by American auctioneer Heritage Auctions has announced the fifth large-scale auction of animation art, announcing the auction of rare cels and original drawings from popular anime such as Studio Ghibli’s Astro Boy and Sailor Moon. Rare cels from Princess Mononoke and others are also on display. Some works on display include animation art, which refers to intermediate results such as cells and rough drawings created during the anime production process.
The Animation Art Vol. 5 Signature Auction, held on October 18th, will feature approximately 2,300 works, making it the largest auction ever. In addition to famous Japanese anime such as Cardcaptor Sakura, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and AKIRA, many foreign works such as SpongeBob Squarepants have been traded.
This fifth round of auctions will feature a “San” cel from “Princess Mononoke,” a cel from “Dragon Ball Z” episode 229: The Fated Showdown! Goku vs. Vegeta Clash, a cel from the opening video of the second season of “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon,” and a cel from the opening video of “Astro Boy.” Participation is possible for as little as $1 (HA.com/7380). The following is an introduction to the works.
“San” Production Cel from “Princess Mononoke” (1997, Studio Ghibli) This hand-drawn production cel beautifully captures San, the strong and beautiful protagonist of the film. “Princess Mononoke” was one of the last films directed by Miyazaki Hayao to use hand-drawn production cels. This famous scene captures San smiling gently as she says goodbye to Ashitaka at the film’s end.
“Dragon Ball Z” “Episode 229: The Fated Showdown! Clash of Goku vs. Vegeta” Majin Vegeta Production Cel with “Keymaster” Background (1994, Toei Animation) This depicts one of the most shocking moments in the series when Majin Vegeta purposely provokes Goku by casting a spell on him in an attempt to gain power that surpasses that of Goku. Majin Vegeta’s power is expressed with a stunning airbrush effect.
“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” Second Season Opening Video “Sailor Moon” Production Cel (1993, Toei Animation) A production cel of the opening video of the second season of the anime “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon”. The scene where the main character, Usagi, transforms is beautifully hand-painted and combined with a background printed for the exhibition.
“Astro Boy” Opening Video Production Cel (1963, Mushi Productions) This is the cel used in the opening video of the 1963 anime. Black-and-white Astro Boy animation art is rarely available on the market and is, therefore, quite rare.
