“Studio Ghibli Turns 40! Heritage Auctions Unleashes Its Biggest Anime Art Sale Ever!”
Anime fans, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! In celebration of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, Heritage Auctions is hosting The Art of Anime, Vol. VI—its biggest anime art auction yet! This special event features rare production cels, iconic backgrounds, and breathtaking artwork from legendary anime films and series, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Akira, Dragon Ball Z, and more.
A Tribute to Anime’s Greatest Creations
“This is more than just an auction—it’s a tribute to the artistry and vision that have made Studio Ghibli a household name,” says Jim Lentz, Vice President of Animation and Anime Art at Heritage. With a record-breaking $17 million in sales in 2024, Heritage Auctions continues to solidify its place as a leader in the anime art market.
Among the Ghibli highlights are:
- A rare production cel and key master background from Kiki’s Delivery Service featuring Kiki peering into an oven.
- An iconic production cel from My Neighbor Totoro showcasing the beloved Catbus scaling a rooftop.
- A stunning setup from Grave of the Fireflies that captures the film’s emotional depth.
- Artwork from Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Porco Rosso, including a limited-edition cel of Ashitaka riding into battle.
More Than Just Studio Ghibli
While Studio Ghibli takes center stage, this auction is a treasure trove for all anime enthusiasts, featuring over 1,200 lots from legendary anime franchises:
- Over 90 pieces from Akira, including rare hand-painted production backgrounds and dynamic action cels of Kaneda and Tetsuo.
- A vast collection of Dragon Ball Z artwork, featuring Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, and Piccolo.
- Rare collectibles from Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Trigun, and Macross.
Manga, Cult Classics & Hidden Gems
For manga collectors, this auction includes original works by the Godfather of Manga, Osamu Tezuka. Highlights include pages from Big X and Phantom Detective, alongside artwork from Ultraseven by Jiro Kuwata.
Cult classic fans won’t be disappointed, with production cels from Vampire Hunter D, Ninja Scroll, and Ghost in the Shell up for grabs. Even Peter Chung’s groundbreaking Æon Flux makes an appearance, offering hand-signed animation cels straight from the creator’s personal archives.
The Anime Art Market is Booming!
“The anime art market continues to grow,” says Lentz. “This auction is a testament to the increasing appreciation for these works as both cultural artifacts and fine art.”
Whether you’re a die-hard Ghibli fan, a Dragon Ball enthusiast, or a lover of rare manga and anime collectibles, The Art of Anime, Vol. VI is an event you won’t want to miss!
Get ready to bid on history—this is anime art like you’ve never seen before!
