DRAGON BALL
Banpresto, a long-time Bandai subsidiary brand integrated under Bandai Spirits, is a leading producer of collectible prize figures and static statuary for the global Dragon Ball franchise. Ranging from mini chibi-style statuettes like World Collectable Figure (WCF) to massive scale statues like Super Master Stars Piece (SMSP), Banpresto offers an extensive variety of detailed figures for casual fans and dedicated collectors alike.
Cronologia
Overview
Banpresto, operating as a core brand under Bandai Spirits, produces an extensive line of prize figures and collectible statuary based on Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball universe.
Rather than producing articulated action figures, Banpresto specializes in fixed-pose PVC figures and statues initially designed for Japanese claw machine arcades, Ichiban Kuji lotteries, and global retail distribution.
Positioned at an accessible price point without sacrificing sculpt fidelity, Banpresto's Dragon Ball catalog spans multiple scales—ranging from mini 5–7 cm chibi figures to large-format 30 cm statues. The product line covers every major era and spin-off of the franchise, including the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and recent releases like Dragon Ball Daima.
History
Banpresto's presence in the Dragon Ball merchandising landscape evolved from simple arcade claw game prizes into high-concept figure lines crafted by master sculptors.
A key milestone in this evolution was the establishment of the SCultures (Tenkaichi Budoukai) series, an official competition where top Japanese figure sculptors competed against one another to create the definitive Dragon Ball statuettes.
The brand expanded its market presence by launching accessible, large-scale budget figures such as Master Stars Piece (MSP) and Grandista (~30 cm scale). Over time, Banpresto introduced higher-tier lines like Super Master Stars Piece (SMSP) and the Ichiban Kuji Masterlise series, featuring complex shading techniques and dynamic diorama bases. Following Banpresto's consolidation under Bandai Spirits, the line continues to release comprehensive collections, including 2024–2026 figure lines dedicated to Dragon Ball Daima featuring child variants of Goku, Vegeta, and the Demon Realm cast.
Iconic Pieces
[ { "name": "Super Master Stars Piece (SMSP) Statues", "description": "Oversized, sculptor-driven statues produced in limited paint variants like 'The Brush' and cell-shaded 'The Anime'." }, { "name": "Grandista / Grandista Nero (~30 cm)", "description": "Massive budget-friendly figures known for high shelf presence and swappable face plates." }, { "name": "Ichiban Kuji Masterlise Diorama Figures", "description": "Highly sought-after lottery prizes featuring complex sculpts, vibrant shading, and dynamic environment bases." }, { "name": "SCultures Tenkaichi Budoukai Winners", "description": "Tournament-winning figures recognized for extreme artistic detail and unique dynamic poses." }, { "name": "Dragon Ball Daima Masterlise & WCF Sets", "description": "Recent high-demand releases representing transformed child versions of Goku, Vegeta, and new Demon Realm characters." } ]
Collecting & Value Trends
Banpresto holds a unique position in the Dragon Ball collecting community by delivering impressive sculpt quality and scale diversity at accessible price points.
Because many Banpresto items originate as Japanese arcade claw rewards or Ichiban Kuji lottery prizes, specific figures—particularly 'Last One' lottery prizes, A-prizes, and Super Master Stars Piece (SMSP) variants—often appreciate significantly in value on the secondary market after their initial run. Collectors frequently tailor their collections around specific lines: World Collectable Figure (WCF) appeals to completionists looking for exhaustive character depth in compact spaces, while Grandista and Masterlise statues serve as impressive centerpiece displays. With ongoing releases tied to franchise milestones and new media like Dragon Ball Daima, Banpresto figures remain a cornerstone of modern Dragon Ball collecting.
Banpresto's SCultures line was born from an official competition where master sculptors faced off for fan votes.
