(Last updated on: October 26, 2023)
In a display of incredible collector enthusiasm, a production cel featuring the iconic character Vegeta from the Dragon Ball Z episode “Final Atonement” fetched a staggering ₹1 crore (approx. 144,000 USD) at the Art of Anime and Everything Cool auction organized by Heritage Auctions. The event set a new record, raking in over ₹24.96 crores (about $3 million) in sales of classic anime souvenirs.
The auction includes a diverse range of items, from production cels to statues, featuring beloved characters from timeless anime series such as Dragon Ball Z, Akira, Cowboy Bebop and Kiki’s Delivery Service. The enthusiasm for these collectibles speaks to the enduring popularity and cultural impact of these beloved shows.
In addition to anime, the auction also features a number of notable items. Among them was a 50-inch tall statue of the beloved robot character Bender from Futurama, which fetched nearly ₹33 lakhs (about $40,000). Additionally, makers of beloved classics like The Simpsons and Scooby-Doo have found eager buyers.
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For those unfamiliar, production cels are transparent plastic sheets on which anime drawings are meticulously crafted. These cels are then superimposed on the background and captured frame by frame, a process that ultimately creates the illusion of movement on the screen. This technique resembles the pages of a flip book, where each page has a slightly altered drawing. When flipped quickly, these variations create a mesmerizing animated effect.
The record sale of Vegeta products underscores the deep connection that fans have with their favorite anime characters and the enduring value placed on these tangible pieces of animation history. It’s a testament to the lasting impact these shows have had on generations of viewers around the world.
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Source: IGN India
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Amit is an entertainment content writer. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree program. He enjoys watching anime and playing games like Minecraft, Clash Royale, and Pokemon Go in his free time.