Funko Pops are something any fan wants on their shelf. There are thousands of iterations of the same characters out there, and devoted aficionados wish to own all of them. The release of limited edition items or retailer exclusives has also meant that some Funko figurines have become highly coveted due to their scarcity. However, even those that aren’t rare at the moment are expected to have substantially higher values in a decade or two from now, when their production will either dwindle down or stop completely.
So, if you’ve been looking to enlarge your collection this year, here are some items you should consider.
Gold Dumbo
This one is certainly a rarity, as it was released exclusively for the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con. Dumbo has his signature design, with the cute large ears, but his body is completely gold, unlike his film look, where he is a more realistic grey. Only forty-eight pieces were ever produced, so you can buy it from anywhere between $700 to $8,000. You can find it in private Funko communities or at auction events hosted by collectors.
Pikachu
Pikachu is the most iconic Pokemon, the one who serves as a mascot for the entire anime. You can find Funko of different Pokemon characters, and of course several of Pikachu. His appealing design and cuteness make him a fan-favourite, and even those who haven’t watched all episodes of the show will easily recognise him. If you love the character a lot, you should know that you can find giant versions of the original Funko as well.
Din Djarin
Also known as the Mandalorian, Din Djarin became one of the most recognisable characters in the Star Wars franchise, which says a lot considering that the story is filled to the brim with memorable figures. The best Funko features the Mandalorian with his cape billowing behind him and holding a darksaber. The outfit is impressively detailed, and the helmet looks just like the one worn by the character in the series.
Captain America
One of the most iconic superheroes in the world, Captain America is a fan favourite because of his loyalty, honesty and nobility. But if you already own a standard version of the Captain America Funko, you should go for something unique instead of getting a duplicate. You can get the character depicted after the Battle of New York, seated at a table and enjoying the victory shawarma. The item is detailed, with Steve touching his cheek with his hand, just like in the film. It is also good to have a comical addition to your collection.
Geralt of Rivia
The protagonist of the The Witcher series, Geralt, is a monster hunter with superhuman abilities. Apart from the novels and short stories, he is also the main character of the role-playing video game series of the same name, as well as a Netflix television series that has three seasons so far. You can get a Geralt Funko with a sword that glows in the dark to feel safe from monsters all the time.
Harley Quinn
During the last few years, Harley Quinn, whose real name is Harleen Frances Quinzel, has become a far more popular character in her own right. She is set to be portrayed by Lady Gaga in Joker: Folie a Deux, which will be released in October 2024, and was previously played by Margot Robbie in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad. She was initially portrayed as the Joker’s sidekick and girlfriend, but eventually left the relationship and began dating Poison Ivy. A great Funko Pop you can get if you’re a Harley stan is the special edition Comic Cover figurine that includes the character’s transformation into her supervillain self as a backdrop.
Gaara
Even if you’re not a staunch anime fan, you are probably familiar with Naruto and watched a few episodes. One of the show’s most enigmatic and captivating characters was certainly Gaara, whose character arc took him from a villainous, sadistic figure who terrorised those around him, to a wise and benevolent leader ready to sacrifice himself for the greater good. His Funko Pop depicts him using his sand-wielding abilities, which are rendered in a detailed manner.
Ahsoka
Ahsoka Tano never finished her training, and can, therefore, never be considered a fully-fledged Jedi, but that doesn’t make her any less of a fan favourite. Recently, the fandom was reminded of just how awesome she is after the release of her eponymous TV series. Her classic Funko depicts her with two pale-coloured lightsabers, her signature weapons, which show that while she is not a Jedi, she is not aligned with a Sith either and that she fights for the side of the good guys. Her outfit includes her pseudo-samurai styling and intricate face markings.
Ned Stark
The ill-fated patriarch of House Stark was beheaded during the first season of Game of Thrones, following orders from the sadistic boy-king Joffrey. That was a defining moment for fans of the series, who realised that Thrones will continue to subvert their expectations, for better or worse. There’s a Funko Pop out there that features a beheaded Ned Stark in honour of this moment. It was released exclusively during the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con and remains reasonably sought after. However, it is an elusive piece, and even savvy collectors have a hard time getting their hands on one.
Sauron
Few baddies are as iconic as Sauron, the antagonist of The Lord of the Rings and the forger of the One Ring, who sought to bring the entire Middle-earth under his dominion. There’s a special glow-in-the-dark variation of the character and a rewind figure depicting him holding the Eye of Sauron through the Palantir.
Final Word
Funko Pops are well-known among all fandom lovers. They remain popular no matter how much time passes, and some of the rarer ones are highly coveted even by collectors. If you want to expand your collection, 2024 is the year to invest in some new items. And with many new releases on the horizon, you have new pieces to look forward to as well.
