From Nostalgia to Pop Culture
Pop! is not just a toy. It is a phenomenon. It is a brand that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. It is a brand that has transcended genres, generations and cultures. It is a brand that has made history.
Pop! is the brainchild of Funko, an American company that specializes in licensed pop culture collectibles. Funko was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, a toy collector who wanted to make his own coin bank of the Big Boy restaurant mascot. He later expanded to produce bobbleheads, banks and hand puppets based on nostalgia-friendly niche properties.
In 2005, Becker sold Funko to its current chief creative officer, Brian Mariotti, who moved the company to Lynnwood, Washington and diversified its product lines to include licensed plush, action figures, apparel, accessories and games.
But it was in 2010 that Funko changed the game. That year, Funko launched its first Pop! vinyl figure of Batman at the San Diego Comic-Con. The figure was an instant hit and soon Funko acquired licenses from major companies such as Warner Bros., Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, WWE and more.
Pop! figures are characterized by their square-shaped heads with rounded edges, large black eyes, small noses and no mouths. They stand 3.75 inches tall and come in various poses and outfits. Some of them are also bobbleheads or have special features such as glow-in-the-dark or metallic finishes.
Pop! figures are sold in blind boxes or bags, which add an element of surprise and collectibility. They are also categorized into different series or themes, such as Pop! Movies, Pop! Television, Pop! Animation, Pop! Games and Pop! Rocks.
As of 2021, Funko has produced over 8,000 different Pop! figures from over 180 unique licenses. Some of the most popular and valuable ones include Harry Potter, Iron Man, Baby Yoda, Michael Jordan and Freddy Funko.
A Global Sensation
Pop! is not just a toy. It is a sensation. It is a brand that has a loyal fan base of collectors and enthusiasts who buy, trade and display their figures. It is a brand that has a strong presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Pop! is also a major source of revenue for Funko, which reported $653 million in sales in 2020. According to Funko’s website, Pop! figures accounted for $428 million or 65% of its total sales in 2020.
Pop! has also expanded into other formats and products, such as Pop! Yourself, a service that allows customers to create their own customized Pop! figures online; Pop! Soda, a line of soda cans that contain mini Pop! figures inside; Pop! Bitty, a line of smaller and cuter Pop! figures; and Pop! Gold, a line of premium and limited edition Pop! figures made of gold or silver.
Pop! has also collaborated with other brands and celebrities to create exclusive and special edition Pop! figures. For example, in 2020, Funko partnered with McDonald’s to release a series of Pop! figures based on the fast-food chain’s iconic characters such as Ronald McDonald and Grimace. In 2021, Funko teamed up with singer Billie Eilish to launch a Pop! figure of her wearing her signature green outfit.
Pop! has also been featured in various media outlets and events. For example, in 2019, Funko released a documentary film called Making Fun: The Story of Funko that chronicled the company’s history and culture. In 2020, Funko opened its first ever European store in London’s West End. In 2021, Funko announced its plans to open its first ever theme park in Hollywood.
A Visionary Brand
Pop! is not just a toy. It is a phenomenon. It is a brand that has innovated and diversified its offerings. It is a brand that has collaborated and partnered with various artists, designers and licensors. It is a brand that has created high-quality showpieces for every fan, no matter the fandom.
Pop! is also a brand that has a vision and a strategy for the future. Funko has stated that it plans to create more original and owned IPs for its Pop! line, as well as explore new categories such as sports, music and anime. It also aims to expand its global reach and distribution network to tap into new markets and audiences.
Pop! also faces some challenges and risks in the future. One of them is the increasing competition from other toy makers and imitators who offer similar or cheaper products. Another one is the changing consumer preferences and trends that may affect the demand and popularity of certain Pop! figures or licenses. A third one is the potential legal issues or disputes that may arise from using licensed properties or trademarks without proper authorization or consent.
But Pop! has proven to be a resilient and adaptable brand that can overcome any obstacles and satisfy any customers. With its unique style, quality and variety, Pop! has established itself as a leader and icon in the toy industry.
Pop! is not just a toy. It is a phenomenon. It is a brand that has made history. And it is a brand that will continue to make history. Pop! is the world’s favorite toy brand. And everyone is a fan of something.
What is the most expensive Pop! figure ever sold?
According to the web search results, the most expensive Pop! figure ever sold is the Willy Wonka & Oompa Loompa (Golden Ticket) Funko Pop, which has an estimated value of $100,000. This rare Funko Pop was a prize for a contest held by Funko in 2016, where only 10 golden tickets were hidden in random Willy Wonka Funko Pop boxes. The lucky winners who found the golden tickets received this exclusive Funko Pop, which features Willy Wonka and an Oompa Loompa holding a golden ticket. This Funko Pop is considered to be the holy grail of Funko Pop collectors and has never been sold on the market. However, based on its rarity and demand, it is estimated to be worth $100,000.
