I completely believe the second fish will not have a pattern you will find pleasing..it will have a very dark back half. i can see alot of Sumi coming through that half of the fish.
I WOULD buy the first fish as the hi is strong in the first and the last step, it may very well become thicker on the two other steps. i also think the black on it will rise in almost unsuspecting places and make this koi a pleasant koi to watch mature..the face pattern will definirely be interesting.