You should do the tutorials. Take your time and don't do them all at once. It's really the easiest way to learn the program.
Also, using the forum search function and reading a few posts will save you some time. Here are two threads I found that discuss Manga Studio:
Manga Studio to Anime Studio
Manga Studio vs Anime Studio? Are they the same? For Comics?
You can import raster images into AS to animate, but I don't think Manga Studio supports tranparency channel, so it would be difficult to animate anything as cutouts (unless you use another photoediting software like Photoshop).
Btw, if you want to see anime style done entirely in AS, check out the works of forum members PARKER and SANG820.