Funko Pop figures: hobbies, style and way to express yourself

Funko Pop figures have long gone beyond ordinary toys and became a real cultural phenomenon. These miniature vinyl characters with recognizable features-large heads, black shoes and minimalist design-flooded the regiments of collectors around the world. In this material we will analyze what figures are Funko PopTo whom they are interesting, what types are, how to collect them and where it is best to purchase.

What is Funko Pop?

Funko Pop is a line of collection vinyl figures produced by the American company Funko Inc. Since 2010. The main feature of these figures is “Chibi-style”: a disproportionately large head, a small body, simplified facial features and lack of mouth.

Each figure is a stylized image of a character from films, series, video games, comics, anime, music and even sports icons or real personalities. All products are made under an official license, which ensures high quality performance and recognition of heroes.

For whom are Funko Pop figures interesting?

Funko Pop will be interested in a wide circle of people:

• Gyks and fans are fans of certain franchises (Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Office, Stranger Things, etc.).
• Collectors are people who are fond of collecting thematic or rare specimens.
• Children and adolescents — like an alternative to toys or a way to decorate a room.
• Office workers — figures often become part of the working decor.
• Gifters-POP figures-a popular gift for any occasion.

Often, collectors pick up POPs for themselves — in their favorite films, music groups, interests or even external resemblance to the character.

What are the types of Funko Pop figures?

The Funko Pop line is extremely diverse. Main varieties:

Standard Pop (Standard Pop)

Height is about 9-10 cm, represented in a rectangular box with a transparent window. This is the most massive type.

Oversized Pop (Jumbo and Super-Sized)

Large figures — from 15 to 25 cm, most often these are large characters (for example, dragons, giants).

Pop! Rides

The figures that come with the vehicle: Dart Vader in the Tie Feiter, Dean Winchester in “Impala”, etc.

Pop! Moments and Movie Scenes

Whole scenes from films and series with several characters and background.

Exclusions (Exclusive pops)

Rare publications released in a limited circulation:

• Store Exclusives (Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.)
• Convention Exclusives (Comic Con, ECCC)
• Glow-In-The-Dark, Flocked, Metallic, Diamond-options with coating features.

Chase version

Rare variations of standard figures that accidentally fall in the box (frequency — about 1 to 6). They differ in color, pose or accessories.

How to purchase Funko Pop figures?

Wisely:

• Look at the Pop’s identification number (in the corner of the box) — it helps to determine the series.
• Pay attention to the state of packaging — this is important for collectors.
• Follow the exclusives and releases of Comic Con — many of them grow in price over time.
• Check the price on Poppriceguide or HobbyDB so as not to overpay.
• Use FUNKO App type to track the collection and prices.

How to start and conduct a collection?

The creation of the Funko Pop collection is a real fascinating hobby. Here’s how to start:

Decide on the topic

Choose a franchise or direction (for example, only Marvel, or only rock musicians, or heroes of the 90s).

Start with basic figures

Do not chase in rare specimens at the beginning. The main collection will help to understand how much you like this activity.

Storage and exposure

• Leave the figures in the boxes if you want to save them in perfect form.
• Shoes, shelves, racks with backlight give the collection a spectacular look.
• There are special protectors and acrylic boxes for rare POPs.

Accounting and cataloging

• Take a list of your collection.

Follow the market

Some figures become real investments. So, POP from Bob Ross, Dart Molom or Hakoy from One Piece can cost ten times more than a face value.

Why collect Funko Pop?

Hobbies and pleasure

This is a way to express your affection for your favorite characters, series or music.

Decor and atmosphere

Figures make the interior more lively, especially in offices, studios and geek rooms.

Community

Passion unites people: forums, clubs, groups on social networks, joint hunts for rare POPs.

Investments

Some figures over the years increase in price by 10-50 times. For example, Holographic Darth Maul (2012) now costs more than $ 2,000.

Nostalgia

For many, this is a return to childhood: to collect heroes of cartoons, films or games in which they grew up.

By and large, Funko Pop is not just figures, it is a way of self-expression, lifestyle, pop cultural art and one of the most affordable and fascinating hobbies. Regardless of age and interests, you will almost certainly find a character that is close to you. The main thing is to start. And then the collection will be replenished by itself: according to the guns of friends, by inspiration or simply because this Pop reminded you of something important.