If you’re a fan of collecting pop culture merchandise, you’ve definitely heard of Funko Pop vinyl figures. Whether you love gaming or are a movie junkie, these collectibles will leave you nostalgic.
Our team researched and compiled an in-depth guide to help you know more about Funko Pops and what makes them worth collecting.
About Funko Pops
In the last few years, Funko has been one of the most underrated collectible manufacturers and is now known for its vinyl figures based on pop culture characters [1].
With the increasing numbers of collectors worldwide, Funko’s Pop vinyl figures have closed many licensing deals from the trendiest gaming properties, TV shows, films, anime, music, and sports.
At present, Funko Pops are the most famous product line of the company featuring adorable toy figurines secured in a display box.
What’s Funko Pop?
Funko Pop vinyl figures are comparable to figurines but are based on movies, video game characters, comic books, popular culture, and other icons.
These nostalgia-themed toys feature popular licensed characters from varying franchises with oversized heads and eyes and depict each character in different sizes, outfits, poses, and finishing.
Aside from that, Funko Pop products come with attractive window box packing, making them the ideal collectibles for everyone as they offer more characters - from movies and ad icons to Dragon Ball and Marvel. So, no matter what you’re into, Funko’s Pop line has something in store for you!
Fun Facts
History
Established in 1998 by the toy collector Mike Becker and Claudia Becker, Funko started manufacturing bobblehead figures.
However, the first product wasn’t a hit, and Becker’s business only skyrocketed after releasing the Austin Powers bobbleheads.
Afterward, the company released Funko’s vinyl line in 2010, bringing some of the most iconic figures. If you are into Super Man, Mickey Mouse, Captain America, and a Star Wars Darth Maul collectible, then a Funko is just what you’re looking for!
Owner & Manufacturer
While Becker founded Funko, it was acquired by Brian Mariotti in 2005, the company’s former CEO, who stepped down to act as the Chief Creative Officer [2].
After five years, the very first Pop vinyl figure was launched at the New York Comic Con. Andrew Perlmutter is the CEO of Funko, the company’s former president since 2017.
Popular Funko Pop Collections
As Funko continues to Popify more iconic figures, collectors across the globe need to keep up with their collection, from classic characters to celebrities and personalities.
Since the company aims to dominate pop culture, the Funko Pop collection line has become sought after by many, such as Disney, Star Wars, Stranger Things, Marvel, and DC.
Shop The Funko Pops Collection Now
Materials
Apart from the diverse collection, Funko products come in different molds. Funko Pop figures are made from vinyl and some in plush forms.
Additionally, it comes in Chase variants that look a bit different from regular ones. Other Pop also has different paint finishing like metallic, and some are even in glow-in-the-dark!
Average Price & Value
The average price of Funko Pop figures ranges from $13 to $60, while the iconic ones can cost around $170 or more. The rarest Pop can cost around $1,000 to $10,000, and some even reached $100,000 in value!
Nonetheless, the value of Pops goes up and down from time to time, so collecting the rarest design has a better potential for value increase in the long run.
Terms Every Fan Should Know
Pop! Vinyl "Flocked" Figure
If you’re a fan of plushies, the Pop “flocked” vinyl flocked figure will surely pique your interest. It is made from soft and fuzzy fibers with felt-like finishing. This variant is quite valuable and difficult to find since it is produced in limited numbers, just like a Chase figure in flocked form.
Pop! Vinyl "Chase" Figure
Another worth Pop collectible is Chase figures. As some fanatics said, there would only be one Chase figure in a box of Pops or for every six regular units produced. Although it does not differ much in value, the differences in features and accessories make these Chase variants worth collecting.
Pop! Vinyl "Vault"
Knowing whether or not a Pop is vaulted is essential if you’re seriously investing in these vinyl figures. However, don’t get confused - a “vault” doesn’t mean sealing Pops in a safe. Instead,
Pop vaults are figures that are phased out, or the production is discontinued. This benefits collectors since the fewer they are, the higher their value is.
Why Are They Popular?
Besides its cute features, collecting Funko Pops is fun as you can grab a specific character in different forms.
With huge fans trying to collect merch from their favorite movies, games, comics, artists, and even famous personalities, there is always a new Funko Pop to grab.
How Many Funko Pops Are There?
Based on the Funko app, there are over 24,000 product lines to collect, which may increase in the future.
Since the company continues to develop varying designs and acquire more licensing, the number of existing Funko Pops is temporary as they release new variants such as Mystery Minis, Rock Candy, and Vinyl Soda.
What’s The Most Expensive Funko Pop?
If you’re wondering what’s the most expensive Pop ever sold, the ClockWork Orange Glow in the Dark cost around $13,400. This Pop was released by Alex DeLarge and came with the signature of the company’s former CEO, Mariotti.
For avid Funko collectors, maybe the most expensive Pop is Stan Lee’s limited edition autographed chrome and gold variant, which is reportedly sold on eBay for $100,000 to $120,000. But where can you buy Funko Pops?
FAQs
Why are Funko Pops rare?
Pop figures are rare since they are often produced in limited runs, like the flocked and Chase variant. Moreover, its rarity is due to some figures being only sold at certain locations, such as Hot Topic, and some are exclusive at New York and San Diego Comic-Con.
Some get them through a monthly subscription box, like the Marvel collector corps giving away a mystery box every two months.
What was the first Funko Pop?
The first ever Pop produced is the Big Boy Wacky Wobblers bobblehead. This is the company’s oldest product and a must-have for Funko fans who simply love collecting.
On the other hand, it was only produced with 480 units, so getting this product is challenging and may cost a lot.
So, What Are Funko Pops?
Funko Pops is a must-have collection for everyone, featuring Popify versions of various characters from TV series, ads, movies, games, sports, books, comics, celebrities, and other well-known personalities.
These interesting collectibles are also available in different forms and lines, catering to almost everyone’s taste.
If you’re searching for the best Funko Pop and new figures to collect or give to your friends and family, don’t forget to check our website out!
Shop The Funko Pops Collection Now
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanverdon/2022/03/13/how-collectibles-brand-funko-became-a-1-billion-pop-culture-powerhouse/?sh=29dc8c3947f8
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/285291
