Manga Artist Explains What an Outdated Drawing Style Is
What is an Outdated Drawing Style? This is a common question among readers and artists who notice differences between older manga works and more modern productions. Although there are no strict rules in art or a clear definition of right and wrong, certain visual elements often make a drawing feel dated or outside today’s mainstream manga standards.
Manga Artist Explains What an Outdated Drawing Style Is
The discussion gained attention after manga artist Orimoto Mimana, known for Bakuon!!, commented that the perception of an “outdated” style is not just subjective taste, but also influenced by evolving visual standards within the industry.
According to him, an Outdated Drawing Style can often be identified through specific technical traits, especially in how faces are constructed and how perspective is handled in character expressions.
For example, the style below:
For example, one commonly mentioned issue is the imbalance in facial proportions when characters are drawn from complex angles, such as a 45-degree view. In older styles, it is more common to exaggerate the size difference between the eyes depending on their position, which can create a more distorted or exaggerated effect. In modern manga, there is a stronger focus on consistency and smoother three-dimensional facial construction.
In addition, the artist pointed out that harsher linework, less integrated shading, and less natural anatomy can also contribute to the impression of an “old-fashioned” look. When combined, these elements strongly influence how readers perceive the artwork.
Below is an example of a “modern drawing style” for comparison:
Even so, he emphasizes that there is nothing wrong with using what people consider an Outdated Drawing Style. In fact, many artists still prefer these techniques for aesthetic reasons or to maintain a unique visual identity. Mixing modern and classic approaches can even broaden audience appeal and add more personality to the work.
Interestingly, Orimoto Mimana himself uses a more classic approach in his manga Bakuon!!, as can be seen in the cover of volume 1 shared via his Twitter.
via Orimoto Mimana Twitter