How do you make animated icons? (From like shows)?

Question

Hi, I really want to make some animated icons - like this -

http://www.towairaito-graphics.com/0

I've read it's hard. But what programs do you use for a beginner? That, possibly is free, or has a free trial. If you want more details, I'll be sure to add more.

(Click on animations, then avatar the last airbender)

I want to make an icon from "The waterbending master" With Katara's first fight with master Paku.

And also when she's fighting Azula in "The Corssroads of destiny".

It's on the right side and says "Animations" or something like that. then you click on it.

I'm on this tutorial - http://www.axialis.com/tutorials/

Where does it say how to make animation icons?

Answer 1

I didn't see any Animated Icons in that page.
But I prefer Axialis Icon Workshop to make any kind of animated Icons...
you can use Adobe Image ready too.

Answer 2

For *animated* icons look up ol' aniedit.exe that came with the Resource Kit that came with early versions of Windows