The March event marked a major step for anime art collecting, with strong results for Ghibli, Berserk, Macross and Dragon Ball Z.
By Intelligent Collector Staff | March 26, 2025
Heritage Auctions’ March 22-24 The Art of Anime: Vol. VI Signature Auction reached $1.491 million, marking a record-setting moment for anime production art and one of the broadest Japanese animation art offerings presented in a Western auction.
Studio Ghibli led much of the collector attention. Kiki’s Delivery Service Senior Witch and Cat Production Cel was one of the auction’s major Ghibli results, while a My Neighbor Totoro Catbus Production Cel from one of the studio’s most beloved films reinforced the market for instantly recognizable Miyazaki imagery.
The top result came from dark fantasy anime. Berserk Guts 9.5 x 12 Preliminary Publicity Harmony Cel Setup by Shichiro Kobayashi sold for a press-release-reported $102,000, placing the work among the most important Berserk artworks to appear at auction.
Other franchise results showed the category’s range. Super Dimension Fortress Macross Hikaru Ichiyou on VF-1J Valkyrie and Regults Concept Art/Storyboard by Shoji Kawamori brought $21,600, while Dragon Ball Z “Gohan’s Plea” Gohan Vertical Pan Production Cel Setup with Key Master Background reached $13,200. Together with results for Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, the sale showed how anime collecting has expanded well beyond a single studio or title.
The strongest anime art results tend to combine character recognition, production importance and visual clarity. In this sale, bidders responded to all three, especially when an object connected directly to a defining scene, title or creator.
For consignors looking for the best place to sell anime art, Heritage’s March result offered a clear signal: the category now has enough collector depth to support major Ghibli, Berserk, Macross and Dragon Ball Z material in one focused auction.
Source: Heritage Auctions press release (March 26, 2025).