Gundam Production Cel Appraisal

Mobile Suit Gundam Original Production Cel (Char Aznable and Zaku)

This is an original hand-painted production cel from the iconic anime series 'Mobile Suit Gundam.' The artwork is presented within a light wood grain frame, featuring a wide white mat that provides a clean border around the cel. The cel itself depicts two key figures: a large, red Mobile Suit Zaku wielding a rifle, and a close-up profile of the antagonist, Char Aznable, in his pilot helmet. The Zaku is primarily red with dark accents and a visible eye mono-sensor, while Char's helmet is white and blue, and his uniform features intricate gold and red detailing. The background appears to be a rocky, earthy landscape, consistent with battle scenes from the series. The cel's approximate dimensions are stated as 230mm x 265mm (9.1" x 10.4"). It is identified as an 'Original cel/laid' and dates from the year of release: 1979-1980. The director is listed as Yoshiyuki Tomino, and the production studio is Sunrise, Japan. A special note indicates that the 'Background image is original,' confirming its authenticity as a piece used in the anime's production. Observational details from the image suggest the cel is in very good condition for its age, with vibrant colors and no apparent fading or flaking, indicating careful preservation. The craftsmanship is evident in the detailed character designs and the hand-painted nature of the animation cells, showcasing the traditional methods of anime production from that era. This item represents a significant piece of animation history, particularly for fans and collectors of the 'Gundam' franchise.