How to Draw Manga Speech Bubbles Tutorial

This tutorial shows how to draw different kinds of manga and comic book speech bubbles. It also explains when you may want to use each type.

Manga speech bubbles
Manga speech bubble drawing examples

Different kinds of speech bubbles can be used to visually reinforce the message of the text they contain. This tutorial shows some of the more commonly used varieties of these bubbles. It can be helpful for anyone trying to either draw or better understand manga.

1 – Basic Bubble

Manga normal speech bubble
Manga normal speech bubble

The “basic” bubble that is often oval in shape is used for normal character speech in both manga and comic books. The “tail” of the bubble should generally point towards the speaker, particularly towards their mouth or the area that is producing the sound.

2 – Vertical Bubble

Manga vertical speech bubble
Manga vertical speech bubble

Vertical bubbles can be used when there is not enough horizontal space. While the example is of a normal speech bubble the “vertical” option can be applied to pretty much any other bubble type listed in this tutorial.

3 – Multi-Bubble

Manga split speech bubble
Manga split speech bubble

These types of bubbles are used when speech is broken up into two parts. Just as the vertical option this can also be applied to most other types of bubbles in this tutorial.

An example of such speech can either be anything with a pause. For example a character being shy or unsure of what they are saying.

4 – Inwards Pointing “Tail” Bubble

Manga off panel character speech bubble
Manga off panel character speech bubble

This type of bubble is used for the speech of characters that are not shown in the current manga panel. Just like the regular tail the inverted tail should still point in the general direction where the character is located.

For example if a manga panel has a character with someone talking to them from the right side of the panel the inverted tail should point to the right.

5 – Jagged Edges Bubble

Manga yelling bubble
Manga yelling bubble

This type of bubble is generally used to show screaming or yelling. The “explosion like” look helps to visually reinforce the idea of it being loud.

6 – Wavy Bubble

Manga weak speech bubble
Manga weak speech bubble

A wavy looking bubble is sometimes used to show weak or fading speech. An example of this can be a character who is exhausted or about to faint.

It’s wavy tail as well as outlining shape both help send a visual message of instability.

7 – Dashed Line Bubble

Manga whispering bubble
Manga whispering bubble

A dashed bubble can be used to indicate whispering. Though this may be more so for comic books than manga.

8 – “Blast” Bubble

Manga announcement bubble
Manga announcement bubble

This type of bubble is usually used for announcements. These can be things like radio, television, loud speakers, etc…

9 – No “Tail” Bubble

Manga thinking bubble
Manga thinking bubble

This simple bubble is usually used to show a character’s thoughts. It’s basic shape and lack of a “tail” help show that this is not a sound.

10 –  Cloud Like Bubble

Manga daydreaming bubble
Manga daydreaming bubble

A “cloud looking” bubble is similar to the previous example but tends to be used for happy thoughts or daydreaming.

11 – Rectangular Bubble

Manga narrator bubble
Manga narrator bubble

Rectangular bubbles with no tail are often used for caption or narration such as words that would describe a given situation but would not be attributed to a character. For example:

“After two weeks of travel the party approached the castle.”

12 – Inverted Bubble

Manga inversted bubble
Manga negative emotions bubble

This is a somewhat rare option that can sometimes be used to convey negative though and emotions. A tail version of this bubble can also be used for speech.

Manga Speech Bubbles Drawing Video

Above is a video version of this tutorial. Watch it if you would like an animated recap of each example.

For more similar videos visit the AnimeOutline channel.

Conclusion

This tutorial provides a good basic breakdown of some of the most commonly used styles of speech bubbles though different manga and comic book artist can sometimes use slightly different styles.

If you are interested in making your own manga or comic book it’s a good idea to pick one set of styles and stick with them throughout the entire story.

For more tips related to making a manga see:

For other similar tutorials see: