I think with this animation you should use more of a 'sketch' style like in Samari Shamploo. This way, the inconsistancies in the character anatomy would seem more artistic. Other than that, I like it. I encourage more urban heroes. Static Shock...you will be missed.
Reviews for "ECLIPSE FORCE"
Chakra-X, I am giving you an respectful review full of optimistic, constructive criticism. This movie was pretty magnificent, but it needs some improvement, and here are some pointers:
By a long way, the best parts were the dramatic screenshots of the environment/space, and the banter between the characters. Despite its inadequate acting, they did well on the development of the movie. The effects in the space scenes were actually TOO realistic in contrast with the fighting effects, which made it like different parts very inconsistent.
However, some parts leave a lot to be desired. For example, the combat turned out be the worst parts of the movie. It was melded together into a mess of transformations, power-up sequences and overly elaborate energy blasts. It's pretty unconvincing, although it appears that some of the audience likes that sort of event.
I liked the character art, though. It was apparently unique yet simple at times. It appeared to be done by keen digital art drawing, which is pretty stylish for a smooth animation effect. But, a bit of extra emotional support and encouragement would help you out.
*Overall though, this movie was pretty radical and decent! Good job!
Chakra-X responds:
...Waaaait a minute
i feel like giving you an honest review full of helpful, constructive criticism. This was pretty good, but there's a lot of room for improvement.
The best parts, by a long way, were the slow shots of the environments/space, and the banter between the characters. Despite only adequate acting, they seemed pretty good together. The effects in the space scenes were actually pretty realistic, thoubh a bit TOO realistic in contrast with the fighting effects, which gives a jarring feeling like different parts were made in cmpletely different ways, it's inconsistent.
Unfortunately, some parts leave a lot to be desired. The combat for instance, seemed to be the worst parts of dbz and power rangers, melded together into a trite mess of transformations, powerup sequences, and overly elaborate energy attacks that noone thiks to interrupt, or avoid. it's pretty unconvincing as anything but a poorly choreographed fireworks show, although there's no doubt it will (and does) appeal to the young male teen audience that likes that sort of thing.
The character art was pretty neat, though simple at times. it appears to be done framebtyframe which is pretty good for a smooth animation effect, but it does cause a necessary drop in detail that contrasts oddly with the lush environments. A bit of extra thought on motion and anatomy would help you out too.
overall though, pretty decent!
Chakra-X responds:
I definitely appreciate this review. I know the aesthetics of the beginning space explosions are a tad more realistic than the rest of the film, I must have just gotten excited with various particle effects and hearing this kind of feedback will keep that in my mind next time I design explosions.
I definitely want to improve on my anatomy and animated motion, but pretty much most cartoons for TV have relatively simple characters against an illustrated background (depending on budget). If I had a team of of animators though, that'd be more plausible, but still a lot of work!
I will agree to disagree about the combat being the worst part though, because I know people who would agree with you. For me, that is the bread and butter of the film. Sugary, over the top, just (what I hoped would be) fun. Love that stuff to ne honest haha. I know fight scenes and transformations isn't everybody's tea, but with out those, it just would not be the ECLIPSE FORCE I imagined!
I mean I guess it's okay but where's sonic??! But in all seriousness, great film (even if it was done in toonboom). Keep doing this kind of work and never go back to nazo. Good luck in your future endeavors!
Chakra-X responds:
LOVE THE NEGA-ME
Evidently such a talented animator, and the written script was creative, witty, and wrapped up so much in just 7mins. Was an absolute pleasure working with you as one of your voice actors on Eclipse Force!