Comic Strip / Comics

How Do You Draw a Manga Comic Strip?

Manga comics are a popular form of Japanese art that has been gaining popularity worldwide. If you are interested in drawing manga comics, then this tutorial is for you! Here, we will guide you on how to draw a manga comic strip step-by-step.

Step 1: Plan your Comic Strip

Before starting to draw, plan your comic strip. Decide what the storyline will be and how many panels you want to use.

A typical manga comic strip has six to eight panels per page. Once you have a rough idea of the story and the number of panels required, start sketching.

Step 2: Sketch the Panels

Sketch out the panels with light pencil lines. Use a ruler to make sure that the panels are even and straight. Draw any speech bubbles or sound effects that may be required.

Tips:

  • Leave some space between the panels so that they do not look cluttered.
  • Use different sizes and shapes for each panel to add variation and keep it interesting.
  • Make sure that the panels flow smoothly from one to another.

Step 3: Draw Rough Drafts

Next, draw rough drafts of each character in each panel. Start with basic shapes like circles, triangles, and rectangles. Refine them into more detailed shapes as you go along.

Tips:

  • Use references if needed for poses or expressions.
  • Draw characters from different angles to keep it visually interesting.
  • Add details like hair or clothing only after finalizing the basic shapes.

Step 4: Add Details and Inking

Once satisfied with your rough drafts, add details to the characters and ink over the pencil lines. Use a pen with waterproof ink to prevent smudging. Erase any remaining pencil lines after the ink has dried.

Tips:

  • Use thicker lines for outlines and thinner lines for details like hair or clothing folds.
  • Add shading to give depth and dimension to your drawings.
  • Go over the speech bubbles and sound effects with a pen once the characters are inked.

Step 5: Add Color (Optional)

If you wish to add color to your manga comic strip, do it now. You can use traditional tools like watercolors or markers or digital tools like a drawing tablet. Remember to keep the color scheme consistent throughout the comic strip.

Tips:

  • Use complementary colors for characters’ clothing and hair to make them stand out from each other.
  • Add shadows and highlights to make your drawings look more realistic.
  • Choose appropriate colors for the background that match the mood of the scene.

Step 6: Finalize Your Comic Strip

Finally, scan or photograph your manga comic strip and edit it if needed. Make sure that all panels are in order, speech bubbles are legible, and the overall layout is visually appealing.

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a manga comic strip.

With practice and perseverance, you can improve your skills and create even more complex stories. Keep experimenting with different styles, techniques, and tools for an endless world of possibilities.