Abyss is coming

[Zee]

I've been making a computer game called Abyss for a long time. And right now, I'm just trying to nail down a particular style.
I am going for a darker them, but I'm having trouble with readability in darker shades, so if somebody could help me improve. I'm going for a bit of macabre or horror style.
This beast is the 'Goomba' of my game. The common enemy. He is something of a horizontal Thwomp, ergo the spikes. Touching him kills you.
The size can not be bigger then 48x48, as that's the tile size of my game.


Keep in mind this is for a computer game, tell me which one is better, why and what I'd need to improve.

[im9today]

I'd say the one on the right is better design wise. Things I would change for starters: Up contrast a ton, darker outlines for the darkest parts, and remove the dotted lines separating the teeth from the rest of the structure. If you feel they need to be separated, separate them one at a time with solid outlines, perhaps with a lighter shade than the outmost shades. Make the rings around the spikes gold or silver or ebony.

When I think "macabre or horror" art I think of intricate interlacing patterns personally, and lots of darker, muted shades with bright flourishes of black and red and white.

Edit: Oh, and drop the white background unless this art is going to be displayed on solid white. Colors are relative.

[Zee]

I'm not sure I know what contrast even is anymore T_T

[Zee]

Better now?

[im9today]

I'd say it's an excellent improvement. The eyes look kind of like they are bulging out rather than glowing from deep inside the structure though.

[Zee]

Thanks for the help. I'll tone down the eyes.

If somebody has a good darker pallet [maybe something a la castlavania] I'd be happy to use it.

Also, does anybody know where I can get some good pictures of closeups of maggots and putrid flesh [zombies movie make-up is hard to get singularly]. Google just doesn't seem to be getting me what I need right now.

After I get home from work I'll post my latest edit of the skull and the hero.

[Zee]

<-- Final version of skull, thanks to iam9's help.

<-- First iteration of the hero. He's supposed to appear glowing, and I'm trying to decide if I want to give him pants for a little texture. On the fence there. As before, give me a left/right preference & tell me what's better, and what to improve.

Please and thank you.

[Also, what's it take to get some more replies? I'm trying to be more active around here]