When we talk about the skill of a manga artist or illustrator, the conversation often turns to character design. After all, a character's appearance is the most direct way we judge an art style, and we often equate "good art" with how attractive the characters are.
But a recent post on X in Japan has sparked a massive debate with a hot take: "The truly skilled artists are the ones who are especially good at drawing ugly people and old people." The idea resonated strongly with manga fans, who immediately started nominating their picks for legendary artists who can masterfully draw characters of all ages and appearances.
The post that kicked it all off claimed, "Skilled artists are actually amazing at drawing ugly people and the elderly. That's because drawing young girls is the easiest subject." This statement received a flood of agreement from users, who acknowledged that realistically depicting such characters—while giving them distinct personalities that audiences can connect with—is no easy feat.
One creator chimed in, saying, "Elderly faces are the hardest to draw. If the wrinkles are too realistic, it looks horrifying, but with too few, they don't look old. It's a difficult balance to strike." Another commented, "The truly amazing artists can distinguish a character's personality without relying on exaggerated features like giant nostrils or sunken eyes. That's real skill."
Another user pointed out, "Artists with serious drawing chops don't even have repeating faces for their side characters. A lot of manga characters look the same because it's just easier to churn out handsome guys and beautiful girls." However, someone else joked, "The occupational hazard is that when you get too good at drawing old people, all your young characters start to look like their 'granddaughters.'"
Some users felt the statement was too absolute. "Being able to draw the elderly is definitely proof of skill, but that doesn't mean it's the only standard," one argued. Another pointed out, "The world of art is vast. A true master is someone who can freely handle all types of characters."
Whether the theory is correct or not, it prompted a fantastic list of fan-nominated manga artists who are considered masters of drawing everyone, young and old, beautiful and unconventional.
▼ Naoki Urasawa
Fans noted that Urasawa's characters never look alike. Each one has a soul, and he can handle conventionally attractive designs just as well as he can draw ordinary, old, or ugly characters without making them feel generic.
▼ Katsuhiro Otomo, Makoto Kobayashi & Hiroya Oku
This group was hailed as a "textbook" for an entire generation of artists. Their styles are incredibly distinct, and their characters are instantly recognizable. They flawlessly depict both the beautiful and the grotesque in their work.
▼ Akira Toriyama
Fans pointed out that someone like Akira Toriyama could draw practically anything: beautiful, ugly, old, young, mechs, animals, and even abstract monsters. He was a true master of all trades.
▼ Hirohiko Araki
Even his background characters and elderly people are full of drama and life. Every character feels vivid, and even the most bizarre-looking ones have an iconic flair.
▼ Takehiko Inoue & Kentaro Miura
Fans called these two god-tier artists who perfectly blend emotion and linework. They capture a unique flavor and charisma in their characters that sets them apart from everyone else.
▼ Takeshi Obata
From worn-out middle-aged men to god-like pretty boys, Obata masters them all. No matter what he draws, his characters are always packed with personality and charm.
▼ Hideaki Sorachi
Just look at *Gintama*. When the handsome and beautiful characters get old, they are drawn with believable signs of aging while still being recognizable. Even the ugly and bizarre characters maintain their unique charm, which is incredibly difficult to pull off.
▼ Tatsuki Fujimoto
One user nailed it: "He draws normal people who look like someone you'd actually meet on the street." His ability to make even background characters look interesting is on another level.
Overall, the consensus seems to be that "an artist who can draw imperfect people is one who truly understands the mysteries of the human face." The fan-nominated list is a who's who of legendary manga creators, proving that these great artists can not only draw stunning characters but can also master the ordinary, the ugly, and the bizarre. Perhaps that versatility is one of the keys to their incredible success.
via： togetter