Here Comes the Catbus! Celebrate 40 Years of Studio Ghibli With Heritage’s Largest-Ever Anime Art Auction

The March 22-24 Art of Anime, Vol. VI Auction showcases more than 1,200 Anime and Manga works from My Neighbor Totoro, Akira, Dragon Ball Z and much more DOWNLOAD DIGITAL PRESS KIT DALLAS, Texas (March 10, 2025) — For four decades, Japan’s Studio Ghibli has shaped the landscape of animation, producing some of the most visually stunning and emotionally resonant films in cinematic history. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, the studio quickly gained international acclaim for its breathtaking artistry, masterful storytelling and deeply human characters. From the soaring adventure of Castle in the Sky to the singular and heartwarming charm of My Neighbor Totoro and the haunting beauty of Grave of the Fireflies, Ghibli films have left an indelible mark on audiences around the world. This year, as the studio celebrates its 40th anniversary, Heritage Auctions is honored to present The Art of Anime, Vol. VI, a historic event showcasing an extensive offering of Studio Ghibli production art along with other gems from across the entire Anime canon, including 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 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 featuring 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, making this a crucial event for any Ghibli enthusiast, be they veteran collectors or newcomers to the studio’s undeniable impact and artistry. And 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 Akiraartwork, 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 Zwill 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.” In addition to Anime’s biggest names, this auction 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 Manga artwork from Jiro Kuwata’s Ultraseven. The inclusion of these historic pieces underscores the profound influence of Manga on the Anime industry. For collectors seeking rare and avant-garde animation, the auction also 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, making this a truly comprehensive offering of animation history. Spanning multiple genres and decades, The Art of Anime, Vol. VI is set to be a landmark event in the world of Anime collecting. “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.” Images and information about all lots in Heritage’s March 22 - 24 The Art of Anime - Vol VI: Celebrating 40 Years of Studio Ghibli Signature® Auction can be found here. Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world's largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Heritage also enjoys the highest Online traffic and dollar volume of any auction house on earth (source: SimilarWeb and Hiscox Report). The Internet's most popular auction-house website, HA.com, has more than 1,750,000 registered bidder-members and searchable free archives of 6,000,000 past auction records with prices realized, descriptions and enlargeable photos. Reproduction rights routinely granted to media for photo credit. For breaking stories, follow us: HA.com/Facebook and HA.com/Twitter . Link to this release or view prior press releases . Hi-Res images available: Christina Rees, Public Relations Specialist 214-409-1341 or Christina Rees@HA.com