I think you're first image is an improvement over your previous work. Out of these two, I think the first image is better.
I think you're still not capturing the characters correct proportions. The first image is a good "approximation" of what the character looks like in general though. I'm not saying I don't like it, it just lacks the long slender proportions of the reference. The legs are pretty long in both reference pictures.
The pose for the second character looks weird. It looks like his torso and legs are leaning backwards. Try lean standing like that and you'll find it very hard to keep balance. I think you can make the pose better by changing the position of his left leg.
As for shading, I think you can better define some of the shapes. Like for example, clearly defining where the pant legs and shoes are in the first image. The shading of the second character face could use some work too.
