This tutorial will show you how to structure and outline a basic manga character. With a wireframe figure, you can view the body of the pose correctly and in proportions before adding details. If you want to draw a more dynamic character, check out these tutorials showing how to draw a ninja manga and a cop cyborg manga.

When drawing a manga figure, the right proportions are important. They are about 7.5 heads high. The heroes of manga actions tend to have longer proportions, at least 8 tall heads, often larger. The relatively small head enhances the dramatic effect of a low viewpoint in the “hero’s position”. This is a completely different look than the large format cartoon style.

Otherwise, the proportions of the body are quite normal: your shoulder at the elbow is as long as your elbow on the wrist. The same applies to the hip for the knee and the knee up to the ankle. In general, I want to start the wireframe figure by placing the head (not ending) and then going into the rest of the wire frame, since the head normally carries the body. The detail is developed together with the rest of the character, not completed first.