Celebrate 40 Years of Studio Ghibli with Heritage’s Largest-Ever Anime Art Auction

This year, as the studio celebrates its 40th anniversary, Heritage Auctions presents The Art of Anime, Vol. VI, showcasing an extensive offering of Studio Ghibli production art — along with gems from Akira, Dragon Ball Z and more.

“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, Heritage’s Vice President of Animation and Anime Art. “Collectors and fans alike will have the opportunity to own pieces of history from the films that have inspired generations.”

In 2024, Heritage Auctions’ Animation category surpassed $17 million in sales, a record-breaking sum as Lentz oversaw ten Signature and Showcase auctions including a record-setting sale of vintage Disney art and themed auctions of everything from 1990s Nickelodeon to Dragon Ball Z.

“Last year was extraordinary for Animation Art at Heritage,” Lentz says. “The passion for the work of these extraordinary artists reaffirms the timeless appeal of animation’s greatest treasures.”

Among the Studio Ghibli highlights of the upcoming Anime event are a rare production cel and key master background from Kiki’s Delivery Service, featuring Kiki peering into a client’s oven; a beautifully preserved production cel from My Neighbor Totoro, showing the beloved Catbus scaling a rooftop; and a striking setup from Grave of the Fireflies that captures the film’s emotional depth. The auction also includes artwork from Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke (including a limited-edition cel of Ashitaka riding into battle) and Porco Rosso.

While Studio Ghibli takes center stage, The Art of Anime, Vol. VI also showcases a vast array of influential anime titles from across the decades. This auction is Heritage’s largest anime-exclusive auction to date, offering more than 1,200 lots spanning the genre’s most iconic series and films.

The event features an extensive collection of Akira artwork, with more than 90 lots from the 1988 epic including rare hand-painted production backgrounds and dynamic action cels of favorite characters Kaneda and Tetsuo. Fans of Dragon Ball Z will find a treasure trove of production cels featuring beloved characters Goku, Vegeta, Trunks and Piccolo. Other legendary titles represented in the auction include Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Macross.

“The sheer variety and depth of this auction reflect the evolution and enduring appeal of anime,” says Lentz. “From the hand-drawn artistry of the 1980s to the digital masterpieces of today, this event celebrates the full spectrum of anime history.”

This auction also includes an expanded manga section featuring original works by Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the Godfather of Manga. Among the highlights are story pages from Big X and Phantom Detective as well as rare artwork from Jiro Kuwata’s Ultraseven.

For collectors seeking rare and avant-garde animation, the auction offers production cels from cult classics such as Vampire Hunter D, Ninja Scroll and Ghost in the Shell. Fans of Peter Chung’s groundbreaking Æon Flux will have the opportunity to bid on hand-signed animation cels from the creator’s personal archives. Additional highlights include artwork from the 1981 cult classic Heavy Metal and the 1973 sci-fi gem Fantastic Planet.

“The anime art market continues to grow, and this auction is a testament to the increasing appreciation for these works as both cultural artifacts and fine art,” says Lentz. “We are thrilled to bring such an extraordinary selection to auction.”

comics.ha.com