Actually he should be stiffer, that was the problem with the first one. Play the PSX game, He just stands like that. I was using gameplay videos for reference on him this time around.
No reason not to make improvements. I think you should give yourself a little more artistic license. Be accurate sure, but make changes where you think they work or make sense. ^_^
I see what you mean about the stance, but you should definitely curve the blade. The way it is looks unnatural to the point that one would have trouble launching an attack from that position. I know because I tried that stance and grip with my boken.
Nice work on those new sprites. I especially like the Guard Scorpion. I think you should try more of these 3 color designs. ^_^
I'm going to see if I can dig up any boss illustrations for you to work with too. ^_^
I'll be working on some new sprites starting tomorrow as well. I think I'll begin with some character sprites.
BTW, are you going to be working on enemy sprites too or just the bosses?