The company, Funko Inc., Started manufacturing pop culture figurines in 1998 and is expected to grow to such levels that characters like Tiger Tony and Honeybee Cheerios, as well as the Grinch, have become popular choices for manufacturing figurines. One thing that is fun about it is that it never gets old and there are no boundaries.

Funko, established by Mike Becker, a toy collector at the time, had a mission to create a range of products and merchandise including accessories, home goods, clothing, action figures, soft toys, and vinyl collectibles that were inspired by popular culture.

Funko Pops are popular licensed toys that feature characters and celebrities, with a nostalgic theme. These toys adopt a chibi style called “Japanese artistic approach,” characterized by large eyes and heads.

Ample evidence of their widespread appeal can be seen in the fact that the Funko Pop Company has created approximately 8,366 distinct variations of pop figures for more than two decades.

The company is still kicking, despite the fact that at some point the company’s shares went down, after acquiring Funko, a Hollywood-based store, in 2019. The acquired store occupies a space of 40,000 square feet, making it the company’s second store.

So, if you are a Funko enthusiast, stay with us as we delve into the inaugural Funko Pops to be created.

The oldest product of Funko is the Bobblehead Boy Big, but its fame or popularity did not catapult Funko to success. The brand’s history remains an integral part, but production of these pieces was limited to only 480, resulting in moderate success.

It is believed that classic collectibles like bobbleheads have been in existence for at least 150 years. We can trace similar toys to the short story “The Overcoat” by Nikolai Gogol, which was written in 1842. These toys are described as having a character with a neck similar to a cat’s plaster neck, and their heads wobble.

You can still find it in different online stores. The limited edition from 1998 only showcased a small quantity, whereas it showcases a plump boy in red-and-white checkered overalls gripping a portion of a double cheeseburger. Big Boy Bobblehead is a renowned symbol for Bob’s Big Boy Restaurant.

Earlier, as mentioned by Mike Becker, the founder of Funko, he went on to acquire the license to produce his own brand called Bob’s Bobblehead Boy. This was because he found that whatever collectible he was looking for in the market was too expensive, so he aimed to create an affordable version under Funko’s brand.

Kool-Aid Man

The newest addition to our list is Kool-Aid Man, the initial Funko Pops ever created. For Kool-Aid Man, the 1970s symbolize a more uncomplicated era. The collectible, resembling a mere four inches, was introduced in 2019 and is far from resembling the original towering height of six feet.

The Kool-Aid Man figurine is made of standard vinyl material. It is available online on GameStop, Walmart, and Amazon, but it is considered an exclusive production for Target.

The introduction of Funko’s Ad Icon line in 2010 featured Kool-Aid Man. The line showcases notable products and companies from the last five decades, including brand mascots like Dr. Pepper, Frosted Flakes, Cheerios, McDonald’s, Rice Krispies, and Tootsie Roll.

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Star Wars Darth Maul (Holographic)

The Holographic Darth Maul figure from Star Wars is one of the most valuable and rare Funko Pop figures. It was released in limited quantities, with only 480 units in circulation. This figure was made exclusively for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con.

Star War Darth Maul’s limited edition was exclusively created for the San Diego Comic-Con convention. Attracting over 150,000 individuals, this convention is renowned as one of the largest comic book conventions in the world. With its prominent status in pop culture and comics, it stands as a unique event, surpassing the boundaries of a typical festival. In fact, it holds the distinction of being a Guinness World Record, making it even more extraordinary.

Some sellers estimate its value to be $1,750, considering it to be valuable and rare. Currently, you can purchase Funko Pop! Star Wars Holographic Maul Darth from individual sellers. It is a part of the Star Wars Pop! Line and is made using a dark-in-the-glow vinyl material.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

The Chocolate Factory & Willy Wonka film was a huge success in 2016, and it has remained a favorite among lovers of candy and movies ever since its first release in 1971. It was further immortalized with various pop options down the track in 2016.

The narrative took a dramatic shift at the 2016’s San Diego Comic Convention, when the character Violet was finally introduced as a limited edition collectible figurine for the season. For an extended period of time, one of the child characters in the Willy Wonka tale, Violet Beauregard, was excluded from the Funko pop collection.

Funko produced figurines of popular characters from the film, including Augustus Gloop, Charlie Bucket, Mike Teevee, Veruca Salt, Grandpa Joe, and other Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory characters.

The Funko Vinyl Idolz Line offers a bigger and more intricate rendition of the Willy Wonka figurine. This vinyl-made collectible stands at a height of 3 ¾”.

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Green Lantern Vinyl Figure (#9)

In 2010, the Green Lantern Vinyl Figure (#9) stood out as among the first Funko Pop collectibles. From 2010 to 2021, Funko has exclusively manufactured 402 Pop Heroes figurines, establishing it as one of the most scarce Funko Pop Universe Heroes.

In addition, Harley Quinn and Catwoman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and the Joker are a few of the superheroes created within this collection. As of 2017, alternative editions of Green Lantern Vinyl Figure #9 were introduced, which included John Stewart, although not as scarce as its previous version. Moreover,

You can only find it in limited quantities, and you can find it through mainstream retailers such as Walmart. However, overall availability of the Green Vinyl Lantern Figure (#9) is quite limited. You can find it at lower prices at other retailers and on Amazon, as well as at Walmart and John Stewart.

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Austin Powers Bobbleheads

After experiencing modest success with the first territory, Bobblehead Big Bob’s Wobblers Wacky Funko could hardly produce enough to pay all the invoices or sell out the inventory.

Mr. Becker went ahead to strike a $2,500 deal with the bigwigs of the film Bobbleheads to acquire a license for Austin Powers movie characters. However, the story changed when he reached out to New Cinema Line.

Bobbleheads Powers Austin is a collectible Funko that can be easily purchased and found through individual sellers on eBay, with a deal of 10,000 units of Funko shipped.

Bobbleheads were the company’s exclusive merchandise until 2010, when they began manufacturing vinyl.

Most Uncommonly Amusing

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Mickey Mouse was produced worldwide with only 480 units as a limited edition. Mickey Mouse (Metallic) is one of the rarest action figures produced by Funko.

Willie Steamboat Vintage and Cream & Peaches, Mickey Apprentice, and Mickey Conductor are specific varieties of action figures from the Disney collection. They are part of the 1,149 forms of the Mickey Mouse figure (Metallic).

One of the biggest lines from Funko, Disney Pop! (Part of the Metallic Mouse Mickey line), features a range of characters from popular Disney movies as far back as the 1920s.

The line has also expanded to incorporate contemporary characters like Dory from Finding Nemo (2003), Elsa from the movie Frozen, and Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.

You can easily find these versions of most retailers like Walmart, which is the best part. The vinyl action figure of Mickey Mouse, under the POP line-up of Disney, made its debut at San Diego’s Comic-Con, where it was considered as the number one.

The Chase Superman (Metallic #7) is one of the rare and valuable figures from the world of Pop! Funko Heroes. It comes in various varieties, including Silver, Metallic, White, and Black. Unlike other heroes, it stands out as a unique and precious collectible in the kingdom of Pop! Figures.

By means of independent vendors, one can exclusively acquire the 2010 Funko Pop Superman Chase (Metallic #7). It wasn’t until 2011 that Funko commenced producing vinyl figurines, since it still epitomizes the initial Funko pop figure, namely Bobblehead.

Please check back later. Please note that the Amazon listing for the Metallic Superman – Universe DC Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure by Chase is currently unavailable until July 18th, 2023.

The 8 First Funko Pops Ever Made FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which Funko Pop series has the highest number of releases?

The Funko Pop category with the highest number of releases is in the television shows genre. The next one is within the Disney merchandise line. The majority of dedicated Funko Pop collectors are enthusiasts who adore and endorse their favorite shows such as Batman, Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, and Disney princesses.

How many uncommon Funko pop collectibles are there?

You can accumulate over 15 rare Funko pop figures that hold immense value, such as the valuable collectibles like the bloodied Jaime Lannister from Game of Thrones, metallic Mickey Mouse, Gold Hopper from Stranger Things, and Metallic Stan Lee.

How many popular figures are accessible?

Funko Pop toys, made of vinyl, are inspired by various personalities, movies, and TV shows. In 2020, there were more than 20,000 vinyl designs and a total of 8,366 designs released by Funko Pop.

What is Funko Pop Vinyl?

Funko Pop Vinyl figures are known for their distinctive oversized heads that bobble when shaken. These characters, which have their heads firmly attached with glue, are the most popular bobbleheads in the Funko Pop Vinyl collection.