The Low Down on America’s New Favorite Toy Line – Funko Pops!
By now most people have heard of this popular brand of toy that’s been winning the hearts of fans of every age and genre for over 20 years now. Ever wonder how they got started and got as popular as they are today? Read on for some history and fun facts about Funko Pops!
What are Funko Pops?
Funko Pops are statue-type collectible toys that are usually about 4 inches in height, but there are some that are almost a foot tall! They come in hundreds of different styles, ranging from sports figures to cartoon characters. Movie characters, book characters and product mascots like Tony the Tiger have also been produced.
The Funko Big Boy coin bank
How were they invented?
After a fruitless search for a much-coveted collectible, a Big Boy coin bank, Mike Becker sought to create his own. After securing the licensing rights in 1998, Becker attempted to sell the reproduction Big Boy coin banks, but due to lack of interest they did not sell well. However, that was not the end of Funko. Becker then secured the licensing to produce bobble heads for the popular Mike Myers’ movie, Austin Powers, and successfully sold over 80,000 units. Becker then went on to design and sell other popular bobble heads such as The Grinch and the honeybee of Cheerios fame.
The company was eventually sold to Brian Mariotti, who expanded the line to include the likes of Marvel, Disney, and DC. The first Funko Pop Vinyls were created in 2011 and by 2012, they were wildly popular. The company was sold to a private equity firm in 2013 and then again to another firm in 2015 as the product line continued to expand and grow.
A Game of Thrones Gamestop-Exclusive Funko Pop
Why do people like them?
The best thing about Funko Pops is that there is something for everyone. There are literally hundreds of Pops from dozens of different franchises, so one would be hard-pressed to find one they didn’t like. Generally priced between $8.99 and $12.99, they make fun and affordable gifts. They are also highly collectible not only because of the wide range of characters available, but they also come in numbered boxes.
There are even limited-edition Pops that are highly sought after and can go for hundreds, even thousands of dollars on the secondary market. Many of these were made available only at comic book conventions in limited numbers. As of the writing of this article, the top 10 rarest Funko Pops are:
1. Mickey Mouse (Metallic)
2. Superman (Metallic costume)
3. Hopper from Stranger Things (Gold)
4. Freddy Funko as Count Chocula (Metallic)
5. Boo Berry (Glow in the dark)
6. Dumbo (Clown make up)
7. Darth Maul (Holographic)
8. Stan Lee (Metallic superhero costume)
9. Freddy Funko as Count Chocula (Glow in the dark)
10. Freddy Funko as Jaime Lannister (Bloody)
The rare Mickey Mouse metallic Funko Pop
Where can I find them?
Funko Pops are available at a multitude of retailers, even some unexpected places like Speedway gas stations! However, you can find an impressive selection right here at Wayout Toys & Collectibles, with new Funko Pops being added to the shelves regularly. And remember – these super collectible toys go FAST because of the wide array of fans they appeal to, so if you find one you need for your collection, you better snatch it up fast before someone else does!
What is your favorite Funko Pop franchise? Let us know in the comments below and share some pictures of your collection with us!