Why do they draw Punpun weirdly?
If you’ve ever read Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano, you probably noticed something unusual right away. Punpun, the main character, doesn’t look like the other people in the manga. While everyone else is drawn in realistic detail, Punpun is this simple, cartoonish, bird-like figure, and sometimes his form changes completely. For new readers, this can feel strange, even jarring. So why do they draw Punpun weirdly? Let’s break it down together in a way that makes sense, because this choice is one of the reasons the manga hits so hard emotionally.
Punpun is drawn as a symbol, not a person
Unlike most characters in manga, Punpun isn’t meant to look like an actual boy. Instead, he’s drawn symbolically. The simple, doodle-like form makes him more of a blank canvas. Readers can project their own feelings onto him, making it easier to step into his shoes.
By avoiding a realistic design, Asano creates distance between how Punpun sees himself and how the world sees him. He feels out of place, different, and alienated—and his appearance reflects exactly that.
The contrast highlights his inner world
The weird design of Punpun becomes even more powerful when you notice the contrast. Every other character and background in Goodnight Punpun is detailed and lifelike. This makes Punpun stand out, not just visually but emotionally.
It’s a reminder that Punpun doesn’t see himself as part of the same world. He sees himself as small, strange, and disconnected. His design reflects the way he feels inside, not how he might look on the outside.
Changing forms to show his emotions
Punpun doesn’t always stay the same simple doodle. As the story progresses, his form changes—sometimes growing darker, sometimes more abstract. When he’s overwhelmed with sadness or guilt, he might appear as a dark shadow. When he’s anxious or under pressure, his form may distort.
This shifting design works as a visual metaphor. Instead of saying “Punpun is sad” or “Punpun feels crushed,” the manga shows us through his changing appearance. It’s a creative and powerful way to capture emotions that words alone can’t.
Why readers actually connect more because of it
At first glance, Punpun’s weird look might make it harder to connect with him. But for many readers, the opposite happens. The simplicity of his design makes him universal. Because he’s not tied down to one face or body type, he becomes a mirror for the reader’s own emotions.
This is one of the reasons Goodnight Punpun feels so personal to so many fans. Even though Punpun looks “weird,” he ends up being one of the most relatable manga characters ever written.
The idea of alienation and self-image
Punpun’s appearance also represents how he sees himself in his own head. Many people who struggle with depression or low self-esteem don’t see themselves clearly—they feel like outsiders or distort their own image in negative ways.
By drawing Punpun weirdly, Inio Asano visualizes that distorted self-image. We’re not looking at what Punpun truly looks like; we’re looking at how he sees himself. That’s why his form changes so much depending on his mental state.
Inio Asano’s unique storytelling style
Another reason Punpun is drawn weirdly has to do with Asano’s storytelling approach. He often mixes hyper-realistic art with surreal or symbolic elements. By doing this, he pushes manga beyond just being a story on paper—it becomes an emotional experience.
Punpun’s strange design is a part of this. It might look out of place, but that’s the point. It forces readers to notice the gap between Punpun’s inner struggles and the world around him.
Why this choice makes the manga unforgettable
If Punpun had been drawn like a regular boy, Goodnight Punpun might still be a good story—but it wouldn’t have the same impact. His weird appearance is what makes the series stand out. It’s what makes people stop and think: why does he look like that? And once you dig into the answer, you realize the entire manga is about perception, emotions, and the struggle of growing up while carrying invisible pain.
How it ties into mental health themes
A big part of Goodnight Punpun is about depression, trauma, and the search for meaning. Punpun’s design becomes a way of showing how those mental health struggles feel. He doesn’t look like he belongs in his own world, and that’s exactly how people with depression often feel in real life.
The weirdness isn’t random—it’s deliberate. It’s an artistic way to make the invisible visible.
A character that stays with you
Even after you finish the manga, Punpun’s odd design sticks in your head. You might not remember every plot detail, but you’ll remember how he looked and how that look made you feel. That’s the genius of Asano’s choice. It’s strange, yes, but it’s also unforgettable.
If you want to experience the full journey and see for yourself how Punpun’s design changes throughout the story, you can read Goodnight Punpun manga at Goodnight Punpun.
So why do they draw Punpun weirdly? Because it’s the only way to tell his story in a way that truly hits home. His strange appearance is more than just a quirk of art—it’s a window into his mind, his self-perception, and his struggles.
By drawing Punpun differently from everyone else, Inio Asano captures what it feels like to be disconnected from the world. And in doing so, he created one of the most powerful and relatable characters in manga history.