I really like the trees and ground in thes second image. I also like the clouds. And teh hills in the first onea re better, though they'd be better if you spent hours dithering and blending them really smooth. Like his glasses too....
I don't like hte huge sword, but you probably don't "like" it either, if you know what I mean... I guess I mean you probably accept that it doesn't really work or make sense, and it's just there for craziness. I also don't like the mountains in the background of the 2nd image, somehow doesn't fit with the style.

Haha! It looks cute and cool at the same time. ^_^

I love how it's kinda poking fun at the "oversized weapon" style by having the sword look... well... über-oversized! Though I'm not sure if that's actually practical ingame, in terms of animation and/or gameplay. :P