The shadow behind the creature does not make sense as it contradicts the direction of light suggested by the red highlights on the fur.

Looks retrolicious though.

True but given that shadow, the front side would be almost fully lit instead of being pitch black like a back-lit silhouette.

*gives an evil look at Dennis and Weapon_S*

I think this new design is awesome! I like the font choice, the placement, and the fact that the beast in the middle has this sort of effect to make it look like it's leaping off of the machine itself.

For those confused about the shadow/lighting, sure, the highlights may SEEM like they're coming from the wrong direction, but you're trying to draw highlights on something BLACK in order to make it feel like more than just a flat drawing. Visually, the way it is now works better than trying to make the lighting accurate to the shadow or vice versa. If you don't agree then I challenge you to go load up a paint program, copy a screenshot of the monster into it, "fix" it the way you feel would be right, compare to what Neil's got, then see for yourself.

*looks over those ones*

...still like the one at the top of the thread best.

The real problem here isn't the shading anyway. The root cause of making it look awkward is that the given silhouette does not suggest any believable volume. Even changing the lighting does not manage to fix that and it stays mostly flat. Lack of a distinguishable type of foot or hoof on the front leg is another issue.

If you look at the legs, they both seem to be bent convex towards the viewer, creating a stance which if imagined from the side looks silly but not threatening or menacing (which is what it's probably supposed to look like).

Here's a sloppy edit, illustrating the volume problems by an attempt at lighting without changing the silhouette:
{"name":"606971","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/4\/2\/42c7bafe076ebe1b3c24f0053f4e80e1.png","w":394,"h":871,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/4\/2\/42c7bafe076ebe1b3c24f0053f4e80e1"}

*quickly looks up pictures of Space Invaders machines*

...that makes it even more awesome than it already was!

Not bad, though I still prefer the Space Invaders one.

Hello,
Here's the actual painted sides, just needs touching up where the masking tape failed:
{"name":"20121129_190032.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/d\/9\/d927e8ad2af2b934193fb3d24efae2c9.jpg","w":960,"h":1280,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/d\/9\/d927e8ad2af2b934193fb3d24efae2c9"}

A bit more work has been done on the images:
{"name":"cabfinal2.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/3\/d\/3d295dc4726cc9ab3830db15ccef07c8.jpg","w":352,"h":864,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/3\/d\/3d295dc4726cc9ab3830db15ccef07c8"}
{"name":"cabfinal1.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/2\/e\/2ee0a144ef8f1f1e189655d0e78b7f94.jpg","w":352,"h":864,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/2\/e\/2ee0a144ef8f1f1e189655d0e78b7f94"}

If anyone is interested, the source for the tank is here:
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/275/6/2/metal_slug__reload_by_sho_n_d_by_uro_boro-d4bn26x.jpg

My mate converted it to vectors.

Here is a mock-up with the art and the real photo:
{"name":"Side.jpg","src":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/7\/9\/79df4ccabef248126a4765af6d13131c.jpg","w":768,"h":1024,"tn":"\/\/djungxnpq2nug.cloudfront.net\/image\/cache\/7\/9\/79df4ccabef248126a4765af6d13131c"}

Seconded, the Tank really stands out.

I would try (maybe better, maybe not) adding a little bit of shading (similar to the barrel) just next to the girl/woman to help balance the level of detail between her and the tank. Even if you don't, it's pretty sweet.

I love the tank panel. The treads even make it look like it could roll right off the panel and go up any surface. Definitely awesome.

You could cut'n'paste some boobies on the monster, ya know!