I didn't know where to put this. So I'm sorry...

Hey there. I’m relatively new to Blender and model-making in general, as well as new here.

The thing I am having a big of a hard time with is making a single model made up of different pieces put together as a single model.

To clarify what I am saying here. I’ll use a mannequin as an example. I am trying to make a model made of a composite of different polygons. Another example is the models from Super Smash Brother Brawl. Whose models are made of different pieces.

I am trying to make a model of this guy.

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110628084450/megaman/images/thumb/9/99/Chargeman.jpg/621px-Chargeman.jpg http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100609115802/megaman/images/a/ac/ChargeMan.EXE_sprite.png

(Two images for good reference.)
I have started by making a cylinder for his mid-section, but I don’t know how I am going the make the face and all his other features yet. I also don’t know how to separate the pieces, yet, make them one model in Blender without actually merging the vertices. Which would be needed for a guy designed like a locomotive, like he is.

As another clarification, I am going to try to keep this vertex reasonably low poly, about on the same level as the models in Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

Could anyone give me tips on this?

Basics, Modeling, or possibly the work in progress sections would be a good place for this.

P - To seParate pieces in edit mode. Select what you want separated and hit P.
ctrl+J - To Join pieces. In object mode shift select all pieces you want to be in one mesh and press ctrl+J