To be honest, even though I've never been a professional (or ever will be) I do however have an art degree and should have known better in regards to the critiques. I really value criticism for that same reason too. But thank you so much for the compliments.

Really dig this!

Went back and checked your other stuff and the comments within, the improvements you've made are marvelous for such a short time (even if they were guided). Very nice work, I'm absolutely going to use this as a reference for some of my own projects. 

5, there's a black shadow.
but anyway, really nice 3D idea of the character, I liked it.
 

Oh yeah good call. I also threw in that shadow at the last minute and didn't even think about it when I put together the description. I am by no means a professional but I really do appreciate the constructive criticism. The sword would indeed look better if fudged. I would very much like to try a 3rd time so if you have any more suggestions please let me know. thank you. 

Good job with the pose !

Transparency counts as a colour, so this is 4 colours, not 3 xP

Very good readability, considering the colours. The back sprite feels a little messy though, and the sword dosn't read well when it's reduced to a single-pixel-thick line. It's better to fudge the perspective a little and have the sword be a little thicker and rotated, in my opinion.