new to spriting, want to ask some questions,

Hey I am just about to begin my first ever sprite sheet, CvS Kabal (from MK), this will be the first character I've ever sprited. I'm a little fuzzy on whom I should use for a good base model right now, however, unless there is an easier, faster way, I will most likely be drawing these sprites by hand. I don't know how many frames need to be in an animation or any of that, I will have to take things one step at a time. I am hoping if I need any help or have any questions along the way, some of you may can help point me in the right direction.

But I suppose I should begin by asking, who do you all recommend me using as base model(s) for spriting CvS Kabal?