The Ultimate Guide to Funko Pops: History, Value, and Legacy

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Funko Pops are one of the most recognizable and beloved collectibles in the world, capturing the hearts of fans and collectors with their distinctive style and diverse range of franchises. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the history, value, and legacy of Funko Pops, including the different types and what makes them so special.

History of Funko Pops

Funko is a pop culture collectibles company based in Everett, Washington, founded in 1998. The first Funko Pop vinyl figures were released in 2010, featuring characters from franchises such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Star Wars. Since then, Funko Pops have become one of the most popular and recognizable collectible items, with thousands of different figures released covering a wide range of franchises, including movies, TV shows, video games, music, and more.

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Types of Funko Pops

Funko Pops come in several different types, each offering its own unique style and appeal. The most popular type of Funko Pop is the standard vinyl figure, featuring the classic large head and small body design. However, there are also several other types of Funko Pops, including:

• Flocked Funko Pops: featuring a furry texture, often used for animal characters or characters with a lot of hair.

• Glow-in-the-Dark Funko Pops: featuring a special glow-in-the-dark paint, used for characters that are especially spooky or magical.

• Metallic Funko Pops: featuring a shiny metallic paint, used for characters that are especially flashy or powerful.

• Clear Funko Pops: featuring a transparent material, used for characters that are especially ghostly or otherworldly.

What Makes a Funko Pop Valuable?

Several factors can impact the value of a Funko Pop and make it increase over time: rarity, condition, popularity, age, demand, limited releases, and limited production runs. Funko Pops that are rare or limited edition, in excellent condition, featuring popular characters, and in high demand are more likely to increase in value.

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For example, Funko Pops that were part of special releases, such as exclusive releases through specific retailers or events, or produced in limited quantities are often more valuable. Older Funko Pops, especially those from discontinued lines or limited edition releases, are also more likely to increase in value over time.

It's important to do your research and consult multiple sources, such as online marketplaces, Funko Pop price guides, social media, and local collectible shops, to determine the value and potential for growth of a Funko Pop.

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The Legacy of Funko Pops

Today, Funko Pops are a staple of pop culture, with millions of fans and collectors around the world. The company remains at the forefront of the collectibles industry, consistently releasing new and exciting products that continue to captivate fans and collectors alike. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of Funko Pops, there's never been a better time to dive into this exciting and endlessly fascinating hobby.

1. "Funko: A Guide to Collecting the Pop Culture Phenomenon" by Forbes (forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2017/08/29/funko-a-guide-to-collecting-the-pop-culture-phenomenon/)

2. "How to Start Collecting Funko Pops: A Guide for Beginners" by PopSugar (popsugar.com/entertainment/how-start-collecting-funko-pops-44907902)

3. "The History of Funko and Its Rise to Pop Culture Dominance" by Mental Floss (mentalfloss.com/article/552903/history-funko-and-its-rise-pop-culture-dominance)

4. "The Economics of Funko Pops: Why They're So Popular and Valuable" by The Ringer (theringer.com/funko-pop-collecting-value-rarity-condition-a56b5a5f5d5e)

5. "Funko Pops: What Makes Them So Popular Among Collectors?" by Comic Book (comicbook.com/toys/news/what-makes-funko-pops-so-popular-among-collectors/)

6. "The Top 10 Most Valuable Funko Pops" by Pop Price Guide (poppriceguide.com/news/top-10-most-valuable-funko-pops)

7. "How to Grade Your Funko Pops for Maximum Value" by Beckett Grading Services (beckett.com/grading/services/grading-funko-pops-maximum-value)