Paunch Characters' C&C

[Atelier]

Hullo.

I've just started yet another little project, which I hope will keep me busy through the holidays. So far, I have the plot mapped out, the music sorted, and some graphics. (Below). Each of these little men have their own personality, which I hope I've captured. But what could I do to improve them? It's my first go at any kind of art really, so I'd like to know what's not right about them. Any little picky points are welcome!

Left to right: Paunch the Ogre; Sheriff of Sherwood; Soldier; Robin Hood; Friar Tuck; Dungeon Guard.

Progress: Added shading to Robin. Added shading to Dungeon Guard. Added shading to Paunch. Added shading to Friar Tuck. Added shading to the captain.

UPDATE:
The Sheriff, who only makes one appearance, has been made to look a lot older and more important. No doubt the poor serfs' extortionate taxes went on that golden armour... I've now completed the captain, who will also take on the same appearance as the soldiers. Therefore, the captain is effectively not needed. I'm not too happy about his helmet, and I might need to change the pattern of his armour - but I've added him in the line up nevertheless. So that just leaves one more, plus another four or five to complete! It negates the effect of boredom from staying home with swine flu at least =D. I've finished the Friar. He's supposed to be the old, wise brother of the Abbey, therefore I have left his muscles out. Paunch the Ogre has now been shaded. I'm very happy with the result - I've managed to flaunt his huge muscles, but at the same time I think I've retained some of his intended cuteness. His unsightly boils went well too. Having him a different size wasn't intentional however, but I reckon I could make it work. I'm calling the guard done, as he doesn't have a very big part/appearance in Paunch, and also because I'm happy with the way he looks. Over the next few days I'll redo the characters one by one, and start the final few. I'll keep this original post updated. I've taken off Paunch's club because I think it would make an ideal cursor.

[InCreator]

Nothing really, IMO. They're pretty cool as they are now. Robin could wear a hat though. Ogre reminds me of Gobliins somewhat... http://img4.abload.de/img/gobliinsbjxko.jpg

[Abisso]

They look a bit like LEGO characters, especially Robin. This is not bad though, the style is simple but effective, and since you use the same model template for every character, you can save a lot of time but also make all of them look very different.

[SpacePaw]

Hmm..I kind of don't get your dithered shading.
How about coloring the outlines and making more contrasted and unified shading? Like that:

[Atelier]

Wow, that's good! Unfortunately I wouldn't know where to start with this. I agree that looks much better though - I'll have a stab at replicating the shading on another character and show you how I got on in the original post. Thanks!

[SpacePaw]

just dont make nipples and so obvious shapes of shadows on people wearing clothes

[SpacePaw]

Okay progress in good direction
I have few more tips for you:
1. The mask is fully black, it has no shading, ligten up the inside
2. although you did good on the chest shading, arms look pillow-shaded (shadow steping from the outline to the inside - you should try to define muscle/elbow shape and get only one side more shaded according to the light source)
3.  belt can use some shading too

I let myself do a small twist only on half of your sprite so you can see the difference better


my contrast may be little off cuz I'm working on a laptop :/


Great! you're learning fast Keep on the good work

Edit by ProgZ:
Please don't double post.