Or did she move like a sultry fire-cracker, effortlessly hefting her greatsword like a parasol? Those were the sort of questions I asked myself, and without the background Fluff it would have been impossible.
I always enjoyed the art of Malifaux, but I think that had more to do with the setting than anything else. Who doesn't love demon cowboys!
That said, the new artwork looks amazing in my opinion, and I'm really enjoying the new direction Wyrd have taken. The characters look so much more "Alive".
/2c