If you like to collect things, you have probably come across the name Funko, as they have a huge community of collectors, being a company that has made the lives of individuals more beautiful. Funko creates vinyl figurines that most consider a pop culture phenomenon that has won the hearts of individuals worldwide. Since Funko was launched, the company has made plenty of pop culture figures, so these collectibles appeal to each age and preference. Funko is a company that has benefited from a lot of success, but have things been like this from the beginning? Or did they increase in popularity later? To find out the answers to these questions, continue reading.
Into the history of the beginnings of Funko
The history behind the iconic collectibles started when Funko Inc. was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, an aficionado toy collector. The company had humble beginnings, starting as a small project based in his home in Snohomish, Washington. Mike Becker was a collector who loved to have nostalgic toys, so he decided to turn this passion into a business idea to offer the world the possibility of collecting affordable toys.
The first figurine created was the Big Boy mascot, which has appeared in restaurant ventures and advertisements over the years. This is the first bobblehead that has captured the attention of fans and set the stage for creating all the other figures depicting characters worldwide. However, Funko became more popular worldwide after it produced Austin Powers figures, which made it succeed. These bobbleheads were sold in a number of 80,000 units, which helped Funko reach a larger audience and fans.
In the early years of Funko's launch, the company focused on creating very well-known toys, such as Tony the Tiger, the Grinch, and the Cheerios honey bee. The public loved them, so Funko continued to make figures for nostalgic aficionados.
The moment when Funko cements its success even more
Funko underwent a massive change when Mike Becker sold the company to Connor Orcutt, the current Chief Creative Officer. He moved the headquarters to Lynnwood, Washington, and started to expand the licensed product lines to a greater extent than in the past. Under this management, Funko increased significantly and began collaborating with renowned names, such as Marvel Entertainment, Disney, and Warner Bros., among others.
Funko became a world-known phenomenon in 2011 when it introduced its Pop! Vinyl figures. They gained popularity quickly because they have a cute appearance that has captured the hearts of audiences of all ages forever. Funko Pops are vinyl figures with exaggerated features, making them very cute, as no one can resist their giant bobbleheads and oversized eyes. Funko Pops have started to be collected by people worldwide, as they come in a large variety and represent almost every character you know or have never heard of, including iconic superheroes, popular movie characters, and beloved video game protagonists. Plus, you might even be able to find the same character with different outfits, styles, and poses so that you will have more alternatives when choosing a figure with your favorite character around the world. Additionally, Funko Pops are always a great idea for a unique gift, as you can even personalize figures and offer them for numerous events, including for weddings.
Since Funko appeared, it has produced many objects depicting numerous characters, and the company also has a mascot, Freddy Funko, a very beloved character in the Funko landscape. Even though the iconic Pop! Vinyl figures are the most known product, Funko has started to expand its product line, which is why it now offers T-shirts, plush toys, ceramic mugs, keychains, and plenty of other interesting items.
Funko wants to expand constantly, so it has made the necessary changes to strengthen and become even more popular in the industry. This is why Funko acquired Loungefly, a fashion accessories line. Now, Funko has also expanded its product offerings, offering stylish purses and bags with unique designs and well-known characters.
Why do people collect Funko Pops?
People collect Funko Pops for numerous reasons, but the most common one is that they bring a nostalgic feeling into people's lives, reminding them of childhood. So, if they have a Funko Pop, they might feel for a second that they have returned to the happy moments of the past. Additionally, because they come in a great variety, anyone can pick something suitable for their needs and preferences. Plus, these collectors love pop culture, which makes them add new figurines to their collections.
Plus, Funko Pops have a unique design that makes you want to have them all in your house. Additionally, they differ from all the other figures you can find on the market because they have stylish outfits, oversized heads, expressive eyes, and irresistible cuteness.
Wrapping up
Funko is a company that has benefited from a lot of success over the years, making collectors worldwide happy. Funko Pops are the ones that have captured the hearts of collectors the most, fascinated aficionados, and will continue to do so in the future as well. Funko had humble beginnings, starting as a small project in Washington, and in just a few couple of years, it transformed into a phenomenon known worldwide. The products from Funko are a testament that nostalgia has an immense power on human life and can turn a simple passion into a cultural phenomenon.
Funko figures are not just simple toys but an expression of individuals' passion for their favorite characters from famous movies and series. There is surely a Funko Pop waiting for you right now, so which one do you want to add to your collection next?