Well surely you didn't think I was gonna keep the five minute coloring job (Which I made while in the middle of class)? x3 As far as the color palette, I can see how the turquoise could be obtrusive. I was mainly trying to avoid Swampert's shade of blue, and going darker wouldn't feel very electric-y. I've toned down the hue/saturation a bit this time, but not much. If you still think it's over-the-top, I could try altering it some more.
Yup, I had already started on my final illustration and had noted that I drew the fin incorrectly.
Well, here's what I've got so far, and it's pretty much done, ruling out any edits that I might make.
Still trying to think of more ways to get rid of the Swampert feel... If all else fails, and you guys think he's too derivative for his own good, I can change his face to make him a mammal full-out. (Although I think a mammal nose on him would look a bit silly.)
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4781/cap103color.png
His lower body is sufficiently original, it's just the upper body that I have to worry about.
~Nyasu
It's really really good, I love it. Don't change the upperbody shape too much, I think it already differentiates itself from Swampert plenty. I'm still missing the electric feel a little though, maybe give the little circles on the knuckles and knees the same yellow color as the fin, or perhaps somehow throw in something on the belly. I'm not an artist myself, but I'm sure you can think of something.