Really cool designs and idea. Of the last sketches, I like the design of 1, but maybe combined with the sense of movement from 2, 'cause the first one feels a bit like a statue (depends on whether or not you're going for it, I guess). Can't wait to see him in all his glory 
@sparksofdawn @jonatan-moonchild @snakebearer, Thank you very much for your comments! I do feel inclined toward no. 1 as well. I like some brutal heavy feel in it. But I also like something in no 2. I was wondering how those design may look in illustration and tried to incorporate them in composition. Here is what I have got:
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1a. Same but with flag.
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2a.
Let me know what you think!
That should become my slogan for now! 
wowow great work!
Have you tried his head from 1 with the arm outstretched like 2a? I like the head better turned - seems more authoritative somehow.
Thank you, @Acolet! Well, I feel that movement of his hand doesn't work well with the overall busy image. I tend to think that with all the pikes and flags moving around, the figure of the general should be calm and static. So most probably I will go for variant 2. But still it may worth trying head turned toward the "sun".
I definitely feel that no. 2 fits better into illustration composition than other designs and considering time constrains I decided to move on with it.
For now I played around with colors for illustration. I do understand that it is pretty rough and character colors are not certain but I just want to have a feeling of overall mood.
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2.
3.
Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeed! 
Nice twist and cool armors!
My only critic would be on the banner graphic design. The logo looks greeko-roman and consequently match neither the shape language of your characters nor your illustration. Maybe you can have a look at some japanese mon (the skull on the horses rear could be a strong logo).
I hope you will keep some sharp geometrical shapes in your final illustration.
Good luck with the ending!
@innocent Thank you very much for your critic! I totally agree that the logo is off the overall style. I will rework it for sure. In illustration not many changes are expected as due to personal circumstances I will have only one evening to get the job done and post the final result. So I will still be focused on overall impression rather than polishing details.
Due to some personal time constraints I have to finish my contest work at this point and submit it for judgement. Many thanks to organizers of the contest and good luck to all the participants!
Excellent work!
I'm really impressed with what you can accomplish in such a short (for me) time. Your speed vs. quality ratio is one of the things that I admire in your work. In fact this is one of areas of improvement that I've set for myself for near future, so I can say that you are exemplar for me.
Anyway... It was great to see you in action once again!
Best reagrds
Jonatan
