In real life, nosebleeds are, at best, inconvenient and, at worst, a cause for concern. In illustrations, however, they can be a useful device to create tension or magnify a character’s emotions. Depending on the character’s hand placement and expression, a nosebleed can make them look arrogant, triumphant, or straight-up unhinged. Regardless of the situation, it’s hard to tear your eyes away from a nose dripping with blood—even more so if the person is smiling!

Did you find any of these characters intimidating? Perhaps even... sexy?

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Nosebleeds can be rather inconvenient and a cause for alarm, especially when you’re wearing a white shirt! In manga and anime, however, they can be a great way to show how flustered a character is or heighten a tense and pivotal scene. Seeing them wipe away droplets of blood on their sleeve and flash a grin can make them seem all the more serious or menacing, depending on the situation, and dare we say, even… sexy?

Check out this series of illustrations showcasing various types of nosebleeds—you may never view them the same way again!

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