Every fan of the Dragon Ball series has at one point or another dreamt of harnessing the power and charisma of its main protagonist, Goku. With his distinguishable spiky hair and warrior’s spirit, Goku from the Saiyan Saga to the Ginyu Force Arc of the Planet Namek Saga has become emblematic of the show’s charm and allure. And now, you’re just a few steps away from mastering how to draw the legendary Base form of Goku.
Key Characteristics of Base Goku
- Signature Spiky Hair: One of Goku’s most distinguishable features is his iconic spiky hair. It’s more than just hair; it’s a symbol of his rebellious spirit and raw power.
- Confident Stance: As a seasoned martial artist, Goku’s stance portrays readiness, agility, and a hint of the immense power lurking beneath.
- Martial Arts Gi: Goku’s traditional orange and blue gi showcases his dedication to the martial arts and his role as Earth’s protector.
- Tail: In his early appearance, Goku had a tail, a distinctive Saiyan trait which he lost later in the series.
If you’re intrigued by Saiyan warriors, consider adding characters like Vegeta, Gohan, or Piccolo to give your sketch some company. These characters have shared both rivalry and friendship with Goku, and together, they create a compelling visual story.
Decoding the Guide: Navigating the Drawing Process
The magic is all in the details. And to ensure that your sketch of Goku is nothing short of perfect, this guide uses a simple color-coding system:
- Red Color: Focus on this! These are the lines and shapes you should be drawing in the current step.
- Black Color: These represent the lines you’ve drawn in the previous steps. They’re your roadmap.
- Grey Color: These indicate the basic structure and proportions. Think of them as the scaffolding holding your drawing together.
This guide boasts 46 detailed steps. The first three lay down the foundation with a basic sketch. Remember, sketch lightly during these early stages. This allows for easy adjustments and corrections. Towards the end, you can choose to ink your masterpiece. Once the ink dries, gently erase the pencil marks to reveal a clean, vibrant drawing of Goku in all his glory.














































That covers how to draw Base Goku from start to finish, and hopefully your version is looking pretty solid by now. If you prefer following along with video, the SketchOk YouTube channel puts out new drawing guides as they get made, so it’s worth subscribing if that’s more your speed. You can also sign up for the weekly email digest using the form at the top of the page, or drop your finished Base Goku sketch in the comments on the Pinterest post for this guide.