Discover what Funko Pops are, how they’re made, and where they come from. This complete guide explains their origins, design process, and production in clear, collector-friendly detail.
Funko Pop figures are stylised vinyl collectibles inspired by characters from pop culture - including films, TV shows, games, anime, sports, and real-world icons. With oversized heads, round black eyes (mostly), and simplified body shapes, their design is instantly recognisable. Most stand around 3.75 to 4 inches tall (9.5cm to 10cm) and come in clear-front display boxes that are often collected as carefully as the figures themselves.
Their appeal comes from a massive range of licences, regular new releases, and a visual style that makes them instantly collectible. Today, there are over 8,000 officially released Pops - and that number keeps growing.
Looking to start a collection? Head over to Should You Start Collecting Funko Pops?
Funko began in 1998 when founder Mike Becker started making nostalgic bobbleheads. The company’s first real success came with an Austin Powers figure, which sold over 80,000 units and saved the business from early financial struggles.
In 2005, collector Brian Mariotti took over the company and shifted its focus to mass licensing. Deals with Warner Bros., Marvel, and Disney helped Funko transition from novelty bobbleheads to stylised vinyl figures.
Funko’s Pop! Vinyl line launched in 2010 with a Batman figure from the 1960s TV series. The format quickly took off. By 2016, Funko’s annual revenue exceeded $400 million, and Pop! Vinyl had become the brand’s flagship product.
Each Funko Pop goes through a multi-stage process that blends design creativity with large-scale manufacturing efficiency.
Funko’s artists begin by sculpting digital models in ZBrush, adapting character details into the stylised Pop format. Size, pose, and features are all refined until they strike the right balance between recognisability and Funko’s aesthetic. .
Because Pops are based on licensed IP, every design is reviewed by the franchise owner (like Marvel, Disney, or Lucasfilm). This ensures the likeness and branding are correct before production begins.
Once approved, physical prototypes are 3D printed and reviewed for final tweaks. These help confirm sculpt details, weight, and how the Pop will sit in its packaging.
Steel moulds are created to shape the vinyl parts. The figures are then made using rotational casting, where liquid vinyl (usually PVC) is spun inside the mould to form a hollow figure that’s lightweight but sturdy.
Despite common belief, Funko Pops are not individually hand-painted. Most standard figures are decorated using a combination of automated airbrushing, spray painting, pad printing, and factory-applied detailing. Limited editions may receive more manual work, but the process is streamlined for scale.
For size details, check out my Funko Pop Size Guide
Each finished figure is placed into a window box with character-specific artwork and product details. Stickered variants (such as exclusives or Chases) are added at this stage.
Want to learn more about sticker types and Chase variants? Visit my Funko Pop Sticker Guide
Funko Pops are widely available from both major retailers and specialist stores. If you’re based in the UK, here are my tried, tested and trusted options:
Looking for bargains? Check out Where to Find the Best Funko Pop Sales and Deals in the UK
Not finding what you want to know? DM me at @LeePepCollects
While the exact number fluctuates, it’s safe to say there are now over 8,000 officially released Pops, covering every major fandom imaginable. From Star Wars to Stranger Things, and BTS to My Hero Academia, there’s a Pop for nearly every fan.
No. The majority of painting is done using automated factory techniques like airbrushing and spray painting. Some limited editions may involve manual detail work, but most are decorated in bulk for consistency.
Most are made from vinyl, specifically PVC. Some parts use ABS plastic, and packaging includes cardboard and PET plastic inserts.
The process involves sculpting, prototyping, casting, painting, and packaging. Pops are made in high-volume factories, primarily in China and Vietnam.
A vaulted Pop is one that’s been officially retired and is no longer in production. These often become more valuable over time due to limited availability.
Funko Pops might seem simple at first glance, but behind every figure is a process that combines licensing, design, manufacturing, and mass appeal. Whether you're just curious or building your knowledge as a collector, understanding how Pops are made gives you a whole new appreciation for what’s on your shelf.
Explore more tips and guides on my Lee Pep Collects Blog
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