The 1993 Magic: The Gathering Intl. Collectors' Edition Benalish Hero card (#4). A foundational Human Soldier with Banding.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Intl. Collectors' Edition
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$4.72
The 1993 Magic: The Gathering Intl. Collectors' Edition Benalish Hero card, designated as number 4, remains a cornerstone for enthusiasts of early trading card game history. As one of the first printed representations of the Human Soldier subtype, this card introduces the Banding mechanic, a complex combat rule that allowed players to group multiple creatures together for coordinated attacks and shared damage allocation. This mechanical depth set the stage for future strategic innovations within the game. Designed by Douglas Shuler, the card captures the essence of the Benalia region, where a rigid caste system dictates social standing, yet heroism remains an attainable ideal regardless of birth or wealth. The flavor text hints at this societal structure, noting that while most castes are determined by heredity or money, the path to heroism is open to all. This narrative depth adds significant value for collectors who appreciate the lore and world-building established in the game's earliest days. For those building a comprehensive collection of vintage Magic products, the Intl. Collectors' Edition offers a distinct experience with its black border and unique typography. The Benalish Hero serves as an essential component for set completion, providing both historical significance and gameplay utility. Its status as a common card from the inaugural release makes it a sought-after item for investors and hobbyists alike, representing the foundational era of competitive card gaming. Whether you are focused on completing the full set or acquiring key cards for vintage formats, this product stands as a testament to the game's enduring legacy.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Benalish Hero
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{W}
Creature — Human Soldier
1 / 1
W
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Banding (Any creatures with banding, and up to one without, can attack in a band. Bands are blocked as a group. If any creatures with banding you control are blocking or being blocked by a creature, you divide that creature's combat damage, not its controller, among any of the creatures it's being blocked by or is blocking.)
Benalia has a complex caste system that changes with the lunar year. No matter what the season, the only caste that cannot be attained by either heredity or money is that of the hero.
