This is how I do more classical animation in flash. Ideally I'd like to do this kind of work more often, but it is
very time consuming.
You can find the next tutorial on explosion FX in flash at:
https://steemit.com/animation/@joelerhart/novakid-animating-explosion-fx-tutorial-for-flash
The finished product is posted at:
https://steemit.com/starbound/@joelerhart/novakid-is-being-a-jerk-animated
Here is John Su's original I used for reference.
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Novakid-363478048