That's what I thought it just seems like an awkward pose.
to be turning at that angle holding a sword with both hands and hunching looks uncomfortable.
besides the pose u need more contrast and I think he should have a dark (not black) outline around the outside.
For details like his hair fringe I'd say avoid single pixel clusters as this turns into a grainy kind of noise instead.
u could consolidate the double hair things into one on each side so it reads better without sacrificing character.
do u think the expression on his face suits his character?
I really have no idea but he doesn't look like the serious type in the reference, more like someone who grins in the face of danger