The Pop Culture Impact of Funko
/Having Fun With Funko!
Nothing has taken the pop culture collectibles world by storm quite like Funko Pops. From the Avengers to anime characters, Michael Scott to NBA players, there's a Funko Pop out there for every fan.
As the center for cool geek gifts, we have a plethora of Funko for sale here at POP ROC. Funko has a rich history and, as we said, has been synonymous with the toy and collectible industries for years. So, how did this beloved pop culture collectibles business get its start?
Small Beginnings
The history of Funko begins in 1998 in Snohomish, WA, where a man named Mike Becker was in the market for a rare coin depicting restaurant mascot Big Boy. He soon realized that the coin he wanted was being sold for hundreds of dollars. He had his own replica made in China, and from there, started selling small, nostalgia-themed bobbleheads, which he called "Wacky Wobblers".
A Change of Hands
Becker's primary goal was to pursue his own nostalgic interests through pop culture collectibles. The success of the brand was just a pleasant bonus as far as he was concerned. He lost interest in the company in 2005, and it was quickly scooped up by a man named Brian Mariotti. A former nightclub owner and serious collector himself, Mariotti sought to expand the business to new heights. He launched the Fantastik Plastik line, which included Duck Dodgers, Wacky Racers, and Mad Monster Party. This line was met with success, but Mariotti had another prototype on his mind for the future.
Growing, Growing, Growing
In 2010 at San Diego Comic-Con, the first official Funko Pop toys were unveiled. Batman was the theme of the first drop, with two different versions of the iconic superhero, as well as Batgirl and Green Lantern. Since that day, Funko has grown exponentially as the hub for cool geek gifts. The company now holds over 180 licenses to produce countless of our favorite characters and real-life heroes. The pop culture collectibles brand continues to grow year after year, with it reaching net sales of $308.3 million this year.
Image Source: Funko.com
Are you ready to hop on the Funko train and get yourself (or your favorite nerd!) something special? Then check out our selection at POP ROC! We have many of your favorite characters up for sale for your to browse, both online and in our shop. Stop in today to see what we can offer you!