Do you love drawing anime and manga characters? Have you been practicing, learning how to draw the faces, stances, hairstyles, and clothing step-by-step?
If so, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find plenty of anime-themed things to draw when you're bored.
You'll learn how to draw fun and easy characters from shows like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Fairy Tale, My Hero Academia, Studio Ghibli films, and more.
For many decades, anime (Japanese animation) and manga (Japanese comic book) characters have taken the world by storm.
Whether you're looking to make a cute drawing or a fierce, battle-ready cartoon, each simple sketch drawing tutorial will help you complete your anime art project.
As you draw, take note of the similarities and differences between the characters.
Do you notice any characteristics that set anime characters apart from other types of animation?
Notice the wide, often geometric eyes, the spiky hairstyles, and the muscular or elongated body proportions.
You can use this knowledge to design your own characters!
So, are you ready to go Super Saiyan with those art supplies?
Grab your pencils and paper and follow along. You'll master these characters in no time.
See all simple anime drawing guides.
27 Famous Anime and Manga Characters
Goku from Dragon Ball
Young Goku from Dragon Ball was many a Millennial's first introduction to anime. Master his fighting stance, and don't forget his monkey-like tail. But don't make him mad - he'll go ape!
Naruto
Blonde-haired, blue-eyed Naruto is a manga and anime favorite. His story first appeared in print in the 1990s, followed by his namesake television cartoon series.
Anime Boy Face
You can master this classic anime boy in profile - then, with a few adjustments, you can turn him into nearly any male character you'd like, or create your own!
Vegeta from Dragon Ball
Goku's rival Vegeta is a powerful Super Saiyan. Can you withstand the power of his muscular physique and his flowing Super Saiyan hair?
Sailor Moon
If you were an anime girl in the 1990s or 2000s, Sailor Moon was likely on your daily cartoon roster. Serena thought she was an ordinary girl, but then she became so much more.
Hatsune Miku
The moe anthropomorph vocaloid Hatsune Miku was once "the first sound of the future," and she remains an animated pop star sensation.
Natsu from Fairy Tail
Natsu has the heart and abilities of a dragon. Will you be able to keep your cool when he uses a dragon flame attack?
Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto
A vengeful ninja with a troubled past. Naruto's rival and best friend. Discover the depths of this conflicted character's fiercely loyal personality.
Kakashi Hatake from Naruto
This easygoing ninja is the leader of Team 7. His name means "scarecrow," and he does have an intimidating appearance - a masked face and a scarred eye, replaced by a Sharingan.
Chibi SD Gundam
Even mighty fighting mecha suits can be cute! Equipped with a shield and a sword, this battle-ready fighter has cute, childlike proportions.
Deku from My Hero Academia
With the large eyes and unruly hair that are hallmarks of anime animation style, Deku dreams of being a hero but lacks any natural superpower Quirks. Help him inherit the power he so desires!
Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia
One side is fire, the other is ice. Shoto must learn to master these contradictory superpowers and overcome his tragic childhood.
Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia
With the superpower Quirk of Explosion, Katsuki is an ace at blowing things up. Can you help him get his quick temper and villainous, bullying tendencies under control?
Itachi
With kaleidoscopic eyes that see all truth, Itachi must deal with the guilt of his past actions. With Naruto's help, he tries to keep his younger brother on the right path.
Broly
Legendary Super Saiyans like Broly only appear once every 1,000 years. With a grudge against Goku, he is a powerful force to be reckoned with!
Nine-Tailed Fox
This fearsome fox from Japanese mythology may remind you of Ninetails the Pokémon. This shape-shifting spirit plays a role in many anime and manga stories.
Doraemon
Doraemon is a classic anime and manga character. He is a robotic cat from the future, and one of the most popular Japanese characters.
Goku Black
What happens when dark thoughts grow within the heart of your favorite powerful character? In a universe with multiple timelines, the result is Goku Black.
Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece
Founder of the Straw Hat Pirates, this small, childlike pirate is no stranger to a fight. Can you help him reach his dreams of finding treasure and becoming the Pirate King?
Hinata Hyuga from Naruto
Do you love Naruto? So does Hinata. In fact, her dream of marrying him and raising a family became a reality.
Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter
Killua is Rookie Hunter instantly recognizable by his blue hoodie and shock of white hair. Can you help him prepare for the rigorous Hunter Examination to become an elite member of humanity and hunter of treasure?
Jiji Cat
The enigmatic Jiji cat is an iconic character from Kiki's Delivery Service. He'll be ready to cheer you on just as he did for Kiki.
Shinnosuke Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan
Reconnect with your 5-year-old self when you sketch Shin, the silly, stubborn, and curious protagonist of Crayon Shin-Chan.
Link from the Zelda Games
Don't get pixelated! Your mission is to help Link rescue Princess Zelda in this video game classic.
Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul
Ken was an ordinary college student before becoming a half-human one-eyed ghoul. Help him use his ghoulish powers to protect those he cares about.
Totoro
Totoro, a forest spirit, is one of the most iconic of Hayao Miyazaki's characters. This big-hearted forest friend is always there for you.
Goku Ultra Instinct
If you thought Broly and Vegeta, pictured above, were intense, prepare yourself to meet Goku Ultra Instinct. Your favorite Super Saiyan has mastered the technique of letting his instincts take over, unhindered by thoughts or emotions.
