Well, if you know how to "draw" in 3d, you could use an app like milkshape or something, then you can just create some really basic models and animate them to the pose you want and capture image, scale down and add alpha layer if it wasn't there already. You could by that method create your own sprites and have full control over the poses.
I don't have any advices as to where you can find any free sprites since i usually make my own media.
This message was brought to you by Grandma industries.
Making yesterdays games, today!