The Complete Collector’s Guide to the World of Funko

Funko Inc. is an American company known for creating licensed and limited pop culture collectibles—including the wildly popular Pop! Vinyl figures. The company was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker and Claudia Becker in Snohomish, Washington, with a goal to produce low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys. Their first success came from licensing bobbleheads for Austin Powers, which sold over 80,000 units.

After early struggles, Funko found its stride in bobbleheads and officially entered the mainstream. In 2005, Mike Becker sold the company to Brian Mariotti, who expanded its scope, relocated to Lynnwood, WA, and transformed Funko into a global pop culture empire.

Introduced in 2010, Funko Pop! Vinyl figures are stylized collectible toys featuring exaggerated designs, typically with:

• A large, square-shaped head
   
• Small body
   
• Minimal facial features (large round black eyes, small nose, no mouth)
   

These figures draw inspiration from chibi aesthetics and depict characters from movies, TV shows, video games, anime, comics, music, sports, and real-life celebrities.

The first Funko Pop! prototypes were shown at San Diego Comic-Con 2010, with a full reveal at New York Toy Fair 2011—featuring characters from DC Comics.

Funko has created thousands of Pops across dozens of product lines. Here's a breakdown:

3.75-inch vinyl figures featuring licensed characters from nearly every major fandom.

Characters paired with their iconic vehicles.

Figures paired with landmark buildings or locations.

Detailed dioramas of iconic scenes or characters in dynamic poses.

Figures displayed alongside iconic album art or movie posters in case displays.

Miniature 1-inch versions of Funko Pops, released in blind box 4-packs.

Multiple characters interacting in fully sculpted scenes or dramatic moments.

Funko has created Chase Variants (rarer versions of standard Pops) with differences like:

• Glow-in-the-dark finishes
   
• Flocked textures (fuzzy)
   
• Alternate colorways or poses
   

These are typically packed 1 in 6 and appear randomly in shipments. Some are exclusive to retail partners (e.g., Walmart, Hot Topic, Target), while others are event exclusives only found at conventions like SDCC and NYCC.

Funko holds 1,100+ licenses with major companies, including:

• Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Warner Bros.
   
• Paramount, NBCUniversal, Netflix, and more
   
• Anime brands like Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia
   
• Music artists from BTS to Freddie Mercury
   
• Sports figures including Michael Jordan and MLB players
   

They’ve also partnered with real-life icons like Stan Lee, Snoop Dogg (via the “Dogg House” store), and even brands like Big Boy, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s.

• 2017: Opened headquarters + 17,000 sq ft retail store in Everett, WA
   
• 2019: Opened 40,000 sq ft Hollywood, CA store with life-size statues
   
• 2022–2023: Opened locations in Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Mall, and Abu Dhabi, managed by Monkey Distribution
   
• 2023: Opened “The Dogg House” store with Snoop Dogg in California
   

• Loungefly: Stylish fandom-themed bags and accessories
   
• Mystery Minis: Blind-box mini-figures in dozens of franchises
   
• Vinyl Soda & Vinyl Gold: Stylized collectibles with different molds
   
• Funko Plushies: Cutesy plush versions of their figures
   
• Popsies: Gift-ready, spring-loaded figures with messages
   
• Digital NFTs: Started in 2021 with digital trading card-style collectibles via Droppp.io
   

Funko acquired Prospero Hall / Forrest-Pruzan Creative in 2019 and launched Funko Games, known for:

• Funkoverse Strategy Game
   
• Licensed board games (Disney, Jurassic Park, etc.)
   

Funko partnered with major brands to launch subscription boxes:

• Marvel Collector Corps
   
• Smuggler’s Bounty (Star Wars)
   
• Legion of Collectors (DC)
   
• Disney Treasures
   

Each box featured exclusive Pops, apparel, pins, and more.

Freddy Funko is the face of the brand, introduced in 2002. He appears in special edition Pops, promotional artwork, and even as rare convention exclusives.

1. Designs start at Funko HQ with input from licensors, artists, and fan suggestions.
    
2. 3D models are created in ZBrush, sculpted, then prototyped.
    
3. Prototypes go for licensor approval, then finalized for mass production.
    
4. Figures are manufactured in China and Vietnam.
    
5. Packaging includes licensing, stickers, and brand elements.
    

• Funko’s secret weapon: speed. From concept to shelf in as little as 70 days.
   
• Appeals to all ages—from kids to adult collectors.
   
• Covers niche fandoms and mega franchises equally.
   
• Maintains hype with exclusives, chase variants, and limited runs.
   
• Funko went public on NASDAQ in 2017 and continues expanding despite a rocky IPO start.
   

Funko Pops have transcended toy status:

• They’re used in photography, gaming, fan art, and dioramas.
   
• Pops are now featured in media, YouTube reviews, and even fan-created storylines.
   
• They've been parodied by major brands and influencers alike.
   
• There’s even a Funko movie in development with Warner Animation Group.
   

Funko supports causes like:

• Breast Cancer Research Foundation
   
• Operation Homefront
   
• It Gets Better Project
   

Designated Pops With Purpose include unique box art and donation support.

Funko Pops are more than collectibles—they're a lifestyle, a community, and a way to express what you love. With affordable prices, endless variety, and an ever-growing global presence, it's no wonder these little vinyl figures have become some of the most beloved items in pop culture history.

Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned Funatic, one thing’s for sure: There’s a Pop for everyone.