Thanks for the updates, I think you are really on to something here. I like entry #139, but the color of #153 a little better. In #139, maybe doing away with the design on the top of the text and just just keeping the bottom design would look good. In that case, dropping the "The" down a little bit might be necessary to maintain balance.
As far as #150-151, I like the concept, but I still like the angle and the choppiness of the brush stroke in #138-136.
Nice work overall, can't wait to see updates!