Introduction: Manga Facial Expressions

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The purpose of this instructable is to help guide beginning mangaka (Japanese comic artists) express their character's feelings through facial expressions and symbols.  Some of the expressions that is widely known in the manga world will be explained in detail here.  My chibi-fied version of myself (chibi Sauwen) along with the instructables robot will be hosts for this guide.  (Chibi means small, literally in Japanese.  Chibi characters in manga are just small, "super deformed" versions of characters that are typically adorable, with large heads and small bodies.)

Say hi, everyone!

Step 1: Happiness

Let's start with the most common feeling to display: happiness!

This is easily shown with the mouth.  It can be in the form of a simple smile, cat smile (shown on chibi Sauwen), or a big smile with an open mouth (as seen on the instructables robot.) 

Note: The cat smile can often be a symbol of cunning, like the character may be up to something suspicious since cats are stealthy creatures.

The eyes can be normally open or seemingly closed (somewhat signifying their smile is so big that their eyes squint).  In Chibi Sauwen's case, her eyes resemble an upside-down u.  In the instructables robot's case, his eyes resemble the >< symbols, signifying that he's shutting his eyes because he is laughing so hard.  These eyes may also represent cases in nervousness or excitement, but don't forget to change the mouth! 

Finally, the heart in the bubble shows love and affection towards something the character is dealing with.

Step 2: Sweatdrop

The single large sweatdrop is usually a sign of embarrassment or exasperation.  This is commonly followed by three dots in a talking bubble showing speechlessness.

Uh oh, it looks like the instructables robot aren't allowed to have sweatdrops.  It could damage the electronics inside!  (Hence, the smoke cloud of doom...)

The instructables robot's eyes are x's which shows defeat or near death.

Step 3: Sadness and Innocence

The facial expression for sadness involves eyebrows slanting downwards, and teary eyes if your character is emotional.  Notice that the eyes have more reflection in it than normal. 

Innocence is expressed by large innocent beady eyes.  Again, the cat smile is shown, but this time on the instructables robot for his silly playfulness.

Step 4: Anger and Depression

The vein popping symbol on the left shows anger or annoyance.  Note that this symbol can be shown without a bubble and placed on the character's head.  Also note that the eyebrows are exaggerated to show tension in the face with a little nook at one of the insides of the eyebrow. 

The instructable robot is seen sulking alone in the corner with the back facing the audience.  This drawing makes him small and sad, with a little raincloud on top of his head.  He has a bubble with multiple parallel vertical lines, indicating depression.  You may also use this to show horror and disgust.

Awwww... poor thing.

Step 5: Conclusion

By now, you should have a good idea of how to represent the following expressions: happiness, embarrassed/exasperation, defeat, sadness, innocence, anger, and depression.  Don't take this too literally as there are other ways of expressing how a character may feel.  An example may be how your character acts throughout a situation, and the words that reflect what the character may be feeling.

Hope this instructable was a fun one.  For more ideas, check out the wiki page on manga iconography .  Happy drawing!

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