Learning how to draw manga – cartoons based on Japanese-style comic books – is tons of fun.
The first anime (manga-style movies/series) I ever saw was Record of Lodoss War (OVA) – and to this day, it’s still my favorite.
Berserk actually, is a very close second. It was series like these that inspired me to try out a totally different drawing style some time ago.
Unique from ‘Western-style’ cartoons, manga characters differ (in one way) in that they are usually seen to have abnormally large shiny eyes.
A common question that often comes up is… why?
Why do manga cartoon characters have eyes that big anyway? Sure – some do have smaller eyes… but for the majority – big and shiny seems to be the way to go.
A couple reasons for this might be that larger eyes come across as more attractive and/or that manga and anime were inspired by some of the earlier Disney movies/characters.
Bambi and Betty Boop would be two good examples of this.
Still, I’m convinced manga characters have large shiny eyes because with larger eyes – it becomes easier for the artist to convey a sense of emotion in a character.
As I’m sure you’re aware – many manga characters come across as ‘cute & innocent’ – a look that’s much easier to achieve when you’re drawing bigger eyes.
Of course – learning how to draw manga isn’t just about the eyes. With this unique style comes an assortment of different ‘looks’ – ones I think would be really neat to explore in the form of simple cartoon drawing lessons.
And on that note – let’s get to it!
Select one of the manga drawing lessons from the list below to begin…
Beginner
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Baby Ohmu
The creature that will either make or break the future of the Valley of the Wind – a baby Ohmu.
Intermediate
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Radish Spirit
Learn to draw a neat take on the Radish Spirit – one of many spirits, in the bath house of Spirited Away.
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How to Draw Anime Hair
Learn how to draw anime hair. Use a color and style, along with some randomness to make it unique.
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How to Draw No Face
Learn how to draw No Face. Use a color and style, along with some randomness to make it unique.
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Mononoke Hime Forest Spirit
In Princess Mononoke, the Forest Spirit transforms into this – the ‘Night Walker’ – when the sun goes down.
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How to Draw Chibi
Learn how to draw your very own unique chibi character – big head, little body, shiny eyes, and all!
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Create Your Own ‘Manga-Style’ Eyes
In this lesson, learn how to draw four different sets of manga-style eyes – both male and female versions.
Advanced
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Evangelion Drawing Lesson
Learn how to draw Eva Unit 01 from the anime series – Neon Genesis Evangelion.