This fellow is the result of my first attempt at making larger character sprites (large for me anyway, since I'm still used to 16x16  ), and even more so giving any character an idle animation.
http://www.pixeljoint.com/pixelart/65077.htm this one was a big reference, although regrettably I didn't quite achieve the same smoothness.
I'm trying to learn to make these sorts of sprites for a small fighting game my friend is starting. Whether this one will make it in or not, I don't quite know yet. | 
It looks good, but at the moment the shoulders look like they're growing. Also, I would suggest moving the sword so that it doesn't block his face. But overall good job :)