This is the easily one of the best depictions of Aku, here's why.



In the beginning of the show, Aku evolved his character from being strictly serious and cruel to showing childish behavior and finally being much more of a semi-competent goofball with evil desires. Aku encompasses all of these traits from his facial expression and facial design.



Aku's face here speaks volumes about his thoughts and emotions, yet they mix so thoroughly that the viewer cannot really perceive just what Aku is thinking of when he's looking at Jack here. Not quite happiness or frustration, perhaps anticipation? There's a blissful insanity expressed through those pupils. Those naturally large eyes aren't really that wide open, showing an ease when interpreting the situation. His eyes make half of the painting for me, the other half comes from his teeth. You remade the Hanya mask into an even more terrifying monster. Closed, clenched teeth are often far more intimidating than an open mouth.



The facial structure suits the realistic overtone quite well and your method for making his horns worked out pretty well. The green material making up his face looks like a rocky mineral, contrasting with the asymetrical black, smoky mass of his body.



Your painting feels far more like a nightmare or a corny Japanese movie poster that inspired Samurai Jack, rather than something inspired by the cartoon itself. I love it.