Funko Pop!: A Collector’s Guide to the Pop Culture Phenomenon

Few modern collectibles are as instantly recognisable as Funko Pop! figures. With their oversized heads, distinctive black eyes and seemingly endless range of characters, Funko Pops have become a huge part of contemporary collecting.

From Star Wars and Marvel to musicians, sports stars, cult films and classic television, thousands of characters have been transformed into Pop! figures.

But where did Funko Pops come from, why do people collect them, and what makes some figures more desirable than others?

What Are Funko Pops?

Funko Pops are stylised vinyl figures produced by American collectibles company Funko.

Most standard figures follow the familiar Pop! design: a relatively small body, oversized head and simplified facial features. Rather than trying to create a completely realistic miniature of a character, Funko uses a recognisable house style across its enormous range of licences.

That consistency is part of their appeal. Characters from completely different films, television programmes, games and other areas of popular culture can all sit together as part of the same collection.

When Did Funko Pops Start?

Funko itself was founded in 1998, initially producing nostalgic toys and bobbleheads.

The Pop! range emerged much later, with the format beginning to take shape around 2010 before being introduced more widely in the early 2010s.

It proved enormously successful.

Funko was able to combine a relatively simple collectible format with characters people already loved. As new licences, characters and variations appeared, Pop! figures quickly developed into a major collecting category of their own.

Why Are Funko Pops So Popular?

One of the biggest reasons is simply the enormous variety available.

A collector might concentrate entirely on one franchise, while another could build a collection around favourite films, musicians or television characters.

There are Funko Pops covering areas including:

• Film and television
• Comic books and superheroes
• Music
• Video games
• Anime
• Sport
• Horror
• Science fiction
• Cartoons and animation

This makes the range accessible to both serious collectors and people who simply want a figure of a favourite character.

What Makes a Funko Pop Collectible?

Not every Funko Pop is rare or valuable. Many are produced in large numbers and remain relatively inexpensive.

Others can become much harder to find.

Several things can affect collectability, including the character, franchise, production numbers, age and whether a particular version was exclusive to an event or retailer.

Discontinued figures can also attract collector interest once they are no longer being produced.

Funko collectors commonly refer to discontinued figures as being “vaulted.”

Exclusives and Limited Editions

One of the biggest areas of Funko collecting is exclusive releases.

Certain figures or variations have been produced specifically for particular retailers, conventions or events. These can sometimes be identified by stickers on the original packaging.

There are also variations of existing figures, including different costumes, poses and finishes.

Some figures may glow in the dark, use metallic finishes or feature alternative colours.

For collectors, these differences can turn what appears to be the same character into several distinct collectibles.

Does the Box Matter?

For many collectors, absolutely.

While some people remove their figures and display them out of the box, others prefer to keep them completely boxed.

As a result, the condition of the packaging can be important when buying or selling collectible Funko Pops.

Creases, tears, dents, damaged windows and faded packaging can all affect how desirable an item is to a collector who wants an example in excellent condition.

That doesn't mean an unboxed Pop has no value. Plenty of collectors are primarily interested in the figure itself. But when dealing with harder-to-find examples, original packaging can make a significant difference.

Are Funko Pops Valuable?

Some can be, but simply being a Funko Pop doesn't make something valuable.

Like most collectibles, prices depend on supply and demand.

A common figure produced in large quantities may remain inexpensive for years, while a discontinued or limited figure connected with a popular character can become much more sought after.

Trends can change too. A new film, television series, anniversary or renewed interest in a particular franchise can suddenly bring older collectibles back into the spotlight.

For that reason, it's better to research the specific figure and edition rather than assuming that an older Funko Pop must be valuable.

How to Identify a Funko Pop

If you've picked up an older Pop and want to research it, start with the box.

Look for the character name, collection or franchise, figure number and any stickers indicating a particular edition or exclusive release.

Small differences matter.

Two figures featuring the same character aren't necessarily the same release, so compare the exact design, packaging and edition when looking at previous sales or other examples online.

What Should You Look for When Buying Funko Pops?

Collectors should consider more than just the character on the front of the box.

Check the condition of both the figure and packaging, particularly if you're buying something described as collectible or rare.

It's also worth checking exactly which edition you're buying. Popular and valuable collectibles can attract counterfeits, so unusually cheap examples of supposedly rare figures deserve closer inspection.

Most importantly, collect the things you actually like.

A collection built around favourite films, characters, musicians or franchises is likely to be much more enjoyable than buying figures purely because somebody says they might become valuable.

From Toys to Modern Collectibles

Funko Pops demonstrate how quickly the world of collecting can change.

Traditional collecting might bring to mind coins, stamps, vinyl records or vintage toys, but today's collectors are just as likely to be searching for figures based on a film released only a few years ago.

Some Funko Pops will remain common. Others will disappear from shops, become harder to find and eventually become collectibles representing a particular period of popular culture.

And with new characters and franchises continually entering the range, there's always another one to look out for.

At Supernova Heights, we're interested in collectibles from across music, film, television and popular culture — from vintage pieces to modern finds.