Poppycock, from what's here it's already looking like the final version could be much better than your last realism attempt. You attempting realism at all puts you a step higher than many artists who won't.
I actually really like how that eye is looking, and the way you put the red on the other eye looks really nice on the flat.
Just make sure you're practicing blending when you work with this piece
However, I'm not entirely sure how well it fits the theme. It's a bit of a stretch xD From what I'm seeing here at the end it's just going to look like a beat up dude lmao. What I've been telling everyone is to bank on any contrast you already have in the piece/ can easily add (I've suggested technical contrast - lack of colour/detail/etc. vs colour/detail/etc.), and then for human textures make something about them that's... less (more?!).. than human. Of course, that's a really standard idea, too. Just chill, listen to music, and look at other art and maybe something will come to you.
Otherwise, no huge complaints here yet. I'll make sure to take another good look when there's more there.