Creating an anime character is a meticulous process that involves blending artistic vision, storytelling needs, and audience appeal. However, It all begins with a rough sketch—an initial blueprint that captures the essence of the character. These early designs often look vastly different from the polished versions that grace our screens. Manga Artists make adjustments to refine their personalities, aesthetics, and functionality within the story. In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating evolution of some of the most iconic anime characters, exploring how their original concepts compare to their final designs.
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1. Son Goku From Dragon Ball
Original Design: Dragon Ball manga artist Akira Toriyama initially envisioned Son Goku as a monkey boy based on the Chinese novel Journey to the West. Early sketches showcased Goku with a tail, emphasizing his primal and mischievous nature.
Final Look: Over time, Toriyama evolved Goku into a more human-like figure while retaining the tail as a nod to his origins. His iconic spiky hair and orange gi became similar to his heroic and determined personality.
2. Monkey D. Luffy From One Piece
Original Design: Eiichiro Oda’s first drafts of Luffy portrayed him as a pirate with more traditional attire and a rugged appearance. His personality leaned toward a classic adventurer pirate more.
Final Look: Luffy’s design shifted to a more approachable and youthful look. His straw hat, red vest, and infectious smile reflect his carefree yet determined personality, making him an enduring symbol of freedom.
3. Kamado Tanjiro From Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Original Design: Koyoharu Gotouge’s initial sketches of Tanjiro depicted him with a simpler outfit and a less striking scar. His character was more sombre and reserved.
Final Look: Tanjiro’s design gained depth with complex details, like his hanafuda earrings and patterned haori, which symbolize his connection to family and tradition. Also, his scar became more visible, reflecting his growth and resilience.
4. Asta From Black Clover
Original Design: In early drafts, Manga Artist Yuki Tabata envisioned Asta as a typical knight with minimal flair. However, his anti-magic abilities were hinted at but not central to his appearance.
Final Look: Tabata adds Asta’s muscular build, spiky hair, and grimoire-bearing design emphasising his hardworking and defiant nature. His devilish transformation adds layers to his visual appeal.
5. Lelouch Lamperouge From Code Geass
Original Design: In early concepts, Lelouch was featured as a stoic, princely character with less emphasis on his duality. His Geass power was not reflected in his appearance.
Final Look: Lelouch’s final design captured his complexity, with sharp features, a commanding posture, and the glowing Geass eye symbolizing his calculated brilliance and moral ambiguity.
6. Senku Ishigami From Dr. Stone
Original Design: Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi originally depicted Senku as an average-looking scientist. His hairstyle and traits were toned down.
Final Look: Senku’s wild, gravity-defying hair and sharp green eyes mirror his larger-than-life intellect and determination to rebuild civilization from scratch.
7. Uzumaki Naruto From Naruto
Original Design: Masashi Kishimoto initially designed Naruto as a fox boy, heavily emphasizing his connection to the Nine-Tails spirit.
Final Look: In his final design Kishimoto highlights Naruto’s underdog status, with bright orange clothing, whisker-like markings on his cheeks, and a cheerful look. His transformation into a mature Hokage preserves these core traits while showcasing his growth.
8. Gaara From From Naruto
Original Design: Gaara was first drawn as a villainous character with sharper, more menacing features and a simple sand motif.
Final Look: His final design softens to highlight his tragic backstory. The kanji for “love” on his forehead and his gourd of sand became defining elements, symbolizing his internal struggles and eventual redemption.
9. Itachi Uchiha From Naruto
Original Design: Itachi was initially envisioned as a stereotypical villain with dark, intimidating features.
Final Look: His design evolved to reflect his complexity—calm eyes, subtle expressions, and the iconic Akatsuki cloak convey his dual role as both hero and antagonist.
10. Ryuk From Death Note
Original Design: Takeshi Obata’s first sketches of Ryuk were more monstrous, with grotesque features emphasizing his Shinigami nature.
Final Look: In his final design, Ryuk retained his eerie presence but was given a more humanoid and mischievous appearance. His distinct grin and apples became symbols of his playful yet sinister personality.
11. Rukia Kuchiki From Bleach
Original Design: Tite Kubo initially portrayed Rukia as a more traditional soul reaper with a dull personality.
Final Look: Rukia’s final design added a blend of elegance and toughness. Her petite stature, short hair, and reserved expressions perfectly complement her role as a mentor and friend.
12. Sasuke Uchiha From Naruto
Original Design: Sasuke’s early concept was more aggressive, focusing on his Avenger persona with darker tones.
Final Look: His sleek design, from the Uchiha clan emblem to his Sharingan eyes, emphasizes his cool and brooding nature, making him a fan favourite.
Anime character design is a dynamic process that balances artistic creativity with story requirements. Every line, outfit, and accessory serves a purpose, shaping how audiences perceive these characters. From Goku’s tail to Sasuke’s Sharingan, these final designs tell a story of evolution, reflecting the heart of anime as both an art form and a cultural phenomenon.
Exploring these transformations not only deepens our appreciation for the artistry behind anime but also inspires us to see how small details can make a character unforgettable.
