gotoh hitori, hex maniac, and komi shouko (original and 5 more) drawn by siribang1215

Gloomy Girls can be divided into three categories, then further distinguished by one of two properties. To ease with understanding, these will be described with examples of Gloomy Girls from other works.

Next, we'll introduce Narrative Characteristics which are, as the name would imply, found through the "narrative" features of the character. As these characteristics are revealed through plot or dialogue, they will be demonstrated here through some simple images accompanied by phrases:

I'm a bit embarrassed here!

1. Characteristics of a Gloomy Girl

Prim & proper

The primary characteristics of a Gloomy Girl can be divided into the External Characteristics which can be seen immediately and the Narrative Characteristics which can vary depending on the creator's abilities.

First, the External Characteristics can be listed as follows:

Constantly frizzy hair

Tearful

After being divided into categories...

May smile in a sinister way

Large breasts

Soft n' Squishy

Pale skin

D... Don't look at me so closely...

I tried to assemble all of the features I knew here.

Avoids eye contact and stutters through her speech

Uh... that... that isn't...

A musty funk from the crown of her head

Powerful sex drive

Don't just leave me behind heeeere! cry

Oblivious to social cues

Might be overly clingy/dependent

2. Categories and Properties of Gloomy Girls

1. Characteristics of a Gloomy Girl 2. Categories and Properties of Gloomy Girls 3. Drawing a Gloomy Girl of My Own 4. Advisories & Notices Regarding Gloomy Girls 5. Conclusion

Categories

Outwardly Gloomy Girl

Obviously a Gloomy Girl One can discern the characteristics of a Gloomy Girl at a glance

Hex Maniac (Pokémon)

Anyone could tell that this is a Gloomy Girl. One could look at this character without any further description/elaboration and still know.

Gotoh Hitori (Bocchi the Rock!)

Inwardly Gloomy Girl

Can vary greatly in external appearance Impossible to tell whether this character is a Gloomy Girl or not just by looking at her Contradicts the typical external characteristics of a Gloomy Girl in many ways

Just a normal girl as long as she's still

Without additional information, one cannot tell whether this character is a Gloomy Girl or not. Only by analyzing the dialogue/story can we determine this.

Partially Gloomy Girl

Possesses some Gloomy Girl-like qualities, but may not follow all of the characteristics of a Gloomy Girl Has some unique traits and characteristics

Super popular

Komi Shouko (Komi Can't Communicate)

Might or might not be a Gloomy Girl Might appear outwardly to be a Gloomy Girl without being one inwardly, or vice versa Can be further classified using the properties to be discussed later

Properties

The Assertively Active Gloomy Girl

The Shy, Lost-in-Thoughts Gloomy Girl

Causes awkward situations by speaking her mind too freely or by acting out assertively

Often mumbles to herself about her thoughts, may cause awkward situations by lashing out wildly on occasion

...then assessing these properties...

Well, then...

Which side am I on...?

When Gloomy Girls from other works appear, we can characterize them easily!

Ah, y-you... You're an Inwardly Gloomy Girl with Shy properties...

I'm an Outwardly Gloomy Girl with Shy properties...

3. Drawing a Gloomy Girl of My Own

Let's apply the above characteristics and categories in determining which kind of Gloomy Girl I want to draw.

A Inwardly Gloomy-category, Shy property Gloomy Girl with a Narrative background

An Outwardly Gloomy Girl with a blatantly sexy figure

A Partially Gloomy Girl with a unique personality and style

Let's try drawing an assortment of Gloomy Girls with their own unique stories and backgrounds.

4. Advisories & Notices Regarding Gloomy Girls

Don't jump to conclusions in asking "How is this a Gloomy Girl?!". She could be an Inwardly Gloomy Girl with a unique backstory. Try to enjoy and support the story the author is attempting to portray.

If you want to write a story with a Gloomy Girl, try your best not to break the "gimmick". This can result in the character losing much of her Gloomy Girl appeal.

To push the story of a Gloomy Girl forward, try to make the protagonist of the story more proactive and assertive, so that the Gloomy Girl is pulled around with him.

Whatever genre of story you are telling, remember to give your Gloomy Girl a friend. A perpetually isolated Gloomy Girl has a high risk of becoming a "Corrupted Girl". Remember that a Gloomy Girl is a completely different character than a Corrupted Girl!

Wanna try wearing a reverse bunnysuit?

Bang-sil

Absolutely not...

Bang-sil's only friend, Jirae-chan

disgust

I'm even iterating on Bang-sil here with many versions, through a process of trial and error. (Might be because I was planning on drawing a Gloomy Girl maid manhwa...)

5. Conclusion...

"What kind of mindset do I have as of late while drawing Gloomy Girls...?" "Am I losing sight of myself...? Is what I'm drawing here even a Gloomy Girl?" "Could it be that I don't even love Gloomy Girls so much as just any woman with big tits?" Questions like these were hanging over my mind, and I began to feel a bit disgusted with myself for drawing these Gloomy Girls.

Having picked a Gloomy Girl as my OC, and the resulting feelings, points of self-reflection, parts to be amended, etc... There are assuredly people that love Gloomy Girls even more wholeheartedly than myself. I'm still a beginner, in need of instruction.

I will continue to work and strive until the day comes where I can draw a Gloomy Girl that is beloved by many.

peek

As an ordinary artist who loves the character known as the Gloomy Girl, I wanted to express at length 100% of my opinions.

Thank you for reading...!

...and many more varied characteristics.

※Note※ This comic is essentially a collection (or personal guide) of feelings, essential elements, and topics of interest that I gathered while drawing gloomy girls.

Artist's commentary

이상적인 음침녀를 그리는 방법

How to Draw the Ideal Gloomy Girl