Action scene references!
Zarbon close up
Now for the fun part! I have been rewatching Dragon ball and was inspired by the high octane action and compositions the late Akira Toriyama made in his legendary manga. Looking back at my initial animatic, there seems to be a lack of camera angles and excitement throughout.
I have collected interesting compositions, like the one of Zarbon in this blog’s featured image, from the show and some dynamic poses from a reference book I ordered ages ago from Japan. This has inspired great thumbnail sketches of the heroes beating the Mire monster.
With the sketches complete and the rhythm of the fight beginning to take shape, I have created a shot list that maps out how the sequence will unfold. The key elements I want to emphasise are Orso's journey from fear to bravery, Breille's transformation from feeling initially helpless to successfully executing a strategy inspired by her book, and Anke's time powers, which briefly enhance her athleticism and inspire her friends to keep fighting.
Rough action sketches
Action Sequence
The three regroup as the Mire Monster approaches.
Brielle opens her bestiary, discovering the monster's soft underbelly and aggressive fighting style.
She tells Orso and Anke to scatter while she comes up with a plan.
The monster charges Brielle. She blocks its attack with her book.
Brielle throws dirt into the monster's eye and escapes as it stumbles around, temporarily blinded.
Orso gathers his courage and charges the monster.
The monster snaps at Orso, who freezes in fear.
Anke punches the monster, giving Orso time to retreat.
The monster turns on Anke, but she dodges its attack.
It swings back at Orso, who gulps before blocking the blow.
Orso lands a few attacks, but they do little damage.
While they keep the monster occupied, Brielle spots a nearby mound and comes up with a plan to expose its underbelly.
Brielle explains the strategy. Anke nods; Orso grins.
Anke somersaults over another attack and keeps the monster chasing her.
Orso continues attacking to distract the monster.
The monster lunges at Anke again. She dodges while Orso blocks another strike.
Anke taunts the monster and runs circles around it, leaving it dizzy.
Brielle signals toward a nearby tree.
Orso and Brielle race to the tree while Anke gets into position.
Anke sweeps the monster's legs, flipping it onto its back and exposing its soft underbelly.
Brielle boosts Orso into the tree.
Orso leaps from the tree and delivers the finishing blow.
The monster bursts apart, splashing across the screen to create a transition.
The heroes wipe themselves clean after the battle.
The Recruiter applauds, steps forward, and hands each of them an Army recruitment leaflet.
The trio walks away as the Mire Monster's remains dissolve, revealing a human skull beneath the sludge.
Next I want to continue creating thumbnail sketches and create theses storybeats as storyboards. Then I would like to go back to the first storyboards and refine them with better compositions
