The Benalish Hero (Card #4) from Magic: The Gathering's 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set, featuring the unique Banding mechanic and Douglas Shuler artwork.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33.06 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 4, 2026
The Benalish Hero, designated as card number 4 in the Limited Edition Alpha set, represents a foundational element of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game released in 1993. As one of the earliest creatures printed, this white mana artifact introduces collectors to the strategic depth that defined the game's initial launch. The card features the distinctive Banding ability, a complex mechanic that allows the hero to attack in a group with other creatures and permits the controller to divide combat damage as they see fit when blocking or being blocked. This tactical flexibility made the unit a versatile tool in early game formats, emphasizing resource management and combat strategy over raw power. Designed by Douglas Shuler, the card captures the aesthetic of Benalia’s military hierarchy, reflecting the lore of a society where heroism is an earned caste rather than a birthright. For investors and hobbyists, the Limited Edition Alpha release holds significant historical weight as the genesis of the modern collectible card industry. Owning a copy of the Benalish Hero allows enthusiasts to connect with the origins of a global phenomenon, bridging the gap between casual play and serious collecting. The card’s simple 1/1 power and toughness belie its importance in understanding the evolution of game balance and design philosophy. Whether building a vintage collection or studying the roots of competitive play, this card remains a vital component of the Alpha experience. Its enduring presence in the lore and mechanics of Magic: The Gathering ensures it remains a relevant and sought-after item for those who appreciate the game's rich history.
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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.
FAQ
The Benalish Hero is a Common card from the Limited Edition Alpha set. While individual copies can be valuable due to the set's age and scarcity, the card itself is not considered rare in terms of print run relative to other common cards.
Banding allows creatures with this ability to attack in a group with other creatures and lets the controller decide how combat damage is divided among blockers or attackers when they are involved in a block. This provides significant tactical flexibility in combat.
Limited Edition Alpha, released in 1993, was the first printing of Magic: The Gathering. It established the core rules, card types, and aesthetic that defined the game, making Alpha cards highly collectible and historically important for TCG enthusiasts.
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