yep, lens flare needs to dissapear before all the other effects appear

I Would save that for Nukes. Having the lense flare disappear while the main explosion allready starts, gives it more pop, especially for smaller explosions. Also: The lower area of effect means that these tend to occour nearly simultaneously in real life aswell. For Nukes, what you suggest makes sense. In addition I would also use the Shockwave at 1:37 in reverse. With the texture for the distortion starting off at a value of 0 (transparent) and increasing to 0,25 (25% of Full distortion) as it approaches the center. That would give the illusion of drawing in air. Afterwards, I would use a larger flash + Larger shockwave for the main explosion. The initial burn (and corresponding flash you suggested) should also cause a rising smoke effect [Flipbooks] on buildings and units in the area. The Main Explosion shockwave should then push the smoke away from the unit in the opposite direction of the center of the explosion. With debris moving in the same direction. That would be: 1) Accurate to actual nuclear bomb tests on buildings (Before the main shockwave hits, a flash can be seen, the paint of the buildings burn, a slight vacuum draws in the smoke slightly and then the main shockwave hits). 2) Accurately displays the AOE of the nuke through the shockwave and burn effect.