You're improving an awful lot. I still remember your first hammerman thread. You should look back at it and see for yourself. 

Anyways, what exactly is he supposed to be doing in the third animation? Cracking his knuckles.

I also fear the head is too small and that the neck is too long. (On the first character.)

quick crit: when you raise one arm, your torso rotates and tilts slightly, so the opposite shoulder drops, yes? And your hips do similarly. The middle animation would be much more readable with this kind of mild full body motion.