I think that looks like a pretty good design. The main colours you've chosen work well together.
I'd say with a small sprite you might be better off using shades further apart to make it pop out a bit more. For instance those two shades of very dark grey on the shoulder pad? they're so close you wont even notice them unless you're zoomed in. It's supposed to be rounded, right? but it looks a bit flat right now.
Here is an example of what I mean. Just the head, shoulder and his right arm mainly. You'll be able to see the the curvature of those parts at a distance now.
i see... thanks a ton for the feedback and the example! i seem to set myself "rules" when doing small sprites and i really shouldnt, because what it looks like in game is all that really matters. ill finish up the basic sprites using the technique ive been using, and then go back and touch them up to make it look better. thanks again!
[Game design makes my brain feel like its gonna explode.]