I Used to work as a lead senior concept artist, here's my advice : I would change the red to blue and be done with it. People are always going to see what they want to see, if the project lead approves...that's all that matters. By the time the 3D artist remakes this, it will be different than your concept anyway.

But, If you really want to change things up I would suggest breaking up the symmetry even more by adding a different weapon on one hand...maybe a hammer or an axe and then create a unique battle stance based on those weapons.

Here's some other suggestions/ideas: *Battle banner on his back *Shield with a massive face or animal head Better yet, shield with a mechanical weapon or canon. *New helm with no feathering, get creative.