An Expanded Guide to the World’s Favorite Collectible
Funko Pop! is a popular brand of vinyl figures that has taken the world by storm in recent years. These figures are highly collectible and have become a cultural phenomenon. With their distinct design and wide range of characters, Funko Pops have become a must-have item for fans of pop culture.
But what exactly are they? Why are people so obsessed with collecting them? This in-depth guide explores the history, design, and culture behind these captivating vinyl figures.
The History of Funko: From Bobbleheads to a Global Empire
The story of Funko is a fascinating tale of evolution. The company wasn’t always the vinyl figure giant it is today.
The First Pop! (2011): The first officially branded Funko Pop! figure released to the wider public was Batman, marking a pivotal moment. From there, the company aggressively pursued licenses across every imaginable franchise, from Marvel and DC to Star Wars, Disney, and beyond. This strategy transformed Funko from a small toy company into a pop culture behemoth.
The Early Days (1998): Funko was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker. Its initial focus was on creating nostalgic, low-tech toys. The very first product was a bobblehead (or “Wacky Wobbler”) of the Big Boy restaurant mascot. The company found modest success creating these bobbleheads for characters like Popeye and the Grinch.
A Change in Vision (2005): In 2005, Becker sold the company to Brian Mariotti, who had a different vision. While bobbleheads were still part of the business, Mariotti saw an opportunity to tap into the massive and diverse world of pop culture licensing.
The Birth of the Pop! (2010): At San Diego Comic-Con in 2010, Funko unveiled a new line of stylized vinyl figures called “Funko Force 2.0.” This initial wave included characters like Green Lantern and Batgirl. While they had the signature style, they didn’t take off immediately. It wasn’t until the line was rebranded as “Pop! Vinyl” that the magic truly began.
The Unmistakable Design: What Makes a Pop! a Pop!?
The genius of the Funko Pop! lies in its simple, unified design aesthetic. While each figure is unique, they all share core characteristics that make them instantly recognizable.
- Proportions: The most notable feature is the oversized head, which is disproportionately large compared to the small body. This design choice is often described using terms from Japanese art, such as “chibi” (meaning “short” or “small”) or “super-deformed,” which emphasizes cute, childlike features.
- The Eyes: With few exceptions, Funko Pops have solid black, circular eyes. This simple, emotionless look allows collectors to project their own feelings and interpretations onto the character.
- Simplified Features: The figures lack intricate details. Noses are tiny and triangular, and mouths are typically absent, placing all the character’s expression in their costume, accessories, and pose.
This standardized design is crucial. It means a Pop! of Darth Vader can stand right next to a Pop! of Taylor Swift, and they will look like they belong in the same universe. This uniformity is key to the appeal of building a large, diverse collection.
The Endless Universe of Characters in Funko Pop!
The sheer breadth of Funko’s licensing is its greatest strength. If a character exists in pop culture, there is a very high probability that a Funko Pop! of them has been made. The major categories include:
- Marvel and DC Comics superheroes such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman
- Characters from popular TV shows such as Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and The Office
- Characters from popular movies such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Disney
- Video game characters such as Fortnite, Overwatch, and Minecraft
- Funko Pop! figures are also released in exclusive versions, such as limited editions or convention exclusives. These exclusive figures can be highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices on the secondary market.
Beyond the standard figures, Funko keeps the hobby exciting with exclusive and limited-edition releases. These are often tied to specific retailers (like Target or Hot Topic) or events (like San Diego Comic-Con) and are highly sought after by collectors.
The Culture of Collecting: More Than Just a Hobby
Collecting Funko Pops is an engaging and rewarding activity that has built a massive global community.
- The Thrill of the Hunt: Finding a rare “Chase” variant (a 1-in-6 rarity with a different design) or a store exclusive in the wild provides a unique adrenaline rush.
- Investment and Value: While most collect for passion, the hobby has a serious financial side. Rare, vaulted (discontinued), or exclusive Pops can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the secondary market. The Funko App and sites like Pop Price Guide help collectors track the value of their collections.
- Community: Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups allow collectors to connect, trade, and share their passion with like-minded fans.
- Display as Self-Expression: A Funko Pop! collection is a visual representation of your personality and passions. Whether displayed in-box on risers or out-of-box in intricate dioramas, a collection tells a story about its owner.
Popularity of Funko Pop!
Funko Pop! figures have become incredibly popular over the past few years. They are sold in many major retail stores, and the company has partnerships with many pop culture franchises. The figures are also sold online, both through Funko’s website and through third-party sellers such as Amazon and eBay.
The popularity of Funko Pop! figures has led to the creation of many fan communities online. There are forums and Facebook groups dedicated to discussing and trading Funko Pop! figures. Some collectors even create custom figures by painting or sculpting existing figures to create new characters or variations.
A Unique and Joyful Addition to Any Collection
Funko Pop! figures are a unique and fun addition to any pop culture collection. With their distinct design and wide range of characters, Funko Pop! figures have become a must-have item for fans of pop culture. They offer a fun, accessible, and endlessly customizable way to celebrate the characters and stories that have shaped our lives. Whether you collect them for their aesthetic appeal or their sentimental value, Funko Pop! figures are a fun and rewarding hobby for any fan.