Maybe this can be seen as a conflict of interest because I am affiliated with Kickstand (I am a founding partner) but I believe in the tools and we are building them to support the next generation of digital character development.

StretchMesh is a new paradigm for surface deformation. By using a fast algorithm for relational vertex knowledge, smooth character deformations can be created quickly and with superior results over existing techniques. StretchMesh is implemented as a standard Maya deformer to work seamlessly with and enhance existing work flows.

To put it simply StretchMesh is responsive skin for your characters. Plain and simple. The results are fast and amazing and if you would like to try it there is a free, fully functional, two week demo version.

StretchMesh
Kickstand