Welcome to Pixelation.
I don't think you need those outlines, since this is small sprite and you can use those pixel for some useful details...you should pay special attention to lighting and determine position of your primary light source.
Here is my quick interpretation of this. This is simple arcade idle animation, just to give you the idea.
wow thank you!! the light source didn't even cross my mind! I'm not that used to working in pixels. It'll change depending on the are he's on at the time, so i guess I'll have to make multiple.
I have never tried working without an outline since most of my art is pencil based and focuses around linework but I'll give it a shot. We want him to be kinda flat and cartoony, almost Paper Mario-esque.
The hands are a great idea. They'd be way more versatile that way. I can see how they look kinda like bear paws. XD
^ this is the original art I got from the writer (who says he can't draw) if it gives any insight.