Introduction
Over the past few years, Funko Pops have taken the collectible world by storm. These little vinyl figures, with their oversized heads and cute designs, can be found in homes and offices all around the world. If you’re looking to start your own Funko Pop collection, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about Funko Pops, including how many there are, which ones you should be collecting, and much more.
The Ultimate Guide to Funko Pops: How Many Are There and Which Ones Should You Be Collecting?
Before you start buying Funko Pops willy-nilly, it’s important to get a handle on the various lines available. Some of the most popular include:
- Pop! Vinyl
- Pop! Keychains
- Pop! Pez
- Pop! Movies
- Pop! Animation
- Pop! TV
- Pop! Sports
- Pop! Games
- Pocket Pop! Keychains
One of the first things you’ll notice when looking at Funko Pops is that there are figures available for just about every pop culture franchise or character you can think of. From Star Wars and Marvel to Stranger Things and The Office, if it has a fanbase, there’s a good chance there’s a Funko Pop of it. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.
One good strategy is to focus on a particular franchise or genre you’re passionate about. If you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, for example, you might want to start by collecting all the Star Wars Pop! Vinyl figures. This approach can also make it easier to identify rarer, hard-to-find figures that you might not have even known existed.
Speaking of rare and hard-to-find, there are certain Funko Pops that are much more coveted than others. “Chase” figures, for example, are the same as regular figures except for a subtle difference (such as a different colored outfit) and are generally much rarer and more expensive. Then there are figures that were only available at certain events, such as Comic-Con or other conventions. These limited-edition runs can be some of the most sought-after Funko Pops around.
Stepping into the World of Funko Pops: A Look at the Countless Characters and Collections!
As we’ve already mentioned, there’s a Funko Pop for just about every character or franchise you can think of. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Marvel characters, including the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy
- Star Wars characters, including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca
- Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Elsa from Frozen, and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story
- DC Comics characters, including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman
- Harry Potter characters, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Voldemort
- Game of Thrones characters, including Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister
- The Office characters, including Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, and Jim Halpert
- Stranger Things characters, including Eleven, Dustin, and the Demogorgon
- The Beatles, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr
- And many, many more!
While these are some of the most popular and well-known Funko Pop collections, there are plenty of other options out there for collectors with more niche interests. For example, there are figures based on cult classic films like The Big Lebowski and The Princess Bride, as well as bands like KISS and Aerosmith. And if you’re a sports fan, you can find Funko Pops of NBA players, NFL stars, and even WWE wrestlers.
For many fans, part of the appeal of Funko Pops is the chance to own a little piece of something that’s meaningful to them. Whether it’s a character from a favorite movie or TV show, or a figure based on a beloved musician, Funko Pops can serve as tangible reminders of the media we love.
Funko Pops: A Complete Catalog of Every Figure Ever Released!
Trying to keep track of every Funko Pop figure ever produced is a daunting task – there are just so many! That said, several websites and databases have attempted to compile comprehensive lists. One of the most popular is the Pop Price Guide, where you can search for specific figures or browse by category.
Some Funko Pop collections are so large that they’ve spawned their own sub-series of figures. For example, the original Star Wars Funko Pops have inspired several lines of “Star Wars Moments” figures, which depict scenes from the movies in a diorama-like display. Other sub-series include figures based on specific video games, TV shows, or even actors like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
While it might not be feasible to try to collect every single Funko Pop figure out there, many collectors enjoy having a complete collection of figures from a particular franchise or series. It can be especially satisfying to see a display that showcases all the different variations of a beloved character or scene.
The Funko Pop Phenomenon: How This Simple Toy Became the Hottest Collectible of the 21st Century
The origins of Funko Pops can be traced back to 1998, when the first figures were produced based on the popular bobblehead style. However, it wasn’t until the early 2010s that Funko Pops as we know them really took off in popularity.
Part of the appeal of Funko Pops is their affordability – most figures cost between $10 and $15, making them a relatively low-cost way to show off your fandom. But there’s also something about their design that seems to resonate with people. The oversized heads and blank expressions lend themselves to customization – you can find plenty of online tutorials and videos on how to paint or modify your Funko Pops to make them your own.
Funko Pops have also benefited from savvy marketing. The company has partnered with a wide range of other brands and franchises – from Marvel and Star Wars to MLB and NASCAR – to release limited-edition or exclusive figures that are only available through specific vendors or channels. This builds excitement and anticipation among collectors, who know that they need to act fast to get their hands on these rare figures.
Filling Your Shelves with Fun: Fun(ko) Ways to Display Your Funko Pop Collection!
As any collector knows, displaying your collection can be just as important as the collecting itself. Funko Pops are no exception – after all, what’s the point of owning all these cute figures if you can’t show them off?
One popular strategy is to group your Funko Pops by theme or character. For example, you might have a section of your shelf dedicated to all your Star Wars figures, while another area is reserved for Game of Thrones. You can also get creative with the placement of your figures – arrange them in a diorama-style display, or even use them to create your own scenes or tableaus.
If you’re looking for affordable ways to display your Funko Pops, there are plenty of DIY options available. For example, you might use old picture frames to create mini-box displays for your figures, or build custom shelves out of inexpensive materials like PVC piping. And of course, there are plenty of commercial Funko Pop display cases and stands available to buy if you’re willing to spend a little extra cash.
Beyond the Toy Box: The Cultural Significance of Funko Pops
While Funko Pops might seem like nothing more than fun, cute toys, their impact on popular culture runs deeper than that. For many fans, Funko Pops have become a way to connect with others who share their interests and passions. Online forums, social media groups, and even in-person meetups give collectors a chance to swap stories, trade figures, and connect with like-minded individuals.
There’s also a nostalgic aspect to Funko Pops that can’t be ignored. Many of the most popular figures represent characters or franchises that have been around for decades, from Star Wars to The Beatles. In a world where everything seems to move so quickly, there’s something comforting about having a little reminder of something that’s been around for so long.
Finally, there’s the fact that Funko Pops serve as a marker of the ongoing nerd culture explosion. For years, fans of things like comic books, video games, and sci-fi movies were deemed “weird” or “nerdy.” But as these interests have become more mainstream, so too have the collectibles associated with them. Funko Pops are now available at major retailers like Walmart and Target, further cementing their place in popular culture.
Conclusion
So, how many Funko Pops are there? At last count, somewhere around 8,000. But as any collector knows, it’s not the quantity that matters – it’s the quality. Whether you’re just starting your Funko Pop collection or have been at it for years, we hope this guide has given you a greater appreciation for these cute, quirky figures. Remember, while they might just be toys, Funko Pops also have the power to spark joy, nostalgia, and even some valuable life lessons.