[C+C] Beat'em up - Fighting game sprites

[BlackTerror]

Lately I've been practicing slashing effects. This is the character's super move, and is supposed to be a very strong slash that leaves a lingering wave over her. Timing is a bit off since the slash effect should have its own timing, but it shares the character's so it looks strange towards the end. Also, right now the slash has only one color. What could be improved? 

I'm confused. You call this a slash but it looks more like she's thrown something upwards: why are there two motion blurs, each of which fades independently of the other?

[Gil]

I'm confused. You call this a slash but it looks more like she's thrown something upwards: why are there two motion blurs, each of which fades independently of the other?

That's actually a pretty classic animation pattern? Traditionally, smoke puffs are used for these secondaries. It represents air pressure, making the animation more powerful, while still retaining speed.