Huh... is this done as an alternate picture for an RPG Maker project? I happen to remember a sprite of a brown-bearded pirate with exactly the same headband.
Yes, you're right, the beard is the worst part in this sprite, too many straight lines. Also I like the expression the most. Remembers me some Asterix characters.
I liked the character and his expression.
But the shading's beard looks a bit odd to me.
Yes, it's my own version of the pirate from the RPG Maker 2000 facesets.