Figurine Pop – A New Trend in Collectible Toys

Figurine pop is a new trend that’s sweeping the world of collector toys. The figurines feature characters from movies, TV shows, comic books and professional sports leagues. They’re colorful and collectible, but they also have a whimsical quality that appeals to the young at heart. Many fans are now adding them to their décor or displaying them in scenes inspired by the character they admire. It’s hard to say what exactly makes these little figures so popular, but it could be their large eyes and cute design that attracts the attention of many.

The company behind these figurines is Funko, a 22-year-old company that rose to global fame from making its Wacky Wobbler line of plastic figures in the late ’90s. Since then, the company has expanded to make a wide variety of licensed figurines based on the latest movies, TV shows and professional sports leagues. Its best-known product is the Funko Pop! figure, which features a cartoonish style that draws inspiration from the Japanese artistic approach known as chibi.

Each figurine is produced at one of Funko’s factories and then sent to its headquarters in Everett, Washington, for decoration and packaging. This includes the creation of a “blister pack,” which is a clear plastic protector that holds the figure snugly in place. Upon completion, each figure goes through an approval process to ensure that the paint color and artwork match artist intent. Once approved, the figures are sent to specialty outlets, retailers and conventions.

If a figure has a limited run, it’s called a chase variant. These are usually slightly altered versions of the original figurine that may have a different color of hair or be holding an item not included in the regular edition. Chase variants are typically only made in a small number and are highly sought after by collectors.

In addition to the manufacturing and design, Funko also creates its own line of Pop! protectors and accessories to keep the figures in mint condition. These are sold in stores and online, allowing collectors to protect and display their figures while keeping them safe from accidental damage. The company also makes storage boxes that allow collectors to store multiple figures safely and easily.

When a Funko Pop is released, it’s available to purchase at many specialty stores and online. Some fans prefer to display their collections in their original boxes, preserving them in case they increase in value. Others remove them from their boxes to create vibrant displays that highlight their interests.

The popularity of these figurines has led to the development of a whole industry around them. A handful of stores are now offering a new experience that allows fans to create their own custom figures in-store. GeekWire visited the Funko flagship store in Everett to see the new process and speak with some of the people working at the shop. As customers choose their parts — including pant and shoe combinations, a T-shirt or hoodie, a game controller or cell phone and more — they write the part numbers down on a postcard that’s handed to an assembly worker.