i feel like theres a bit of dead space on the sides, maybe expand the effects by the shoulders, they look nice, color is nicer imo ^^
v2 much much better, would brighten the top part of the text a tab but leave the bottom as is, i know you want it to blend but how will we know what it says ^_^ ?
as i said i really do love ur outcome but i think sides are still a lil empty u could add few effects or so maybe dont knw what. that looks real coo thta one^^
I like this one more. Perhaps try lowering the opacity of the B&W adjustment layer or whatever you're using to get a soft hybrid of both.