In the area of collectables, Funko Pop figures have taken the industry by storm. They're cute, they're quirky, and they represent all our favourite pop culture icons. But how do you navigate this vast and vibrant universe? I'm here to guide you through your Funko Pop collecting journey.
History of Funko Pops
The story behind these iconic bobbleheads starts with Mike Becker in 1998. He was passionate about nostalgia-themed merchandise but found much of it too pricey for average collectors like himself. So he established his company - Funko - aiming at producing affordable nostalgia-themed toys.
The first figure produced under Becker's direction was Big Boy Bobble-Head—named after Big Boy restaurants' mascot—and its success marked the beginning of what we now know as "Funkoverse". After weathering initial business challenges, Funko was sold off in 2005 due to financial struggles; but, Becket remained on board as a creative consultant.
Under new leadership, Funko broadened its range to include licensed pop culture toys and collectables. The first line of Funko Pop figures was released in 2010 at the San Diego Comic-Con, featuring characters from Batman, Star Wars, and other popular franchises. Since then, Funko Pop has expanded to cover an extensive array of themes and characters, becoming a beloved part of collections worldwide.
Funko Pops serve as an excellent introduction to the industry of collectables for several reasons. First, they're affordable. Unlike some other types of collectables that can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds each, most Funko Pops are priced below £20. This makes it easy for anyone to start a collection without being very costly.
Secondly, these figures cover an enormous range of pop culture subjects. From superheroes and movie characters to musicians and athletes, there's likely a Funko Pop representing something you love. This massive diversity not only adds fun to collecting but also allows us collectors to express our individual interests and personalities through our collections.
Finally, collecting Funko Pops is enjoyable because it involves hunting down rare and exclusive figures. This aspect adds an element of excitement and challenge that keeps collecting interest over time.
When it comes to collecting Funko Pops, understanding rarity is crucial. Different factors contribute to a figure's rarity—limited edition releases, exclusive retailer distribution or convention availability for instance.
Figures only available at exact retailers or events are often highly sought after. For example, consider the 'Metallic Blue' Batman Pop—from San Diego Comic-Con 2010—which had a limited run of just 480 pieces. Given this figure's limited release at a single event nearly ten years ago it's clear why collectors covet such exclusives.
Starting Your Funko Pop Collection
Funko Pop offers myriad categories for collectors to explore. From superheroes to iconic TV show characters, these vinyl figures represent almost every facet of popular culture.
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Pop! Animation: Showcases beloved cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants or Dragon Ball Z's Goku.
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Pop! Television: Features characters from popular TV series such as Friends or Stranger Things.
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Pop! Movies: Brings cinema’s finest onto your shelves - think Harry Potter or Star Wars.
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Pop! Games: Immortalises video game legends like Fortnite’s Cuddle Team Leader or God Of War’s Kratos.
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Pop! Rocks: Captures music icons ranging from Elvis Presley to BTS.
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Pop! Ad Icons: Reflects mascots from famous ad campaigns, including Tony the Tiger and Ronald McDonald.
Tips for Beginners
Beginning your Funko Pop collection can seem daunting at first peek, but I've compiled some tips to make that initial plunge less intimidating:
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Research Thoroughly: Understand what makes certain Pops valuable – rarity, condition, and exclusivity factor into this significantly.
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Set a Budget: These collectables range vastly in price; setting a budget helps avoid overspending.
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Choose Your Niche Carefully: Focus on collecting Pops that align with your interests - be it a particular franchise or category.
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Protect Your Pops: Invest in protectors to keep your figures in mint condition – preserving their value over time.
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Connect with the Community: Join online forums or local clubs to share experiences and gain insights from other collectors.
Hunting for Rare and Exclusive Funko Pops
Rare or exclusive collections often bear distinct features marking their uniqueness. Understanding these characteristics can help distinguish them from regular figures.
Stickers on the Boxes
A clear indicator of rarity is the presence of stickers on box fronts. Exclusives usually sport one, depicting where they're exclusively sold, such as 'Walmart Exclusive' or 'Comic-Con Exclusive'.
Serial Numbers
Each Funko pop has its unique serial number found at the bottom part of its feet. An essential tool for identification, it helps verify its authenticity and edition.
Edition Size
Pops with limited edition sizes are automatically deemed rare. The smaller the production run is, say 480 pieces worldwide, the rarer that exact figure becomes.
Expanding Your Funko Pop Collection
Funko Pops come in a myriad of lines, each offering unique designs and characters. Some popular ones include Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney, Game of Thrones and many more. Each line consists of standard releases that you'll find at most retailers and exclusive releases only found at exact stores or events.
For instance, Marvel line features all your favourite superheroes like Spider-Man and Iron Man while Star Wars line offers classics such as Darth Vader and Yoda. Similarly, for Potterheads out there, Harry Potter line includes all major characters from the beloved series.
It's important to explore these different lines based on your interests. You might prefer to stick with one particular line if you're an ardent fan of that franchise or diversify your collection across multiple ones if you have varied tastes in pop culture.
Remember, there are no set rules when collecting Funko Pops - go with what brings you joy!
Special editions and exclusives add another layer to the excitement of collecting Funko Pops. These figures often feature alternative designs or costumes not seen in standard releases. They may be retailer-exact (e.g., Walmart Exclusive), event-exact (e.g., Comic-Con Exclusive), or limited edition runs with numbered pieces.
An example would be the "Chase" variant - this is a rarer version of a regular figure distinguished by differences such as different poses or metallic finishes. For example, A normal Batman funko pop might be followed up by a Chase variant where Batman is holding his Batarang instead!
Finding Funko Pops isn't limited to online shopping. There's a whole industry of local stores, comic book shops, and even flea markets where you can find them. For example, Forbidden Planet in the UK has a plethora of Funko Pops available across various lines.
Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay offer vast selections too but remember to be cautious about counterfeit products. Always check seller reviews and ratings before making a purchase.
Displaying and Caring for Your Collection
Showcasing your Funko Pops isn't just about making an impressive display; it's also about celebrating your passion. Here are some proven strategies:
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Aesthetics: Create visually appealing displays by grouping figures based on series, themes or colours. For example, you could arrange the Game of Thrones characters together.
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Space Maximisation: Utilise shelves or cabinets that allow space optimisation without overcrowding the figures.
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Lighting: Proper lighting enhances the display quality. LED lights provide optimal brightness without damaging the pops over time.
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Accessibility: Ensure easy access to each pop for dusting and maintenance.
Remember, showcasing is subjective; what works best depends on personal preferences and available resources.
Funko Pops might be affordable collectables, but their value can skyrocket over time, especially those rare or limited-edition pieces. Hence, protection is paramount:
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Box Protection: Keep them in original boxes to maintain their mint condition – collectors often favour this approach.
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Pop Protectors: Use hard plastic 'pop protectors' for additional safety, particularly useful when transporting pops.
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Avoid Sunlight: UV rays can fade colours drastically; hence avoid direct sunlight exposure.
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Controlled Environment: Maintain a cool temperature with low humidity levels to prevent damage from heat or moisture.
The Art and Business of Funko Pop Collecting
Jumping into the vibrant industry of Funko Pop collecting can be an exciting adventure. Not only does it involve discovering unique and rare figures, but also immerses you in an ever-changing community filled with like-minded enthusiasts.
In the digital era, online communities play a vital role in shaping our hobbies and interests. This holds true for Funko Pop collectors as well. Partaking in these virtual platforms allows me to connect with fellow collectors from all over the industry. We share updates on new releases, discuss market trends, exchange tips on spotting fake items, and even trade or sell figures amongst ourselves.
For instance, Reddit has multiple dedicated subreddits such as r/funkopop where members post their latest finds, seek advice about potential purchases or simply show off their prized collections. Instagram is another hotspot for Funko Pop enthusiasts; using hashtags like #funkopop and #popvinyl helps me discover fascinating collections from around the globe.
Facebook groups offer yet another platform for interaction among collectors. Besides general groups that cater to all fans, there are niche-exact ones centred around particular lines or themes such as Marvel or Disney Pops.
Remember though – participating in these platforms isn't just about taking; it's equally important to give back by sharing knowledge I've gained from my own collecting journey.
Besides, many prominent websites offer up-to-date news about upcoming releases and special editions along with estimated values of different pops based on recent sales data - invaluable resources for any serious collector looking to stay ahead of the game.
Eventually, captivating online communities not only enriches my collection but also enhances my overall experience as a part of this wonderful hobby turned business venture.
