The Little Collectables That Took Over the World
It began in a garage. No, really. Like so many great pop culture stories, Funko’s origins can be traced back to a small-time operation with big-time ambition. In 1998, a nostalgic toy collector named Mike Becker started a company to recreate old-school bobbleheads. He had no idea that, within a decade, his tiny toy brand would evolve into a collecting phenomenon, producing millions of figures spanning movies, TV shows, video games, and more.
Today, Funko Pop! figures aren’t just collectables—they’re a cultural staple. They line store shelves worldwide, dominate convention floors, and have even sparked an entire subculture of collectors hunting rare and exclusive pieces. Whether you're just getting started or a seasoned collector, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from Funko history and size variations to the rarest Pops ever made and how to spot a fake.
The History of Funko Pop! Figures
The Funko story is a rollercoaster ride of creative ambition, licensing coups, and unexpected pop culture dominance. Let’s break it down.
The Humble Beginnings (1998-2005)
It all started when Mike Becker wanted a Big Boy bobblehead—the classic American diner mascot. When he couldn’t find one, he decided to make his own. Thus, Funko was born. The company initially focused on bobbleheads, creating characters from pop culture, but sales were modest.
Becker’s passion project gained momentum when Warner Bros. signed a deal with Funko in the early 2000s, allowing them to produce bobbleheads of Batman, Looney Tunes, and other iconic properties. The company started to gain traction, but it was still a niche operation.
The Birth of Pop! Vinyl (2010)
Everything changed in 2010, when Funko unveiled the Pop! Vinyl line at San Diego Comic-Con. The first-ever Funko Pops were based on DC Comics characters (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.), and they sold out instantly. The Pop! design—oversized head, tiny body, round black eyes—was simple but incredibly versatile, allowing virtually any character to be Funko-fied.
Funko Fans at New York Comic-Con 2018 - Image: BrooklynVegan
The Boom Era (2011-Present)
Funko exploded in popularity throughout the 2010s, securing licenses for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Stranger Things, and hundreds more. The company diversified into exclusive collectables, including Chase variants, convention exclusives, and limited-run Grails that became the holy grail for collectors.
Today, Funko dominates the collectables industry, producing over 20,000 different figures. Whether you’re into superheroes, anime, horror movies, or sports legends, there’s a Funko Pop for you.
Funko Pop! Sizes & Dimensions
While the standard Funko Pop! size is the most common, there are several variations designed for different collecting preferences. Here’s a breakdown of Funko sizes:
| Funko Type | Approximate Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pop! | 9 cm (3.75 inches) | The classic Funko size |
| Jumbo Pop! | 25 cm (10 inches) | Larger display pieces |
| Mega Pop! | 46 cm (18 inches) | Gigantic statement figures |
| Pocket Pop! | 4 cm (1.5 inches) | Keychain versions |
| Pop! Rides | Varies | Includes vehicles (e.g., Batmobile) |
| Pop! Moments | Varies | Diorama-like scenes |
The Rarest & Most Expensive Funko Pops
Some Funko Pops sell for thousands of pounds. Here are some of the rarest and most valuable:
Top 5 Most Valuable Funko Pops
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SDCC Metallic Dumbo (2012) – Sold for over £7,000
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Clockwork Orange (Glow-in-the-Dark Chase) (2012) – Sold for £10,000+
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Holographic Darth Maul (2012 SDCC Exclusive) – Valued at £2,500+
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Golden Ticket 2-Pack (Willy Wonka) – Fetches £6,500+
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Freddy Funko as Count Chocula (Metallic) – £4,000+
These Pops were often produced in tiny quantities (as low as 12 units), making them incredibly hard to find.
The Willy Wonka Golden Ticket 2 Pack sold for over £6,500 - Image: Silver Toy Shop
How to Spot Fake Funko Pops
As Funko’s popularity has grown, so has the counterfeit market. Here’s how to spot a fake:
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Box discrepancies – Fake Pops often have blurry logos, incorrect fonts, or misaligned text.
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Paint job errors – Real Funko Pops have clean lines; fakes may have sloppy paint.
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Sticker inconsistencies – Exclusive stickers should be glossy and high-quality.
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Serial number – Genuine Pops have an engraved or stamped number on the bottom.
Funko Pop FAQs
Q: Should I keep my Funko Pops in the box?
Collectors are divided! In-box collectors maintain value, while out-of-box collectors display them freely.
Q: How do I check my Funko Pop’s value?
Use price guides like Pop Price Guide or HobbyDB.
Q: Can Funko Pops be cleaned?
Yes! Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove dust.
And there you have it, Just a Shop, Sir's ultimate guide to Funko Pop! figures! You can check out our every growing collection of Funko Pop! figures here, and be sure to let us know in the comments below about your rarest Funko Pop!
