If you're into ACG, chances are you've heard of Kishida Mel, the illustrator known for his delicate brushwork. His impressive portfolio includes the "Atelier Arland trilogy," "Heaven's Memo Pad," and "Hanasaku Iroha." But beyond his art, fans also know him as the true "beautiful girl artist" for his penchant for cross-dressing, often making him a hot topic online.
Recently, Kishida Mel took to X, revealing his shock at finding his hand-drawn, signed art boards being sold on online auctions for outrageously high prices. He didn't hold back, declaring, "I remember who you are, don't let me see you again!" The post immediately sparked heated discussions among fans, with many condemning the blatant reselling.
Signed art boards from events usually include the fan's name, which the seller conveniently blurred out. These two signed boards were listed for nearly ¥250,000 JPY. Kishida Mel expressed his frustration, saying, "It's your freedom to sell a signed board, but that price is absolutely ridiculous, and someone actually bought it!"
"I also remember who received this signed board. Sorry, but you're blacklisted. Please don't show up again," he added, conveying his clear displeasure and anger despite the use of numerous emojis.
Kishida Mel also urged fans, stating he's likely the easiest illustrator in Japan to get a signed board from, so there's "absolutely no need to buy these things." He highlighted that his two Akihabara-themed cafes, "neusick" and "IDOLY," regularly host signing events. The next one is for IDOLY's 2nd anniversary during Golden Week. He specifically told those who only resell on Mercari to stay away.
Many fans rallied behind Kishida Mel, expressing their dismay. Seeing a personalized signed board resold at such a high price is truly heartbreaking for the artist and disappointing for genuine fans. They emphasized that actively participating in events usually offers a good chance to get a signed board directly from the artist.
This kind of exploitative reselling isn't exclusive to Kishida Mel; similar incidents have plagued artists for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in the past.
Ultimately, if you truly appreciate a creator, reselling their work at exorbitant prices can cause them significant distress. If genuine financial hardship is a factor, perhaps communicating with the artist and selling at a reasonable price would be a more considerate approach.