The Funko Pop Phenomenon
Funko Pops are more than just vinyl figures – they’re a celebration of fandom. Designed and produced by the pop culture powerhoyse that is Funko, these collectible icons have become a global sensation. Each Funko Pop immortalises a character, scene, or moment from a wide array of popular culture, spanning blockbuster movies, hit TV shows, chart-topping video games, bestselling comics, and even nostalgic retro toys.
The charm of Funko Pops lies in their incredible diversity. Are you a Marvel enthusiast with a soft spot for The Avengers? Perhaps you’re a Harry Potter fan dreaming of Hogwarts, or maybe you’re a gamer looking to add a character from Fortnite or The Legend of Zelda to your collection. No matter your interests, Funko Pops offer something for everyone.
What’s more, Funko regularly collaborates with franchises across the entertainment world, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to discover. From exclusive limited-edition figures to creative mash-ups and holiday-themed releases, Funko Pops are designed to keep collectors on their toes.
Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars Funko Pop concepts - Image Credit: Lee Pep, 2024.
Iconic Designs for Every Fan
What makes Funko Pops so instantly recognisable is their unique design. Featuring exaggerated chibi-style oversized heads, expressive large eyes, and simplified faces, these figures have a playful charm that appeals to fans of all ages. Despite their small size – typically standing at 3.75 inches tall – Funko Pops are bursting with detail, bringing characters to life in a compact and collectable form.
Whether it’s a Jedi wielding a lightsaber, a superhero in mid-action pose, or a beloved animated character with all their quirks, Funko Pops capture the essence of each personality. And their versatility doesn’t stop there! Special releases such as glow-in-the-dark variants, flocked (fuzzy) textures, or metallic finishes make each figure even more exciting and distinctive.
Whether you’re into superheroes, Disney classics, or TV characters, you’ll find Funko Pops to suit every interest.
Explore the full range at Funko Europe here!
Funko’s ability to bring characters from so many fandoms – from blockbuster franchises like Marvel and Star Wars to nostalgic favourites like Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes – means there’s something for everyone. Check out my Funko Pop Size Guide here to learn more about how these figures will stack up in your collection.
Hit video game, Funko Fusion. Image courtesy of Funko Fusion, © 10:10 Games and Funko.
A Collector’s Dream
For fans and collectors alike, Funko Pops offer more than just a figure – they deliver an experience. Part of their magic lies in their sheer variety. With thousands of designs across every genre imaginable, there’s always a new treasure to add to your collection. From rare exclusives found only at Comic-Con events to store-specific releases, the hunt for your next "holy-grail" Funko Pop can be just as thrilling as owning it.
Funko also keeps the excitement alive with frequent new releases, including holiday-themed figures, creative mash-ups, and tributes to trending characters or franchises. Whether you’re searching for a vaulted Pop that’s long out of production or tracking down the latest limited-edition chase variant, every collector can find their own unique adventure in the world of Funko.
Check out the Funko Pop bundles and Chase Bundles at Zinga Entertainment here!
And it’s not just about owning them – Funko Pops have become a way to connect with fellow fans and share your passion. Whether you’re building a display shelf dedicated to your favourite franchise or trading exclusives with other collectors, Funko Pops inspire a sense of community and joy.
Lee Pep about to open a surprise Funko Pop box.
The Origins of Funko Pops!
Ever wonder how Funko Pops came to be? Like all great things, they started with a big idea… and a little Big Boy.
Back in 1998, in the quiet town of Everett, Washington, a toy collector named Mike Becker and his wife, Claudia, had a dream. Mike wanted a Big Boy restaurant coin bank for his collection but couldn’t find one that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. So, instead of giving up, he did what any toy enthusiast would do – he decided to make one himself! Funko was born, and its first product was a quirky Big Boy coin bank. Unfortunately, it didn’t exactly fly off the shelves, but hey, every legend has to start somewhere, right?!
Refusing to give up, Mike and his small team shifted gears and started making bobbleheads. Their first modest hit? Austin Powers bobbleheads that grooved their way into 80,000 homes (Groovy, baby!). Funko was finally starting to gain some traction.
Fast-forward to 2005, and Funko’s story got a major plot twist. Mike passed the torch to Brian Mariotti, who took over as CEO and moved the company to Lynnwood, Washington. Brian had big plans – and by big, we mean pop culture domination. Under his leadership, Funko snagged licensing deals with all the heavy hitters: Warner Bros., Disney, Marvel – you name it. It wasn’t long before Funko set the stage for their biggest creation yet - the Pop! Vinyl line.
In 2010, Funko Pops burst onto the scene, ready to take over the world – one adorable oversized head at a time. Originally dubbed "Funko Force 2.0," these figures made their grand debut at San Diego Comic-Con. The first official Funko Pop? None other than Batman from the classic 1960s TV show. Fans couldn’t get enough of these quirky collectibles, and the rest is history. Today, Funko Pops have sold over a billion units, and they’re still going strong, proving that sometimes, the most awesome things come in small packages.
The art of licensing
At the heart of Funko’s success is its unmatched ability to secure licensing agreements with some of the biggest names in entertainment. From iconic franchises like Harry Potter and Marvel to cult classics like Stranger Things and The Office, Funko has partnered with an incredible variety of brands to bring fans their favourite characters in Pop! form.
This licensing strategy has given Funko Pops access to characters from blockbuster movies, hit TV series, bestselling video games, and beloved comic books. Whether it’s an Avenger ready for action, a wizard from Hogwarts, or a retro character from your childhood, these partnerships have made Funko Pops irresistible to fans. By working directly with these franchises, Funko ensures authenticity and keeps their products front and centre in pop culture.
DC, Disney, Marvel, Pokemon and Harry Potter - Just some of the franchises to explore with Funko.
Collectibility
What makes Funko Pops a collector’s dream? With thousands of unique designs and a constantly growing roster of characters, Funko Pops provide endless opportunities to build your perfect collection. Whether you’re completing a set of classic superheroes, hunting for limited-edition exclusives, or curating a shelf of quirky movie villains, there’s a Funko Pop! for everyone.
From glow-in-the-dark variants to flocked textures and metallic finishes, Funko offers exciting twists on its figures to keep collectors coming back for more. The thrill of hunting for a rare chase figure or nabbing an exclusive release only adds to the excitement, making Funko Pops more than just toys – they’re treasures that tell a story about your fandom.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Funko Pop Collection.
Affordability
One of the reasons Funko Pops have become so wildly popular is their affordability. Unlike high-end collectibles such as action figures or statues, Funko Pops are budget-friendly, making them accessible to fans of all ages and income levels. Whether you’re a casual collector picking up a Funko Pop! of your favourite character or a dedicated enthusiast building an entire wall of figures, Funko Pops allow you to grow your collection without breaking the bank.
This accessibility is a big part of their appeal. Fans can start small, with just one or two Pops, and gradually expand their collection as they discover new fandoms and characters. Affordable, fun, and full of personality, Funko Pops make the world of collecting something everyone can enjoy.
Funko Pop! Neel from the hit Disney+ show, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Nostalgia
Funko Pops tap into one of the most powerful emotions for fans and collectors - nostalgia. By bringing characters from beloved franchises across decades to life, these figures evoke memories of cherished moments and favourite childhood heroes. Whether it’s a classic Disney princess, a retro video game icon like Sonic the Hedgehog, or a movie character that takes you back to your youth, Funko Pops connect fans to the stories and characters they hold dear.
For many, collecting Funko Pops is like opening a time capsule – a way to relive the magic of Star Wars, the humour of Saturday morning cartoons, or the excitement of playing that first console game. These figures don’t just sit on a shelf; they serve as a gateway to treasured memories and emotional connections, making them irresistible to collectors of all ages.
Funko Pop Batman and Funko Pop The Joker with classic sound effect bubbles.
Variety
If there’s one thing Funko Pops excel at, it’s variety. Covering an astounding range of pop culture genres, Funko Pops bring characters from movies, TV shows, animation, video games, sports, and more into your collection. Whether you’re into blockbuster franchises like Marvel and Game of Thrones, timeless classics like The Simpsons, or even niche favourites like The Golden Girls, there’s truly something for everyone.
Check out the huge variety of Funko Pops at CMPOP here!
Funko doesn’t stop at the obvious. With frequent new releases, exclusive designs, and creative mash-ups, they ensure collectors are always excited for what’s next. From seasonal holiday figures to Comic-Con exclusives, the diversity of Funko Pops guarantees there’s always a new addition to suit your tastes, keeping the world of collecting fresh and exciting.
Some OG Star Wars Funko Pops and some Limited Editions too!
Community and Fandom
Collecting Funko Pops isn’t just about the figures – it’s about the community. Across the globe, fans come together to celebrate their shared love for these quirky collectibles. Whether it’s through social media groups, online forums, or in-person events like Funko Fridays or Pop Swap meets, the Funko community is a vibrant and welcoming space for enthusiasts to connect.
Collectors share photos of their prized displays, trade exclusives, and swap tips for hunting down rare Pops. Funko conventions and fan events are also huge highlights, offering opportunities to meet like-minded fans and score exclusive releases. This sense of camaraderie has helped fuel the Funko craze, making it more than a hobby – it’s a cultural movement that unites fans of all ages and interests.
Want to see this community in action? A quick search on social media will reveal a world of creativity and passion, where Funko fans showcase their collections and celebrate their fandoms.
Excited to open a huge box of Funko Pops to add to my growing collection!