Hmm nice, I like the simplicity. With the writing sprite thing, the pencil looks more like it is floating above his ear, instead of actually resting between it and his head. The whiteish shadow seems out of place, I would go without it. And, would it be correct to assume that the pencil is so thick so people can tell what it is? The talking animation looks a little fast, but I really love this sprite..thing, and Helm, that is a beautiful edit.