I know I never got around to answering your post, and I'm sorry it has taken me this long to give you a proper answer. I feel that your ability to make a sprite is very good, so I will answer the second part of your post on my thread by linking you to my favorite animation tutorials:
Animation Tips by Chamat
Mr. A's a.k.a Rolento's Animation Process
Keyframing in a Nutshell by Phitus
Running in Cycles by Yarrninja (incomplete tutorial)
Animating a Basic Attack by Yarrninja
Breathing Life Into Your Sprites by Yarrninja
Darkstalkers and The Twelve Principles Of Animation by Richmond (an article about traditional animation principles and Darkstalkers, worth a read)
I'm really sorry I never answered your post (I never noticed it in the first place until now

), and I wish you luck on your project. I hope these help you as they are helping me!
I don't mind and than for a big help.