Thanks a lot Mystery! I'm glad you think it's looking better!
By "theres a slight pause at the apex of the forward swing", do you mean the gun is in the same spot for more than one frame? Well, I did want every frame of animation unique so I'll fix that. Same thing is happening with the head. Anyway, I think I'm finally getting very close to finishing this run cycle! Thanks so much for everyone's help!
So most of the backgrounds are going to be all black or use a lot of black. Exactly like Shatterhand and Batman: Return of the Joker. It kind of reminds me of a chiaroscuro effect. Here's a WIP of a small lab type environment I've been working on. I would appreciate any critique! I like it but it's a bit simple right now. Had an idea of making the right side a higher level with stairs and different textures. The computer consoles are supposed to look more like they're in the background. I thought about making a new thread with NES level artwork but I figured there's probably no need.
The character will mostly be running through environments like that and this.