Are you zipping over the internet on a search for some bright ideas for your new Tattoo Design? Well, worry not. We’ve got some shockingly good Lightning Bolt Tattoos that are sure to get you amped up! So let’s charge right in and see what’s watt!
What Does A Lightning Bolt Tattoo Mean
Lightning bolt tattoos can carry several meanings depending on either context or design.
These symbolisms can range from strength and power calling to lightning being an uncontrollable force of nature, speed and quickness due to lightning’s rapid movement or destruction and rebirth as lightning strikes down obstacles, it can symbolize the idea of destroying the old to make way for the new.
Lightning Bolt Tattoos can also symbolize enlightenment and ideas. Just as a sudden flash of lightning can illuminate the sky, a lightning bolt tattoo can symbolize a sudden clarity, insight, or epiphany.
Lightning Bolt Tattoo Ideas
Hercules Lightning Bolt Tattoo
This Lightning Bolt Tattoo is inspired by the Hercules medallion from the Disney 1997 film.
Hercules wore the Lightning Bolt symbol around his waist and learned of his true heritage after his father’s parents showed him the medallion bearing the symbol of the gods (Zeus’ lightning bolt).
Frame Lightning Bolt Tattoo
For something a little more unique, try out something like this lovely Frame Lightning Bolt Tattoo.
This beautiful design has a black background with white ink for the lightning, but when the lightning exits the confines of the frame, it transforms into black ink, adding more depth.
King Ghidora Lightning Bolt Tattoo
King Ghidora is a kaiju from the Godzilla franchise. Ghidora has many different origins depending on the film but is usually portrayed as the archenemy of Godzilla.
Ghidora is based on the Japanese mythical creature Yamata no Orochi and is capable of emitting destructive, lightning-like “gravity beams” from its mouths.
Metallic Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Another cool idea for your Lightning Bolt Tattoo is to have a Metallic Lightning Bolt.
This excellent design features a realistic-looking cloud with a terrific metal lightning bolt and fantastic reflection effects piercing through it.
Cute Lightning Bolt Tattoo
For something a little more adorable, try out this Cute Lightning Bolt Tattoo.
This lovely little design features a small cloud with a smiling face and a lightning bolt coming out from it.
Neon Lightning Bolt Tattoo
This super cool Lightning Bolt Tattoo features neon lightning along with a mylar balloon.
The balloon’s reflection effects are incredible, and the detailing toward the top of the balloon where it is scrunching up, gives it an incredibly realistic effect.
CMYK Lightning Bolt Tattoo
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black).
These tattoos often use these specific colors to create designs that mimic printed materials’ look or highlight the artistry involved in the printing process.
Tesla Coil Tattoo
Tesla coils are an electrical resonant transformer circuit designed by Nikola Tesla in 1891.
They produce high-voltage, low-current, high-frequency alternating-current electricity.
Tesla coils are often used in education, entertainment, and experimental purposes due to their dramatic displays of sparks.
Static Shock Tattoo
Static Shock was an animated superhero television series based on the Milestone Media/DC Comics superhero Static.
The Series follows the adventures of 14-year-old Virgil Hawkins, who acquires electric superpowers following an explosion of chemical containers that also contaminated others in the vicinity who use their powers for evil.
While this Tattoo Design’s only Lightning Bolt is Static Shock’s symbol, you can choose to depict him using his electrical powers.
Farosh Tattoo
This Legend of Zelda Tattoo is of Farosh, one of the Dragons from Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Farosh represents courage and has electricity powers, causing thunderstorms or producing lightning when approached.
Miles Morales Tattoo
Miles Morales is the second predominant Spider-Man to appear in the Marvel Spider-Man comic series.
He is a modern reimagining of the Spider-Man character with similar and new abilities to his original counterpart, Peter Parker.
One of those abilities is his ‘venom strike,’ a move that temporarily paralyzes almost anyone with just a touch.
The venom strike is a type of directed energy that can be conducted through Miles’ gloves, which is represented by the lightning bolt.
Thor’s Hammer Lightning Bolt Tattoo
In Norse mythology, Thor is the God of storms, thunder, and lightning.
One of Thor’s most notable weapons is his hammer, Mjölnir, which is used for both devastating destruction and divine blessing.
The hammer was said never to miss a target, never fly so far that it would not find its way back to Thor’s hand, and so small that it could be kept inside his shirt.
Storm X-Men Tattoo
Storm is a superhero and one of the members of the X-Men, a subspecies of humans with supernatural powers who are led and taught by Professor X.
She is one of the most powerful mutants with the ability to manipulate weather and generate lightning and other electromagnetic atmospheric phenomena.
Palpatine Tattoo
Palpatine, or Darth Sidious, is the true antagonist of the Star Wars series of films.
A Dark Lord of the Sith, he used his political powers as well as underhanded tactics to overthrow the Galatic Republic and Jedi Order to form his Galactic Empire, which he ruled.
One of Sheev Palpatine’s powers is that of force lightning, an offensive power that could be conjured by Dark Side of the Force users.
Embroidery Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Embroidery tattoos are a recent trend in tattooing.
These designs mimic the look of embroidered fabric and are designed to look like actual embroidery on the skin, with threaded patterns that seem stitched into the skin.
Eye Lightning Bolt Tattoo
If you want to give your lightning bolt a bit of an edge to it, why not depict it with an angry face?
This super cool Tattoo looks like a Yokai Tattoo, however, there are no records of a storm cloud Yokai to my knowledge, and instead, storms are represented in Japanese myth by the next Tattoo Design on our list.
Raijin And Fuijin Tattoo
Raijin and Fuijin are the Japanese Yokai who control some aspects of the weather.
While Fuijin has power over the wind, Raijin controls storms, including thunder and lightning.
Raijin is typically depicted with a fearsome expression, often surrounded by drums that he plays to create the sound of thunder.
Floral Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Flower Tattoos hold many different symbolic meanings depending on which Flower Tattoo you choose to adorn yourself with.
This Lightning Bolt Tattoo features two Red Rose Tattoos and one Purple Rose.
While Red Roses symbolize love and fidelity, a Purple Rose symbolizes admiration, wonder, gratitude, and nobility.
Skull Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Skull Tattoos can have a range of symbolic meanings that can be contradictory depending on context.
While most people view skulls as signs of mortality, death, or even rebellion, in other cultures, they are a sign of the celebration of life, used as decorative pieces to celebrate the lives of the deceased, particularly in Mexico.
Fallen Angel Lightning Bolt Tattoo
This Lightning Bolt Tattoo features a small piece from the painting ‘The Fallen Angel’ by French artist Alexandre Cabanel in 1847.
The painting depicts Satan after having fallen from Heaven.
The painting shows Lucifer in a stage of rage, tears flowing from his eyes, angered from his expulsion from heaven as Angels fly above him, showing God’s glory.
Tiger Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Tiger Tattoos are a symbol of strength and power due to the Tiger’s incredible strength and prowess in the jungles in which they inhabit.
Due to the Tiger’s solitary lifestyle, they can also be symbols of freedom and independence as they roam and protect their area of the forest, only coming into contact with other Tigers when they are ready to mate or taking care of their children.
Power Rangers Tattoo
The Power Rangers is an American television series that began with the Mighty Morphin Power Ranger in 1993.
The franchise was inspired by the Japanese tokusatsu franchise “Super Sentai” and has gone on to become a cultural icon, spawning numerous television seasons, movies, and a wide range of merchandise.
The symbol of the Mighty Morphin Power Ranges is a Lightning Bolt.
Bull Tattoo
Bull Tattoos are another symbol of strength and power that synergize with your Lightning Bolt Tattoo.
They can also symbolize fertility and vitality due to their association with agriculture and their historical significance in fertility rites in various ancient civilizations, such as the Minoans on Crete.
Lightning Bolt Tear Drop Tattoo
Teardrop Tattoos have had many negative associations in the past due to their perceived association with criminality and prisons.
However, all may not be as it seems, as Teardrop Tattoos can also be symbols of grief and loss, used as a memorial for a cherished loved one who has sadly passed away.
Cartoon Cloud Tattoo
If you want your Lightning Bolt Tattoo to have a more cartoony look, try this Cloud Cartoon Tattoo.
This funny little design has a hungry cloud eating his chicken drumstick while emanating some of his lightning bolts.
Zeus Tattoo
Zeus is the king of the gods in ancient Greek religion.
He rules over the sky and thunder. Zeus, the youngest son of the Titans Cronus and Rhea was saved from being devoured by his father thanks to Rhea because he believed his children would overthrow him.
While Cronos devoured Zeus’s siblings, he was tricked into eating a rock wrapped in swaddling clothes, sparing Zeus’s life and having him raised in secret until the day he grew up, forcing his father to regurgitate his siblings.
Together, they overthrew the Titans in the Titanomachy, becoming the rulers of Greece.
Naruto Kunai Tattoo
The Lightning Bolt Tattoo is also a Naruto Tattoo featuring a kunai from the series.
Naruto is a Japanese manga and anime franchise that follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a boy who dreams of becoming his village leader, known as the Hokage.
Luffy Haki Tattoo
This One Piece Tattoo features Luffy with his Conqueror’s Haki/Supreme King Haki.
Conqueror’s Haki is the rarest form of Haki, represented by black lightning bolts.
This form of Haki asserts the user’s will over others, with those of an inferior spirit being overpowered, leading to them falling unconscious.
Gohan SSJ2 Tattoo
This Dragon Ball Tattoo features Gohan in his Super Saiyan 2 form. Super Siyan 2, or SSJ2, is the ascended form of Super Saiyan that features spikier hair than its contemporary, and its increased energy output is represented by a more intense aura, as well as frequent lightning bolts emanating from the user.
Infinity Loop Lightning Bolt Tattoo
An infinity loop is a mathematical symbol that represents the concept of infinity.
Known as the lemniscate, the symbol has been used in various fields and contexts, extending beyond mathematics into philosophy, spirituality, and art.
The infinity symbol is prevalent in jewelry and decorative arts, often given as a gift to symbolize never-ending love, friendship, or loyalty.
This Lightning Bolt Tattoo may represent infinite power.
Godzilla Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Godzilla, or the King of the Monsters, is the world’s most famous Kaiju who first appeared in the 1954 film “Godzilla,” produced by the Japanese film company Toho.
In Gozilla x Kong: The New Empire, Godzilla features new abilities thanks to absorbing the powers of Tiamat, a Titan that appeared in the comic Godzilla: Dominion.
Godzilla can now use Tiamat’s powers, which are expressed in a pink hue.
While Godzilla didn’t emanate pink lightning bolts from his body, as shown here, his new atomic breath did.
Zenitsu Tattoo
Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the main protagonists from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and the traveling companion of Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Nezuko.
While Zenitsu is usually cowardly and weak-willed, when his back is up against a wall, his true skills as a Demon Slayer shines through, showcasing his Thunder Breathing signature move, Thunderclap and Flash.
Pikachu Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Naturally, you can’t have a Lightning Bolt Tattoo list without having one of the most famous electricity users in media.
This Pokemon Tattoo is of Pikachu, the 25th Pokemon in the Pokedex and franchise mascot of the entire franchise.
Pikachu has numerous electricity-based attacks that are often showcased through Lightning Bolts.
Darkbeast Paarl Tattoo
This Dark Souls Tattoo (Bloodborne) is of Darkbeast Paarl, a gigantic skeletal beast that can emanate electricity through its entire body.
Thanks to its electrical nature, the lightning bolts that course through its body make it move at erratic speeds, keeping its foes constantly on the move.
The Flash Tattoo
The Flash is a superhero created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert for DC comics, first appearing in “Flash Comics” #1 in 1940.
The Flash’s superhero icon is that of a Lightning Bolt, representing his powers over super speed, indicating how lightning moves at the speed of light.
Where To Get Your Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Design is one thing, but you must consider where to get your Lightning Bolt Tattoo. So, let’s take a look at some of the best positions.
Lightning Bolt On Chest
The chest is an excellent place for your lightning bolt tattoo if you love to wear your Tattoo Design proudly.
The chest also offers a lot of space for decent-sized designs for men, but for women, your Tattoo Artist may need to come up with a design that compliments the anatomy of the breast.
Hand Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Hand Tattoos are a super cool place to get your lightning bolt tattoo if you want to show off your Tattoo Design.
However, the hand is going to be one of the most painful places to get a tattoo due to its thin skin, very little fat, and proximity to many tendons.
Thigh Lightning Tattoo
The thigh is one of the best places to get a tattoo for those who are looking for a bit of added allure and are afraid of pain.
The thigh has a lot of muscle and fat, which will help dampen the pain, leading to a more pleasurable tattooing experience.
However, the thigh might not be an excellent place to get your tattoo if you don’t live in a climate that lets you show off its design often.
Ear Lightning Bolt Tattoo
Ear Tattoos are one of the most unique places to get a Lightning Bolt Tattoo.
While a tattoo on the ear can look extremely elegant, it is going to be an extremely painful location to get inked due to its thin skin and many nerve endings.
Shoulder Lightning Tattoo
Lastly, the shoulder is another great place to get your Lightning Bolt Tattoo.
This location is yet another that has plenty of fat and muscle that will dampen pain for a more pleasurable tattooing experience.
However, the shoulder isn’t easily shown off unless you often wear sleeveless vests.
Conclusion
So ends our electrifying journey through the currents of the Lightning Bolt Tattoo.
We hope with our help, you’re charged up with ideas for your potential new ink.
But hey, if Lightning Bolt Tattoos still don’t inspire you, why not check out these Mythological Tattoos if you want to see more ancient gods, these Yellow Dragon Tattoos for more lightning inspired mythical beasts, or Anime Tattoo Ideas for more anime-inspired designs.
