So, I foolishly decided to start yet another Phoenix Wright character illustration (I guess I should call them ace attorney illustrations but screw it). This time it's Trucy Wright. I really love her magician look, and I think I did a good job on this one. I didn't fuck it up this time. However, I'm starting to find my style a bit flat (I know that's what I was going for but I'm bored with it a bit) so to mix tings up I applied some effects.
 
Already I've been designing these things like old posters so I decided  to go all the way and make it look actually old. I'm not sure if it's any good though. Can the Giant Bomb community please help me decide? I'd like to hear your thoughts on which is better. Plain or with sickening effects.
 
Here they are:

Bro, as you know...I normally have a phoenix avatar.   
 
Make me a Phoenix Write in a Christmas hat like the one I have now.   
 
I like the art.

" Bro, as you know...I normally have a phoenix avatar.    Make me a Phoenix Write in a Christmas hat like the one I have now.    I like the art. "

I think I like the 2nd one more, there's more of a texture to it. The top one seems too clean to me.

A nice illustration. I much prefer the weathered picture, as MarkWahlberg said the texturing helps add something.

I like this first one better, and need to be a little sharper in the eyes, but that's may just because of JPEG
Diggin the style, it's effective

" I like this first one better, and need to be a little sharper in the eyes, but that's may just because of JPEG Diggin the style, it's effective "

All of the opinions I have heard from friends and on here seem to be split. Rather annoying, because I don't know which direction to take my work in now.