May
Collecting Funko Pops isn’t just a hobby—it’s a full-fledged phenomenon. What started as a quirky line of vinyl figures has exploded into a billion-dollar industry, with collectors hunting down rare editions, exclusive releases, and vaulted treasures. Whether you’re chasing a grail Pop worth thousands or simply building a collection that reflects your favorite fandoms, the thrill of the hunt is what keeps collectors coming back for more.
How It All Started
Funko was founded in 1998 in Snohomish, Washington, originally selling bobbleheads. But in 2010, the company introduced the Funko Pop! line, featuring stylized figures with oversized heads based on pop culture icons. The first-ever Pop was a San Diego Comic-Con Batman, now valued at $7,190.
Since then, Funko has secured licensing deals with movies, TV shows, sports, anime, and music, making it the largest proprietor of licensed collectibles. From Marvel superheroes to classic horror villains, there’s a Pop for every fandom.
The Market Boom
Funko Pops have become big business, with the company generating over $1 billion in revenue. The secondary market is estimated to be worth $700 million to $1 billion, with collectors and investors alike recognizing the value of rare and exclusive figures.
The most expensive Funko Pop ever sold? A 2016 SDCC Willy Wonka and Oompa Loompa (Golden Ticket 2-Pack), which fetched $100,000, with rumors of a $200,000 sale in 2023.
Growth and Investment
Despite challenges like inventory write-offs and restructuring, Funko continues to expand. A consortium led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger, sports agent Rich Paul, and eBay acquired a 25% stake in Funko, positioning eBay as the preferred secondary market for Funko products.
Collectors are seeing steady growth in value, with vaulted Pops (discontinued figures) becoming highly sought after. Some of the most valuable Pops include:
- Alex DeLarge (Clockwork Orange) – $25,000+
- Disney’s Dumbo (Clown Paint) – $7,000
- Freddy Funko (Various Exclusive Editions) – $5,000+
The Hunt Never Ends—Especially at Wex Rex
For collectors, the thrill isn’t just in owning a rare Pop—it’s in finding it. Whether it’s scouring conventions, tracking online auctions, or stumbling upon a hidden gem in a local shop, the chase is what makes collecting Funko Pops so exciting.
Being the Emporium of Popular Cultural Artifacts, at Wex Rex, you will find some Funko Pops and a few autographed Funko Pops highlighting these modern collectors items.
So, whether you’re a casual collector or a hardcore hunter, one thing is certain: the Funko Pop craze isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Why Wex Rex Collectibles?
What sets Wex Rex apart isn’t just the inventory—it’s the passion. Every item has been carefully curated, every signed piece has a story, and every rare find is waiting for the right collector to give it a home.
So whether you’re hunting for a Funko Pop, a rare vinyl pressing, an autograph or a toy that completes your collection, Wex Rex Collectibles is where the adventure begins. Because collecting isn’t just about owning—it’s about discovering, reminiscing, and celebrating the things that make pop culture unforgettable.
Ready to start your next treasure hunt? Dive into the world of collectibles at Wex Rex—you never know what you’ll find.
The Thrill of the Hunt: Collecting Funko Pops
