With these, another sketch book is done. A few faceless postures drawn from life. Then key frames! Was so much fun to do I just can't stop now!
On the first double page, I first pushed details on the big buddy before thinking of its movement. This led to 2 attack and 1 block patterns, plus a generic reset sequence.
On the last double page, I started with 3 character thumbnails and picked the most inspiring (Sn) to breakdown an attack animation. The attack animations would roll out very similar to JRPG turn-based games like Valkyrie Profile, Persona or Final Fantasy up to 10.
Starting position is indicated to express sense of distance and height, while dust clouds indicate velocity and strength.
Quote markers indicate snapping elements, like a foot leaving or touching ground.