In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to draw a superhero and t explain how to sketch comic book characters in three ways.

How to Draw a Superhero: Introduction

In this simple lesson, we’ll explain how to draw a superhero in a simplified style based on Superman, one of the most popular heroes of all time. The process is simple and well-structured, complements the Superman drawing tutorial, and concentrates on the more basic features of sketching heroes.

Using simple, basic techniques, I’ll demonstrate the principles behind drawing comic book superhero’s, and also show you additional methods for sketching Marvel and DC heroes at the very end.

Once you finish, you’ll have a complete miniature superhero that still conveys the most distinctive features of a comic book character. This lesson will help you see how proportion and simplification work together, preparing you to draw other heroes using the same principles.

Superhero Drawing Tutorial

Materials

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Coloring supplies

Time needed: 20 minutes

How to draw a Superhero step-by-step

Draw the outline of the superhero’s head and torso.
You should draw the comic book character’s head as a circle and his torso as two rounded lines. Due to the peculiarities of the cartoon style, the character’s head looks much larger than the body. To make the superhero look more realistic, sketch the head smaller and torso larger.
Sketch the character’s facial features.
Now, draw the eyes as two identical ovals, and his mouth, nose, and eyebrows with curved lines. These are very simple lines and shapes. The main thing is not to make a mistake with their location inside the contour of the head.
Add the superhero’s ears and hair.
Now, draw the ears of the hero in the form of two equal semi-ovals, and the hairstyle with curved lines and arcs. The headlines from the step one are a good guide for sketching the hair. To draw the ears correctly, match their location with the upper edges of the eyes and nose.
Outline the comic book character’s arms.
Draw the arms of the superhero symmetrically by adding equal curved lines on both sides of the torso. In general, the arms look very small compared to the body and especially the head. Then, sketch the hands as two small bumps.
Sketch the legs of the superhero.
These body parts should also look symmetrical and equal in size and shape. Use straight and curved lines to sketch the legs. These figures should gradually taper downwards, as in my drawing. At the very end of the legs, sketch simple shapes for the feet.
Draw the elements of the hero costume.
In the middle and at the bottom of the superhero’s torso, sketch a few straight lines for the belt and pelvis area. Superheroes are very different, so you can use the costume elements as my illustration, or add other shapes and details.
Sketch the sign and cape.
Illustrate the superhero’s cape using a combination of strength and curved lines, and add the letter «S» on his torso to draw Superman’s logo. But of course, heroes are different not only in costumes, but also in their logos, so you can mark any other letter or sign to make your comic book character look unique.
Erase unnecessary lines and trace the hero.
Use an eraser to remove any remaining auxiliary sketchy lines that appeared during the drawing process. Check out the superhero’s proportions, pose, and overall appearance. Correct any inaccuracies before starting coloring.
Color the superhero drawing.
You can choose any colors to paint the hero. I decided to go with the classic Superman costume colors. I also added some highlights to the eyes to make the drawing more interesting and lively. Make the colors bold and simple, or add contrasting shadows for a more comic book look.

Additional Content

And for those who want to keep practicing beyond this tutorial, I’ve made a special PDF version of the superhero tutorial for easy offline use.

It includes all the main stages of the drawing process in a printable format and adds a few bonus materials to make your work more varied.

Superhero Drawing Worksheets

Alternative Techniques

To build on what you’ve learned in the main tutorial, I’ve prepared a set of optional drawing approaches that shoe how to sketch different superheroes in different poses. These extra methods will help you experiment with proportions and better understand the structure of the human body in simplified comic book form.

How to Draw a DC Superhero

In this example, I’ll show you the most distinctive features of a DC comic book character and draw Batman.

First, sketch the large head of the hero first. Add small, slanted eyes and a short mouth line. On top of the head, sketch two pointed ears that form the mask silhouette typical for Batman.

Draw the neck and small torso with simple, curved outlines. Add short arms bent at the elbows, with hands resting on the waist.

Sketch the legs short and slightly apart. Draw the cape flowing behind the figure with smooth, downward curves, then add the belt and draw Batman’s emblem on the chest to complete the costume. Make the lines clean and clear.

Color the drawing with dark blue for the mask and cape, gray for the suit, yellow for the belt, and a small black bat symbol to finish the superhero drawing in a simple cartoon style.

DC Superhero Drawing Worksheets

How to Draw a Marvel Superhero

This alternative method is dedicated to the Marvel Universe and show you how to sketch a hero on the example of an Iron Man drawing.

First, mark the large helmet-shaped head of the superhero with an angular outline and a flat bottom for the jaw. Inside, add two narrow eyes and a short mouth line to form the mask.

Sketch the inner panels and faceplate of the helmet with clean, symmetrical lines. Draw the neck and small body of the comic book character underneath.

Add the legs with simple shapes and arms. On the chest, illustrate a small circle for the reactor, then outline the armor plates on the torso, arms, and legs using curved segments and short straight lines.

Refine and darken the contours and erase construction lines. When the drawing is complete, color the armor with red and gold tones, and fill the eyes and chest circle with light blue.