3 Manga/Comic Effects EVERYONE needs to know | Tutorial | DrawlikeaSir
Howto & Style
Introduction
Hi everyone! My name is Marcel, and while I may not show my face, I'm passionate about drawing manga. I've spent the past six years dedicated to this art form and have illustrated and released a complete manga series comprised of over 700 pages. Throughout this journey, many of you have often asked how I achieve various effects in my manga. Today, I’m excited to share some insights into drawing these effects!
Speed Lines: Creating the Illusion of Motion
One of the most iconic effects in comics and manga is the speed line. These lines communicate movement and motion to the reader. The fundamental principle behind speed lines is that they start off thick and gradually taper to thin.
How to Draw Speed Lines:
- Use either a pen and nib or liners to create these lines.
- Start by applying pressure to make the line thicker and gradually release pressure to create a finer end.
- Consistency is key; I recommend using groups of three or four lines to avoid overcrowding the panel.
When integrating speed lines into your artwork, consider the direction of motion. For instance, if a character is running from right to left, I suggest having the speed lines in the background flow from left to right, mirroring real-life motion blur.
Radial Speed Lines:
For radial speed lines, begin by setting up a vanishing point and sketch the shape loosely. This technique creates a natural appearance and conveys motion effectively, such as the swiping motion of an arm, where the movement peaks at the end.
Screen Tones: Adding Depth to Your Art
In traditional manga, screen tones offer the necessary grayscale that enhances visual appeal. While tools such as white-out or Copic markers are often used, self-adhesive foil is the traditional medium for screen tones.
Why Go Digital:
Considering the cost of screen tones, I highly recommend adding them digitally after scanning your artwork. This method ensures your pieces retain richness while saving costs.
Sound Effects: Enhancing Dynamics
Sound effects are an essential element that brings life to your manga pages. They can create a dynamic atmosphere and stimulate reader engagement.
Types of Sound Effects:
- Plain Black Effects: Simple and effective, these are straightforward to implement.
- Thick Outlined Effects: These add depth and prominence to the sound effects.
- Brush Pen Effects: For a unique style, consider using a brush pen. It can create visually appealing effects, though it may require practice.
Even if you are unsure about using Japanese characters, you can easily look up essential Kanjis and Katakana to design sound effects that fit your narrative.
Conclusion
These techniques for speed lines, screen tones, and sound effects are foundational skills every manga artist should utilize. If you wish to explore character design or scene creation further, feel free to check out my how-to-draw manga playlist.
As always, thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing your manga creations!
Keyword
manga, comic, effects, speed lines, screen tones, sound effects, drawing, tutorial, character design
FAQ
Q1: What are speed lines, and how do I draw them?
A1: Speed lines represent movement and should start thick before tapering to thin. Use a pen and adjust pressure while drawing or use liners for similar effects.
Q2: How can I add screen tones to my manga?
A2: Traditionally, screen tones are applied using self-adhesive foil. However, it’s often more economical to add them digitally after scanning your manga pages.
Q3: What are the different types of sound effects in manga?
A3: The main types include plain black effects, thick outlined effects, and those created with a brush pen, each contributing differently to the dynamic quality of the pages.
Q4: Can I use Japanese sound effects if I’m not proficient in the language?
A4: Yes! You can look up common sound effects using databases that list essential Kanji and Katakana, making it easy to incorporate them without needing to be fluent in Japanese.