Heritage Auctions' Upcoming Anime Auction Celebrates 40 Years of Dragon Ball

Heritage Auction will showcase over 1,200 incredible anime lots spotlighting the influential Dragon Ball franchise in the upcoming “The Art of Anime Vol. VIII,” a three-day auction offering cels, drawings, and more from some of the most outstanding anime titles.

On Wednesday, February 26, 1986, people watching the FNS TV channel in Japan were treated for the first time to the animated adaptation of a manga by Akira Toriyama (1955 - 2024) about a boy searching for the legendary Dragon Balls, seven magic items that, when gathered, will summon a dragon who can make wishes come true.

Dragon Ball Z "A Final Attack" 7.25" x 13.7" Super Saiyan Goku | LotID #81008 | Heritage Auctions
7481-81-008

Fast forward 40 years, after countless fights and adventures, Dragon Ball has undoubtedly become one of the most recognized, beloved, and influential anime titles in the world.

At Heritage, instead of gathering the seven mythical items, we brought together over 1,200 lots with the best of anime art, sure to grant the wishes of many collectors, especially those looking for the most amazing Dragon Ball art.

Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Battle 22 Super Saiyan 3 Goku 18.75" x | LotID #76014 | Heritage Auctions
7481-76-014

This three-day auction will begin on griday May 15 th, going through May 17, offering the most spectacular art from the Dragon Ball franchise, with more than 100 lots that will have many recalling their favorite parts of the series, featuring the most outstanding images of Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Bulma, and more of the famous heroes and villains that made this series unforgettable.

Pokémon Pikachu and Ash Production Cel with Master Background and | LotID #88003 | Heritage Auctions
7481-88-003

Another significant title, Pokémon, celebrates 30 years since the release of its first video game. Joining the celebration, we also have a stunning selection of production art of the series, including various Key Master setups from the controversial episode “The Beauty and the Beach”!

Kiki's Delivery Service Senior Witch and Cat RARE Production Cel | LotID #133077 | Heritage Auctions
7481-133-077

The party wouldn't be complete without one of our most distinguished guests, the Art of Studio Ghibli. From Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to Spirited Away, this section will bring the most gorgeous artwork from these anime classics, particularly some remarkable Key Master setups from Kiki's Delivery Service.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? Hikaru | LotID #71010 | Heritage Auctions

Collectors will be delighted to see the extraordinary variety of anime titles represented in this sale: Cowboy Bebop, Golden Boy, Neon Genesis Evangelion, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Robot Carnival, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, and, of course, the groundbreaking AKIRA.

Akira Baby Room 38" Pan Production Background (Tokyo Movie | LotID #48094 | Heritage Auctions|
7481-48-094

No Dragon Radar will be needed to find this treasure trove of anime art; this auction gathers some of the most stunning art we've ever seen, all in one place. The more you flip through the many pages of this catalog, the more amazed you will be!

Dragon Ball "The Roaming Lake" Goku on Flying Nimbus Production | LotID #81006 | Heritage Auctions
7481-81-006

Heritage's “Signature Auction #7481 The Art of Anime Vol. VIII” will be held on May 15-17 in its Global Headquarters in Dallas, Texas.