Help with MC styled sprites

[Icerapter]

Hey everyone I've been working on some of my own sprites for the Dark Link sprite comics i'm currently making. I made a custom character whose clothes I based off of Vaati's robes/cloak. Although i'm not new to spriting, I still have a lot to learn, and any tips or criticism is much appreciated \^o^/.



For number 1, I'm not sure exactly how to remove the sort of cape thing but keep the robes without making the back look too flat. Number 2 seems sort of blah, and i'm not exactly sure how to add more detail to the cape. Number 3, is probably my favorite, but if there is any way it can be improved feel free to let me know . Number 4 is his sword, I tried to go for a Rapier look, but wasn't sure how to go about that, other than making the blade longer and thinner. 5 and 6 are a bit strange. I wanted some poses where he could summon his sword, but 5 looks like he's wearing a fur coat of some kind, and 6 is supposed to have his eyes closed, but it still looks off. I might try and shrink his cape a little. 7 is just supposed to have his arm outstretched. Lastly, if anyone had tips on how to make an outstretched (90 degree angle) arm, I’d really appreciate it, it's been giving me a hard time. Thanks