Walk into any fan’s bedroom, office or gaming setup and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a row of Funko Pop figures staring back at you. With their oversized heads, small bodies and black button eyes, Funko Pops have become the most recognisable collectable of the last decade. If you’ve been tempted to start a collection but don’t know where to begin, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Funko is an American toy company founded in 1998. Its Pop! Vinyl line launched in 2010 and quickly grew into a global craze. Each Funko Pop is a stylised vinyl figure, usually around 3.75 inches (9.5cm) tall, based on a character from film, TV, gaming, anime, music or sport. Every figure comes in a windowed display box with a number printed in the top corner, which collectors use to track their collections.
Part of the appeal is the sheer range. There are Pops for almost every fandom you can think of, from Marvel and Star Wars to anime favourites, horror icons, football stars and classic cartoons.
Before you start buying, it helps to understand the language collectors use:
The biggest mistake new collectors make is buying everything. Instead, choose a theme that means something to you: a single franchise, a genre such as horror or anime, or even a colour scheme. A focused collection looks better on display and is easier on your wallet.
Many collectors keep Pops boxed to protect their condition and value. Others prefer to display them out of the box. There’s no wrong answer, but if you think you might sell or trade later, keep the boxes in good condition.
Counterfeit Pops do exist. Buying from an established retailer means you get genuine figures that are packed properly. At PopCulture UK, our full Funko Pop range is shipped with care from the UK, so there are no surprise import fees.