What makes fight choreography stand out to you?

[LCactus]

I want to get really good at drawing fights- what to you makes fight choreography really stand out? What do you like to see? What do you not like to see? Feel free to add examples!

[1955695641]

I can refer to some manga, anime and action movies, use some exaggerated drawing styles, storyboards and perspectives appropriately, and add speed lines reasonably.

[LCactus]

That would be awesome!

[kyupol]

I want fights to be believable.

Yes exaggeration happens in anime and manga a lot... for esthetic purposes to make it look flashier (in a real fight, the most effective moves aren't the flashiest)... but there has to be a balance to make it somewhat more believable.

Especially nowadays when bullshido has been exposed time and time again

I draw fights a lot and love drawing them.

Here's an example:

Akala (black hair) missed her kick. But her stance still allows some defense options should Claudita (red hair) decide to do a strike combo or takedown.

[LCactus]

This is very nice, very helpful! I agree, I also like it when movements aren't over exaggerated

[wolflu66]

Regarding the execution of fight scenes, I believe there are at least three core directions one can take. These options are not mutually exclusive; in practice, they often overlap and complement each other:

1 Emphasis on "Action Fluidity" (Flow & Fluidity)
The objective is to allow the reader to follow and comprehend the movement effortlessly. This style relies heavily on sophisticated camera blocking, spatial positioning of characters, and the logical flow of panel layouts.

Reference Works: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (manga version), Dragon Ball, Eyeshield 21.

2 Emphasis on "Visual Impact" (Impact & Power)
This approach highlights the "weight" of each blow and the sheer visual shock of the encounter. Through the depiction of violent collisions, readers can almost feel the vibrations and pressure emanating from the page.

Reference Works: One Piece, and (once again) Dragon Ball.

3 Emphasis on "Standalone Aesthetic" (Static Aesthetics)
This involves designing individual panels using the logic of high-end illustration. Rather than prioritizing continuous motion, it pursues the artistic tension and extreme detail of a singular, frozen moment.

Reference Works: Vagabond, The Matrix (Film).

[LCactus]

That's a really good reply, very well thought out. Thanks so much!!