How to Create a Shounen Manga

Learn how to create your own shounen manga or comic, from developing your story and characters to planning chapters, drawing your pages and sharing your finished manga.

Level: Beginner
Time: 30–45 minutes
Format: Article
Related: Manga Creation, Characters, Story Structure, Character Design, Drawing, Publishing
Learning Paths: Manga Creation, Character Development, Storytelling

What You'll Learn

In this lesson, you'll learn what shounen manga is, how to develop a shounen-inspired story, create memorable characters, plan your plot and chapters, write a manga script, create a storyboard, and turn your storyboard into finished manga pages.

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:

• Understand the common characteristics of shounen manga.
• Brainstorm ideas for your own shounen story.
• Create characters with distinctive designs and personalities.
• Choose a story structure for your manga.
• Plan chapters and story arcs.
• Write a manga script and storyboard.
• Create and finish manga pages.
• Explore different ways to share or publish your manga.

The Lesson

What Is Shounen?

Shounen is a manga demographic traditionally associated with manga marketed towards teenage boys.

Many shounen stories feature young protagonists who are determined to achieve an important goal. Along the way, they may form friendships, encounter rivals, overcome challenges and grow as characters.

Shounen isn't a single genre. A shounen manga might be an action story, fantasy, comedy, sports series, science-fiction adventure or a combination of several genres.

What connects many shounen stories is the emphasis on characters, challenges, growth and determination.

Understanding the Shounen Style

Art Style

There isn't one single "shounen art style."

Different manga artists can have dramatically different approaches to character design, lineart, shading and page composition. However, many shounen manga use techniques that help make characters and action visually dynamic.

These can include:

• Distinctive character designs
• Bold or expressive lineart
• Dynamic poses
• Dramatic camera angles
• Motion lines
• Strong facial expressions
• Contrasting light and dark areas
• Action-focused panel compositions

When developing your own manga, don't feel that you have to copy one particular style. Instead, study the manga you enjoy and identify the visual techniques that appeal to you.

Common Shounen Themes
Themes are the ideas, feelings or messages explored throughout a story.
Shounen manga can explore countless different themes, but some recurring ideas include:

The Journey
The protagonist sets out to find a person, object, location or answer to a mystery.
The journey itself becomes an important part of the story, allowing the protagonist and their friends to encounter new characters and challenges along the way.

Finding Belonging
A protagonist may begin the story feeling isolated, rejected or out of place.
They might enter a new environment or find themselves forced to work with people they initially dislike. Over time, they develop relationships and discover where they belong.

These are only examples. Your shounen manga can explore completely different themes depending on your characters, genre and story.

Brainstorming Your Shounen Manga
Before you begin planning your manga, spend some time studying the stories you enjoy.
You don't need to copy them. Instead, use them to understand what kinds of stories and visual styles inspire you.

Genres
What genres are you most interested in? Action? Fantasy? Sports? Comedy? Romance? Science fiction?

Themes
What ideas or themes do you enjoy seeing in stories?

Characters
What kinds of protagonists, rivals, friends and antagonists do you find interesting?

Art Styles
What elements of the manga you enjoy appeal to you? Character designs? Lineart? Panel layouts? Action scenes?

Make notes about the elements you like. You can then use these observations as inspiration when developing your own ideas.

Creating Your Main Characters
Characters are one of the most important parts of a shounen manga.
Depending on your story, you might create:

• A protagonist
• A deuteragonist
• An antagonist
• Friends
• Rivals
• Love interests
• Mentors
• Supporting characters

Start by considering what each character wants, what they struggle with and how they relate to the protagonist.

A strong cast can also create opportunities for conflict, humour, emotional moments and character development.

---

# Designing Your Characters

## Start With a Sketch

Begin with simple sketches.

Don't worry about creating a perfect design immediately. Experiment with hairstyles, clothing, body shapes, accessories and silhouettes until you find something that feels right.

Starting simple allows you to explore more possibilities before committing to the final design.

---

## Using Colour

If you're creating a coloured manga, understanding colour relationships can help you develop distinctive character designs.

### Complementary Colours

Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel can create a strong contrast.

### Monochromatic Colours

Different shades and variations of the same hue can create a more unified appearance.

### Triadic Colours

Three colours spaced around the colour wheel can create a distinctive colour scheme.

This can be particularly useful when designing a group of three important characters.

Remember that these are design tools rather than strict rules. You can experiment with different combinations to find what works for your characters.

---

## Functionality and Design

A good character design should look interesting while also making sense for the character.

Consider:

* Does the clothing suit their personality?
* Can they realistically move in their outfit?
* Does their hairstyle suit their lifestyle?
* Do their accessories have a purpose?
* Does the design communicate something about the character?
* Would the design still work when drawn repeatedly throughout the manga?

A character's design should support the story rather than simply looking impressive.

---

## Test the Silhouette

One useful way to test a character design is to turn it into a silhouette.

Remove the internal details and look only at the character's overall shape.

Can you still tell who the character is?

If several characters have similar silhouettes, consider changing their hairstyles, clothing, accessories, proportions or poses.

A distinctive silhouette can make a character easier for readers to recognise.

---

# Planning Your Story

Once you have some ideas and your main characters, you can begin planning your story.

There are many ways to structure a manga. Choose the method that works best for your story and your writing process.

---

## Kishotenketsu

**Kishotenketsu** is a four-part story structure traditionally used in Japanese storytelling.

It consists of:

* **Ki — Introduction**
* **Sho — Development**
* **Ten — Twist**
* **Ketsu — Resolution**

You can begin by introducing the setting, characters and situation.

Then develop these elements throughout the story.

The **Ten** section introduces a twist or change that shifts the direction of the story.

Finally, the **Ketsu** section brings the different elements together.

Kishotenketsu can be particularly interesting to study when creating manga, but you don't have to use it.

---

## Another Story Structure

You can also use a more familiar Western story structure:

* Beginning
* Inciting Incident
* Rising Action
* Climax
* Falling Action
* Resolution

Both approaches can be useful.

The best structure is the one that helps you organise your particular story.

---

# Planning Chapters and Story Arcs

Many longer manga stories are divided into **chapters** and **story arcs**.

A story arc is a smaller storyline that forms part of the larger narrative.

For example, a shounen manga might include:

* A training arc
* A tournament arc
* A journey arc
* A rescue arc
* A competition arc

Arcs aren't necessary for every manga. They're most useful when you're planning a longer story with several connected events.

When planning your manga, divide your story into manageable sections.

You might decide:

**Main Story → Story Arc → Chapters → Pages → Panels**

There are traditional manga publishing conventions regarding chapter and volume lengths, but these aren't universal rules. Your chapter length can depend on your story, publishing method and audience.

---

# Writing Your Manga Script

Before drawing your pages, write a script.

You might write a script for:

* One chapter
* Several chapters
* An entire volume

Writing the script first allows you to work through the dialogue, actions and story before committing to the artwork.

There are several ways to format a manga script.

### Method 1: Character + Dialogue

Write the character's name followed by their dialogue.

Add important actions or information before or after the dialogue.

### Method 2: Panel-by-Panel Script

Describe what happens in each panel, including the artwork, actions and dialogue.

This can make it easier to translate the script into a storyboard.

### Method 3: Screenplay Format

You can also use professional screenplay techniques to structure your script.

This can be useful when collaborating with other creators or working within a professional publishing environment, but it isn't necessary for every independent manga creator.

Choose the format that makes your process easier.

---

# Creating a Storyboard

Once your script is ready, create a storyboard.

A storyboard is a rough version of your manga that allows you to experiment with:

* Panel layouts
* Camera angles
* Character positions
* Dialogue placement
* Pacing
* Page turns
* Action sequences

Keep your storyboard rough.

This is the stage where you can make major changes without having to redraw finished artwork.

Many manga creators storyboard their chapters before creating the final pages.

---

# Finalising Your Manga Pages

Once you're happy with your storyboard, you can begin creating the finished artwork.

You can work traditionally, digitally or use a combination of both.

---

## Canvas and Paper Size

If you're working digitally, choose a canvas size suitable for your intended publishing method.

For example, a tutorial may use a **5 × 7.5 inch canvas at 300 DPI**, but your ideal dimensions can vary depending on where and how you plan to publish your manga.

If you're working traditionally, professional manga production often uses larger paper sizes such as B4 manuscript paper.

However, you don't need professional materials to begin learning. A4 or A5 paper can be perfectly suitable for practice and personal projects.

---

# Drawing a Manga Page Step by Step

## 1. Create the Manga Panels

Begin by establishing the panels on your page.

Traditionally, you can use a ruler and suitable drawing tools to create clean panel borders.

Digitally, you can use your drawing program's line or panel tools.

---

## 2. Create the Sketch

Sketch the artwork inside each panel.

This is where your storyboard becomes a more detailed drawing.

You can include as much detail as you need, but remember that this is still a construction stage.

If you're working traditionally, keep your sketch light enough to erase later.

---

## 3. Create the Lineart

Once you're happy with the sketch, begin finalising the lineart.

The exact tools you use will depend on your preferred medium.

For traditional artwork, you might use an inking pen with a fine nib.

Digitally, you can use your preferred brush or pen tool.

---

## 4. Add Screentones and Shading

Next, add shading and screentones where appropriate.

Digital drawing programs may include screentone patterns or allow you to import textures.

If you're working traditionally, you can use physical screentones, pencils, pens or other shading techniques.

You don't need expensive materials to create effective black-and-white manga artwork.

---

## 5. Try Crosshatching

Crosshatching is an optional shading technique created by drawing lines across one another.

You can use it to add:

* Shadows
* Texture
* Depth
* Contrast

Experiment with different line directions and densities to create different effects.

---

## 6. Add the Final Details

Finally, add any remaining shadows, highlights, textures and small details.

For example, you might add a shadow across a character's face or highlights to their eyes.

Take a final look at the entire page and check that the artwork, dialogue and panel composition work together.

---

# Publish or Share Your Manga

Once you've completed your chapter, it's time to decide what you want to do with it.

You might:

* Enter a manga competition.
* Publish it as a webmanga.
* Share it online.
* Print physical copies.
* Submit it to a publisher.
* Create it purely as a personal project.

You don't have to publish your manga immediately.

Creating a complete chapter is already a significant achievement, and every finished project gives you an opportunity to improve your skills.

---

# Examples

## Example: Developing a Shounen Story

Imagine a protagonist who wants to become the strongest fighter in their town.

That's a starting point, but it doesn't tell us much about the story yet.

We can develop it further:

**Goal:** Become the strongest fighter.

**Reason:** The protagonist wants to prove that they are capable of protecting their family.

**Obstacle:** They lack experience and are constantly underestimated.

**Rival:** Another young fighter who believes strength should only be used for personal achievement.

**Story opportunity:** The protagonist eventually has to decide whether becoming stronger is actually enough to achieve their goal.

Now the character's goal connects to their relationships, conflict and character development.

---

# Try It Yourself

It's time to start developing your own shounen manga.

### Start With the Story

Write down:

* What is your manga about?
* What genre will it use?
* What themes do you want to explore?
* What does your protagonist want?
* What is stopping them from achieving it?
* Who will accompany them?
* Who will challenge them?

### Develop Your Characters

Choose your main characters and consider:

* What do they look like?
* What is their personality?
* What do they want?
* What are their strengths?
* What are their weaknesses?
* How do they relate to the protagonist?
* What makes their design recognisable?

### Plan Your Story

Choose a story structure and outline:

* The beginning
* Major events
* Important conflicts
* Major turning points
* The climax
* The ending

Then decide whether your story needs chapters or story arcs.

### Plan Your First Chapter

Finally, think about your first chapter.

What happens?

How does the chapter introduce the protagonist?

What makes the reader want to continue?

What question or problem will the chapter leave them with?

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# Recommended Worksheets

Ready to develop your manga further?

**Character Creation Worksheet**
Use the Character Creation Worksheet to develop your characters' appearance, personality, goals, history, relationships and role in your story.

**Character Growth Planner**
Plan how your characters change and develop throughout the story.

**Kishotenketsu Story Planner**
If you've decided to use Kishotenketsu, use this planner to organise your story into its four major sections.

**Manga Editing Checklist**
Once you've completed your manga, use the Manga Editing Checklist to review your pages and story before publishing.

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# Key Takeaways

* Shounen is a manga demographic rather than a single genre.
* Shounen stories often focus on determined characters, relationships, challenges and growth.
* Study manga you enjoy to discover what inspires you.
* Create character designs that are both visually distinctive and functional.
* Choose a story structure that works for your story.
* Divide longer stories into chapters and arcs when useful.
* Write a script before creating your final artwork.
* Use storyboards to experiment before committing to finished pages.
* You can create manga traditionally, digitally or with a combination of both.
* You don't need professional equipment to start creating manga.
* Completing a manga chapter is an achievement whether or not you choose to publish it.

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# Related Lessons

## Continue Learning

**Creating a Manga Protagonist**
Learn how to develop a memorable protagonist with a strong personality, goals and role in your story.

**Creating a Manga Deuteragonist**
Explore how to create a compelling second main character who complements and challenges your protagonist.

**Creating a Manga Antagonist**
Learn how to develop an antagonist who creates meaningful conflict for your characters.

**How to Create a One-Shot Manga**
Learn how to develop a complete manga story that can be told in a single self-contained work.

**How to Create a Manga Storyboard**
Explore the process of turning your script into a visual plan for your manga pages.

**How to Create Manga Panels**
Learn how panel composition, camera angles and pacing can shape the reading experience.

**Character Design for Manga**
Explore the fundamentals of creating distinctive and memorable manga character designs.

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# Learning Path

**Manga Creation — Level 1**

✓ Understanding Manga
✓ Creating Manga Characters
→ **Creating a Shounen Manga**
○ Planning Your Manga Story
○ Writing a Manga Script
○ Creating a Manga Storyboard
○ Drawing Manga Pages
○ Editing Your Manga
○ Publishing Your Manga

**[Back to Manga Creation Path]**

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# Discuss the Lesson

Have a question about creating shounen manga?

Share your ideas, ask a question or tell us about the manga you're working on below.

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