Few collectibles have captured the attention of pop culture fans quite like Funko Pop! figures. Recognisable by their oversized heads, distinctive black eyes, and wide range of licensed characters, Funko Pops have become a staple in collections around the world. From superheroes and movie icons to anime favourites and gaming legends, there is a Funko Pop for almost every fandom imaginable.
In Australia Funko Pop collection continues to grow in popularity among both casual fans and dedicated collectors. Some people enjoy displaying their favourite characters on a shelf, while others pursue rare exclusives, limited editions, and complete franchise collections.
Whether you're just starting your collecting journey or looking to expand your existing collection, this guide covers everything you need to know about Funko Pop collecting in Australia.
What are Funko Pops? What was the first Funko Pop
Funko Pops are vinyl figures produced by Funko, a company known for creating licensed collectibles based on popular entertainment franchises.
The first Pop! figures were released in 2010 and quickly gained popularity due to their unique design and extensive catalogue of characters. Today, thousands of Funko Pops have been released across categories including:
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Movies
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Television
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Anime
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Gaming
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Sports
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Music
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Disney
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Marvel
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Star Wars
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Pokémon
The appeal of Funko Pops lies in their accessibility. Whether you're a lifelong collector or simply a fan of a particular franchise, there's likely a figure that fits your interests.
Why Funko Pops Are So Popular in Australia
Funko Pops appeal to collectors for several reasons.
Huge Variety of Characters
One of Funko's greatest strengths is its extensive licensing portfolio. Collectors can find characters from major franchises, including:
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Marvel
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Star Wars
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Disney
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Harry Potter
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Pokémon
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Dragon Ball
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Naruto
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One Piece
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DC Comics
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Video Games
Many collectors start with a single favourite character before gradually expanding into larger collections.
Affordable Entry Point
Compared to premium statues or high-end collectibles, many standard Funko Pops offer an affordable way to start collecting.
This accessibility makes the hobby attractive to collectors of all ages and experience levels.
Strong Community
Australia has a passionate community of Funko collectors who participate in online groups, conventions, trading events, and collector meetups.
Sharing collections, discussing new releases, and hunting for exclusives are all part of the experience.
Understanding the Most Rare Funko Pop and Variants
Not all Funko Pops are created equal. Understanding the different types of Funko Pop releases can help collectors make informed purchasing decisions.
Common Pops
Common Pops are standard retail releases and are usually the easiest to find.
These figures are ideal for:
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New collectors
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Franchise fans
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Budget-conscious buyers
While some commons may become harder to find over time, they are generally produced in larger quantities.
Exclusive Pops
Exclusive Pops are released through specific retailers, conventions, or special events.
Examples include:
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Convention exclusives
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Store exclusives
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Event exclusives
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Online retailer exclusives
Because of their limited availability, exclusives are often highly sought after.
Chase Variants
Chase variants are special versions of standard figures that feature unique details such as:
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Alternate poses
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Different outfits
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Glow-in-the-dark effects
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Metallic finishes
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Special colours
A Chase sticker on the box indicates the figure is part of a limited variant run.
Many collectors enjoy the challenge of hunting down Chase versions of their favourite characters.
Limited Edition Releases
Certain Funko Pops are produced in smaller quantities and may include numbered releases or event-specific editions.
These often become centrepieces of collections due to their scarcity.
Most Popular Funko Pop Categories
Anime Funko Pops
Anime remains one of the fastest-growing categories in the Funko hobby.
Popular series include:
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One Piece
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Dragon Ball
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Naruto
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Demon Slayer
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Jujutsu Kaisen
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My Hero Academia
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Attack on Titan
Many anime collectors focus on completing entire character lineups from their favourite series.
Marvel Funko Pops
Marvel has consistently been one of Funko's most successful categories.
Collectors often pursue figures featuring:
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Spider-Man
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Iron Man
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Captain America
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Thor
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Deadpool
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Wolverine
Movie releases frequently generate new waves of collectibles and exclusive variants.
Pokémon Funko Pops
The Pokémon franchise continues to attract collectors of all ages.
Popular characters include:
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Pikachu
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Charizard
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Eevee
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Mewtwo
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Bulbasaur
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Squirtle
Many Pokémon fans collect Funko Pops alongside trading cards and other Pokémon merchandise.
Star Wars Funko Pops
With decades of characters and stories to draw from, Star Wars remains a major collecting category.
Collectors often focus on:
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Darth Vader
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Luke Skywalker
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The Mandalorian
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Grogu
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Stormtroopers
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Clone Troopers
Exclusive convention releases can become particularly desirable among Star Wars fans.
Should You Keep Funko Pops in the Box?
One of the most common questions among collectors is whether to display Funko Pops inside or outside their packaging.
In-Box Collecting
Benefits include:
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Better protection
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Preserved packaging condition
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Easier resale potential
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Consistent display appearance
Many serious collectors prefer to keep rare or valuable Pops in their original boxes.
Out-of-Box Collecting
Benefits include:
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More dynamic displays
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Better visibility of figure details
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Greater personal enjoyment for some collectors
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
There is no "correct" way to collect.
How to Protect Your Collection
Proper storage helps preserve both the figures and their packaging.
Recommended practices to protect your collection include:
Use Pop Protectors
Plastic protectors help prevent:
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Corner damage
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Shelf wear
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Dust accumulation
These are especially useful for exclusives and rare figures.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can cause:
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Colour fading
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Box discoloration
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Packaging deterioration
Display collections in shaded areas whenever possible.
Control Temperature and Humidity
Extreme conditions may damage packaging over time.
Store collections in a cool, dry environment for best results.
Common Mistakes New Collectors Make
Buying Everything
Many collectors become overwhelmed by trying to collect every release.
Instead, focus on:
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Favourite franchises
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Specific characters
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Particular themes
A focused collection is often more enjoyable and easier to manage.
Ignoring Box Condition
For collectors who keep Pops boxed, packaging condition can be important.
Check for:
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Dents
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Creases
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Tears
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Corner damage
before purchasing.
Chasing Trends Only
Some collectors buy figures solely because they're popular.
While trends come and go, collecting characters and franchises you genuinely enjoy often leads to a more rewarding experience.
Collector Story: From One Figure to Hundreds
Many experienced Funko collectors share a similar story. What begins as a single purchase of a favourite character often grows into a much larger collection.
A collector might buy one Spider-Man figure because they enjoy Marvel movies, then decide to collect the Avengers, followed by villains, convention exclusives, and eventually entire Marvel waves.
The fun often comes from the hunt—tracking down a long-sought-after figure, discovering a rare exclusive, or completing a favourite set after months of searching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Funko Pops worth collecting?
Absolutely. Funko Pops appeal to a wide range of collectors due to their affordability, variety, and connection to popular franchises.
Do Funko Pops increase in value?
Some exclusive, retired, or limited-edition figures can become more valuable over time. However, value is influenced by factors such as rarity, demand, and condition.
What is a Chase Funko Pop?
A Chase is a limited variant of a standard figure that typically features unique colours, effects, or designs.
Should I keep my Funko Pops boxed?
That depends on your personal collecting goals. Many collectors keep valuable figures boxed for protection, while others prefer displaying them out of the box.
Final Thoughts
Funko Pop collecting has become one of Australia's most popular collectible hobbies, offering something for virtually every fandom and budget. Whether you're a Marvel enthusiast, anime fan, Star Wars collector, or Pokémon trainer, Funko's ever-growing catalogue provides endless opportunities to build a collection that reflects your interests.
The most rewarding collections aren't necessarily the biggest or most valuable, they're the ones that tell a story about the characters, franchises, and memories that matter most to you.
Start with what you love, collect at your own pace, and enjoy the journey.