Yay! You're back! Welcome back!

Oh niiiice bud! I love the pose you've selected. It's really animated and lively, very nicely done. I never get tired of seeing your traditional work; seeing it always gives me this massive creative boost. While I like how clean the shading is on the character (something I still don't know how you manage, getting that seamless transition from light to dark), I'm a real fan of that rougher looking background. Adds some lovely texture and contrast and makes the character really stand out, just as that blue complements the red. Happy birthday to your friend; in certain you've made his day very special indeed. <3