Structure of the Book
PART 1 Basic Expressions
Here, we cover the six basic expressions of joy, anger, sadness, surprise, dislike and fear. The degrees of emotion and the characteristics of each expression are summarized in this section.
PART 2 Facial Expressions That Add Color and Detail
Here, we analyze the facial expressions used in scenes of romance, eating/drinking and resting. They are divided into scenes or situations that make it easier to visualize their use, along with many other expressions that can be incorporated into other types of scenes.
PART 3 Animated Expressions
Making use of language to evoke images, the expressions in this section are divided into positive and negative. Be aware, however, that some of the illustrated examples may bear both nuances.
Various Types of Page Layout
Basic Expressions pages:
These pages introduce the basic expressions of joy, anger, sadness, surprise, dislike and fear.
Various expressions explained via multiple illustrated examples.
Blue arrows
These indicate the direction of movement of the body part or body as a whole.
Orange arrows
These indicate where the emotion is heading and the degree of emotion.
Discussions
Analyses of ideas related to the facial expression, how to use the paint tool and so on.
Expert tips
These cover emotional expressions using parts of the body other than the face as well as how to use symbolic expression to convey emotions.
Symbolic expression and distortion
Symbolic expression is a method of representation used in manga and cartoons. In this book, it refers to the stylized symbols often used in manga, such as the symbol for anger, the droplets that denote sweat from panic and the symbol for blood draining from the face (see below). It’s easiest to think of them in the same way as the emoji on your smartphone.
Caricaturizing or distortion is the technique of expressing something in a simplified or exaggerated way. In this book, it refers to overlarge eyes, mouths that protrude from the face and other such exaggeration.
Examples of symbolic expressions
Blush
This expression reddens the face and expresses shyness, excitement, etc.
Anger
Captures the veins that protrude from the forehead when angry.
Sweat
Conveys cold sweat and panic.
Turning pale
An expression showing the blood draining from the face.