Ever wanted to draw Star Wars characters and vehicles just like the professional comic book artists? In this step-by-step series, Star Wars artists and illustrators show you how to draw some of the most beloved characters in the saga.
Graphic storytelling is a respected and centuries-old art form in Japan, and since the end of World War II, comic books -- known in Japan as "Manga" -- have remained the country's dominant medium of entertainment. And over a period of at least the last twenty years, Manga have become increasingly popular with international and especially North American audiences. While every Manga artist has their own artistic flare, you can definitely see similarities in the style as a whole.
The biggest difference you'll notice in the way Manga is drawn from comics in the Western World is the enormous eyes that the characters all have. With larger than life highlights, and refined detail, the contrast in shape and value really make the eyes "pop." While this can often make the characters appear child-like, it also opens the door to making expressions and moods visually interesting.
Here our own Star Wars illustrator Matt Busch (as you can see in Manga form at right) explains with these easy-to-follow steps on how to draw a Manga-style portrait of Padmé Amidala.
Step One:
This drawing is at a 3/4 view, which means the angle will be at a halfway point between looking head-on and a side profile. As with any head, begin with a circle. Sketch in a triangular jaw like this that is slightly to the right. Sketch in a light line that represents the center of vision to indicate how the head is turning.
Step Two:
Continuing to draw lightly, build the basic manga proportions of the head and add the neck. The rounded horizontal lines will represent where the eyes fit in vertically. The reason they are rounded is to help show how the head is curving around.
Step Three:
Lightly construct where the eyes, hair bun, and head band will go. Also begin to refine the 3/4 profile. You'll notice that the eyes appear to be different sizes. The one on the right is squeezed thinner to help look like it's rounding away from us on the far side of the head. This helps show depth in the face.
Step Four:
Work on the eyes next; make the stylized details with dark, confident lines. Lightly finish sketching in the hair shapes before drawing the final details darker.
Step Five:
Give the dark hair some contrast with shading. Add in a couple light lines fanning away from the the lower sides of the eyes. This is another staple in the manga and anime style.You are now ready to draw your own Star Wars manga! Of course, you can get addition tips on how to make your own comic book in the book You Can Draw Star Wars, from DK Publishing.
Also don't forget to watch Matt Busch in action with his You Can Draw Star Wars videos here.
