If the grovyle wasn't so faded out on the right, that would be an excellent banner. ^^ Albeit a bit emptier than most, but still very nice. Can't say I'm a fan of that border. x_x
I don't know what texture you used on the second one, but it doesn't work. D: Textures are not backgrounds, and should not be used as backgrounds. Dx It's blended, but it's not blended well. It's too covered up, and the colors are a little to dark around your focus, so it defeats the purpose of even having that... pokemon... there. The text is pretty similar to your grovyle one, but it still looks good. ;>
The first one of those two banner variations is the better, IMO. The text helps fill up the empty spaces.
Also, here's a reason why you shouldn't use textures as a background; Why, what a pretty texture from aethereality.net! 8O -instantly recognized it- Again, it's too dark over your focus. When blending, it shouldn't cover up the entire render, maybe just the edges, one side of it, the bottom, but not the whole thing. especially if it's a dark texture. <_< On the first one, the text's opacity needs to go down. It's currently acting as your focal point because it's brighter than everything else. If it's supposed to be your focal point, get rid of the render in the corner. x_x
When you're using a texture, be sure to set it on a blending mode where you can only see it's effects, and not what it was originally.
Because 90% of that banner is property of Aethereality.net. <_<;;
Well that's all I can see problematic at the moment. You've definitely improved from the beginning, and they look considerably better. Especially the Grovyle one. ^^
Although, I really liked that Jigglypuff one. :O You should show it here!