Here are some blogs that show what can be done, with just the basic templates.....
Notice zero banners !
http://www.myhotblog.com/wizzbang
http://www.myhotblog.com/sadomasokitten
http://www.myhotblog.com/SchoolgirlBrittney
These are based on templates from the system.... but you can create your own with html and/or a templating language that is easy to use and comes with full and very complete instructions and help