(0:19) Words alone are not enough to describe just how incredible this little bit of animation is. Blending that late '90s art style with those thick outlines, the low usage of color and the fact there are next to no cuts *_really_* accentuate the sheer intensity of this fight scene. It kinda reminds me of "Rise of the TMNT's" intro animation.
Similar but short scenes like that I believe are called "impact frames". They are less detailed and would generally look very out of place but when used right it can look VERY good. I'm personally not a fan of how it's used in this scene, it's not only long which lessens the visual impact on the watcher but it's also used to show the character approaching and avoiding the target's attacks so not much goes on. In most other cases I can think of impact frames are used to start up very important motions and also when important attacks hit which gives off the extra "oompgh" and makes a scene more intense/exciting.
Now that is why they would call an absolute damage evasion ability. After all, the ability to not get caught by anything definitely is a Nifty power to have.
The animation in elusive samurai is on another level. I really wish the pacing was slower though. It feels like it goes mock speed with little character development outside of initial introductions. I want to see takiyuki's internal struggle.
The Japanese title is way funnier: “The young lord who’s good at running away” (Why do English translations always come up with the most boring titles?)
