My Hero Academia's Ichiban Kuji lineup is turning its attention to an earlier chapter in the story. Confirmed via Bandai Spirits' official reveal and reported by Toy People, My Hero Academia: The Story Before Becoming the Best Hero launches in September 2026 at 790 JPY per draw, with a MASTERLISE prize lineup built around the series' formative moments.
This is a confirmed release with a locked prize lineup, so here's what's included.
Bandai Spirits' official reveal, as reported by Toy People, confirms the following:
Framing this kuji around "the story before" gives Bandai a reason to revisit characters like Bakugo, Aizawa, and Deku with earlier-era designs and context, rather than simply repeating their current, most-merchandised looks.
Nezu appears far less often in premium figure lines than the series' main cast, so his inclusion as Prize D gives dedicated collectors a genuine reason to chase this kuji even if they already own MASTERLISE figures of Bakugo and Aizawa from other releases.
With the launch date confirmed but individual retailer availability still to be announced, it's worth watching for stock at hobby shops and online kuji retailers as September approaches.
For the MASTERLISE prize figures, EVORETRO's acrylic modular case, available up to 12 x 12 x 12 inches, offers dust-free display.
For posing multiple prize figures together, EVORETRO's 4-step acrylic display stand adds tiered shelf depth for a four-figure lineup.
790 JPY.
Bakugo, Aizawa, Principal Nezu, and Deku: Origin.
September 2026.
MASTERLISE, Bandai's premium prize-figure tier.
This Ichiban Kuji gives My Hero Academia collectors a fresh angle on familiar characters, anchored by the rare inclusion of Principal Nezu in the prize lineup. With a September launch approaching, it's worth watching for stock at your preferred kuji retailer.
Having a case and stand ready means every prize figure pulled will display well together.
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