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Post by Cyno on Jun 11, 2018 17:45:29 GMT -5
The Blizzard ones are cute. I like the Lich King, Diablo, and Deathwing ones especially.
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Post by DASH 243✅ on Jun 11, 2018 17:52:08 GMT -5
So on my nightly stroll through downtown Everett, there's the Funko Pop theater. Dedicated to those vinyl collectible dolls. Just curious if you went in the store? I took my kids their and I gotta say it was pretty cool in there. You can sit in the batmobile! But there's no statue of Everett's biggest treasure Kenny loggins. So they messed up there.
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FinalGwen
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Particularly fond of muffins.
Posts: 16,434
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Post by FinalGwen on Jun 11, 2018 18:03:34 GMT -5
I think where the Beanie Baby comparison falls short is that nobody was invested in the concept of Beanie Babies before they existed. Whereas if you're invested in a particular fandom, especially for franchises that didn't get many toys, it's automatically something you want in your collection. I'll use my modest collection as an example. The only range that I've properly collected is the Rocky Horror ones. Before I found the Pops, I only ever found one style of figurines (which fall over a lot because they were not designed for balancing well) and they were rare enough that getting a set was quite difficult. But because they were there and from something I loved, I collected them. Now with the Pops, I have most of the main cast in one easy-to-display collection. That's always going to have some value to a RHPS fan. Not only that, but I can have them standing next to characters from other franchises like Jack Harkness (because you know he'd get on with Frank) without there being a massive disparity in style and scale. The other figures may look better from a detailing standpoint and look good with their own ranges, but it's hard to argue that the Pops aren't more consistent. And that's just two fandoms. I can have Squirrel Girl, Dr Eggman, Sailor Mercury and Luke Skywalker join them without having to deal with all the stylistic mayhem that might otherwise cause.
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Post by King Boo on Jun 11, 2018 18:17:39 GMT -5
So on my nightly stroll through downtown Everett, there's the Funko Pop theater. Dedicated to those vinyl collectible dolls. Just curious if you went in the store? I took my kids their and I gotta say it was pretty cool in there. You can sit in the batmobile! But there's no statue of Everett's biggest treasure Kenny loggins. So they messed up there. They should make a Kenny Loggins pop!!
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Post by Limity (BLM) on Jun 11, 2018 18:48:31 GMT -5
So on my nightly stroll through downtown Everett, there's the Funko Pop theater. Dedicated to those vinyl collectible dolls. Just curious if you went in the store? I took my kids their and I gotta say it was pretty cool in there. You can sit in the batmobile! But there's no statue of Everett's biggest treasure Kenny loggins. So they messed up there. No, it was 11pm, I was taking my nightly walk and cigar, and was looking at it through the windows. Seems an interesting place.
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Post by Cyno on Jun 11, 2018 18:58:55 GMT -5
I think where the Beanie Baby comparison falls short is that nobody was invested in the concept of Beanie Babies before they existed. Whereas if you're invested in a particular fandom, especially for franchises that didn't get many toys, it's automatically something you want in your collection. I'll use my modest collection as an example. The only range that I've properly collected is the Rocky Horror ones. Before I found the Pops, I only ever found one style of figurines (which fall over a lot because they were not designed for balancing well) and they were rare enough that getting a set was quite difficult. But because they were there and from something I loved, I collected them. Now with the Pops, I have most of the main cast in one easy-to-display collection. That's always going to have some value to a RHPS fan. Not only that, but I can have them standing next to characters from other franchises like Jack Harkness (because you know he'd get on with Frank) without there being a massive disparity in style and scale. The other figures may look better from a detailing standpoint and look good with their own ranges, but it's hard to argue that the Pops aren't more consistent. And that's just two fandoms. I can have Squirrel Girl, Dr Eggman, Sailor Mercury and Luke Skywalker join them without having to deal with all the stylistic mayhem that might otherwise cause. Yeah, the Beanie Baby comparison falls apart because Beanie Babies (at first) had no real licensing. They were just little stuffed animals filled with PVC (later replaced with PE) pellets. With Funko Pop figures, people can go into full collection-obsessed, but most people who buy them will do so not as collectibles, but just buy the ones that appeal to their particular fandom.
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Shai
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 6,507
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Post by Shai on Jun 11, 2018 22:58:29 GMT -5
I'm creeping up on 100 of them right now..but I have a ton of different fandoms..some of which getting collectibles for a is a major pain in the ass. Like Anime wise..yeah Pops are my go to now.
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Post by SsnakeBite, the No1 Frenchman on Jun 12, 2018 0:22:19 GMT -5
I mean, maybe the point is people like them? They're widely varied so there's a pop for most everyone? Fair enough, but why do people like them though? I swear I'm not trying to be a smartass, I'm legit asking because I just don't get why so many people would rather buy those than something that actually represents the works they love. Mostly because I couldn't disagree more on them being varied. Sure, they have a lot of licenses, but like I said before, by design it's always the exact same model, exact same design, with some details changed. I mean it when I say it looks like a stereotypical DA recolour gallery, it's the same concept of pretending that doing the same thing over and over with only the most superficial of changes is being creative. What I don't see the point in is, because it's not some people's thing, they have to come up with insulting "reasons" as though people are stupid for liking what they like. I don't give two shits about Star Wars, anime or Game of Thrones, but I've never once had to come up with some sort of explanation as to why I see those things everywhere that concluded in something calling collectors a name bordering on dumb. I don't think I was being insulting. If it was, I apologize. However, I can't shake off the feeling that when so many people obsess over one thing en masse like that, peer pressure has got to be at least a little bit of a factor, as it is with every fad. And I'm not gonna pretend I'm immune to it, there's plenty of stuff I used to be obsessed with that in retrospect I find really dumb and now realized I only cared about because other people did. I don't see the problem with calling it when I see other people doing it as well. Also, when it comes to stuff like Star Wars, anime or GoT, while they do get pretty silly with merchandise, they cater to a very specific niche market, so they're easy to ignore. Funko Pops, meanwhile, are bloody everywhere. In fact, they're starting to take over SW, anime and GoT stuff as well. If you don't like it, don't buy it and don't pay it any mind. It really is that easy. Trust me, I've tried and it's really not. Have you been to a video game store, or comic book store, or toy store lately? Or really any kind of entertainment or collectibles store? These things are freaking everywhere and are taking over everything else, not helped by the various Loot Crate-type services promoting the shit out of them and shoving them in our faces constantly. Add to that the increasingly numerous imitators like Dorbz and all the other "Big heads on tiny body and all the things that make the characters unique and interesting removed" series and it's really feeling more and more like it's becoming the only thing that's allowed to exist when it comes to figurines/statues/etc. Companies have realized they can get these things made on the cheap and wait for the money to come flowing in so now they're like "hm, should we make something original and memorable to promote our mate- Nope! Funko Pops! All Funko Pops, all the time! Stick to the formula, creativity doesn't sell. Well, it does, but not as much. And if Funko wants too much money, make your own Funko rip-off with giant heads, tiny bodies and a really generic and boring design and pose". Even if you go to online stores, you can't escape these bloody things (and again, their endless imitators). People just like things that appeal to them. There, I saved you from having to post another two paragraphs of judgment and insults from up on your ivory tower. Thank me later. Everything but the first line of my posts criticized Funko Pops, though, and as mentioned above I really don't think that one line was being that rude to collectors. Perhaps I'm wrong in thinking people mostly get them because they see their friends and/or influential people endorse them and like every fad, people will look back on it and wonder why they ever got so crazy over this kind of stuff, in which case I shall look for the best wine to pair with my words to eat. But I doubt it.
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Post by King Boo on Jun 12, 2018 1:59:32 GMT -5
If you don't see how you're being condescending over something that is ultimately just your opinion, based partially on preconceived notions, then I don't know what else there is to say, really.
Also, Dorbz are made by Funko, too.
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Post by eJm on Jun 12, 2018 7:55:52 GMT -5
Honestly, they’re just easier for me to have a ms a collectible to show my geek self, really.
I don’t need huge display cases or elaborate positioning or whatever. Just a clear shelf space. They’re small enough and cute enough for me to know what they are and not cost me loads.
Also, they’re the only people in 2018 doing proper Hanna Barbera toys in any way. I have the Great Grape Ape one. The last time there was a Grape Ape toy was the year 196Never.
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Welfare Willis
Crow T. Robot
Pornomancer 555-BONE FDIC Bonsured
Game Center CX Kacho on!
Posts: 44,259
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Post by Welfare Willis on Jun 12, 2018 8:49:22 GMT -5
They are the Beanie Babies of the 2010s. Neat to look at but in a few years 95% of them will have next to no value. Who else remembers Mighty Muggs? I just found my Wolverine,Doc Oct and Hoth Han Solo Mighty Muggs. It's way more than that. While there is a speculator element, there's a lot of other factors at play. They have incredible mainstream appeal. This isn't your aunt hoarding every Beanie Babie blue elephant retired version #3 or whatever. Casuals have latched on them with no return in investment in mind. It's a line composed of hundreds of franchises, each with their own fanbases ready to buy just those Pops. Their design lends themselves well to office desk decoration in today's society; they're as much a knick-knack as they are a toy. Someone who just wants Black Panther or Bullet Club or Stranger Things Pops just have to worry about those and not the Simpsons or whatnot. If you're into pop culture, there's almost literally something for everybody in the line-up. Movie characters, comic characters, musicians, wrestlers, cereal mascots. They also did well to make all of the various brands conform to their uniform look and style. It gives them a distinct identity that is easily recognizable across the board and makes them stand out. I know I'm sounding like their biggest fanboy, but I don't really care for them, never owned one. I just see where they're tapping into a much larger social zeitgeist than just being a speculator bubble. Yeah me either. I don't see the appeal, but I get if you like them or are a fan of the franchises. It's your money. Spend it how you see fit.
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J is Justice
Wade Wilson
Will now be grateful.
Hi.
Posts: 28,567
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Post by J is Justice on Jun 12, 2018 13:51:59 GMT -5
I prefer Nendoroids.
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Post by dablueboy on Jun 12, 2018 19:56:49 GMT -5
If you don't see how you're being condescending over something that is ultimately just your opinion, based partially on preconceived notions, then I don't know what else there is to say, really. Also, Dorbz are made by Funko, too. Another reason why the Beanie Babies comparison falls short, Ty only focused on one style and relied on it too long, Funko keep things fresh and ticking with multiple styles of collectables from Dorbz to Mystery Minis to Vynl to full blown action figures to Pint Size Heros to Keychains to t shirts to pins, hell they even do specialised subscription boxes for Disney, Marvel, DC and Star Wars which are now evolving as of next month to being sold in/on retail outlets
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Post by Joe Neglia on Jun 12, 2018 20:36:49 GMT -5
I mean, maybe the point is people like them? They're widely varied so there's a pop for most everyone? Fair enough, but why do people like them though? I swear I'm not trying to be a smartass, I'm legit asking because I just don't get why so many people would rather buy those than something that actually represents the works they love. Mostly because I couldn't disagree more on them being varied. Sure, they have a lot of licenses, but like I said before, by design it's always the exact same model, exact same design, with some details changed. I mean it when I say it looks like a stereotypical DA recolour gallery, it's the same concept of pretending that doing the same thing over and over with only the most superficial of changes is being creative. What I don't see the point in is, because it's not some people's thing, they have to come up with insulting "reasons" as though people are stupid for liking what they like. I don't give two shits about Star Wars, anime or Game of Thrones, but I've never once had to come up with some sort of explanation as to why I see those things everywhere that concluded in something calling collectors a name bordering on dumb. I don't think I was being insulting. If it was, I apologize. However, I can't shake off the feeling that when so many people obsess over one thing en masse like that, peer pressure has got to be at least a little bit of a factor, as it is with every fad. And I'm not gonna pretend I'm immune to it, there's plenty of stuff I used to be obsessed with that in retrospect I find really dumb and now realized I only cared about because other people did. I don't see the problem with calling it when I see other people doing it as well. Also, when it comes to stuff like Star Wars, anime or GoT, while they do get pretty silly with merchandise, they cater to a very specific niche market, so they're easy to ignore. Funko Pops, meanwhile, are bloody everywhere. In fact, they're starting to take over SW, anime and GoT stuff as well. If you don't like it, don't buy it and don't pay it any mind. It really is that easy. Trust me, I've tried and it's really not. Have you been to a video game store, or comic book store, or toy store lately? Or really any kind of entertainment or collectibles store? These things are freaking everywhere and are taking over everything else, not helped by the various Loot Crate-type services promoting the shit out of them and shoving them in our faces constantly. Add to that the increasingly numerous imitators like Dorbz and all the other "Big heads on tiny body and all the things that make the characters unique and interesting removed" series and it's really feeling more and more like it's becoming the only thing that's allowed to exist when it comes to figurines/statues/etc. Companies have realized they can get these things made on the cheap and wait for the money to come flowing in so now they're like "hm, should we make something original and memorable to promote our mate- Nope! Funko Pops! All Funko Pops, all the time! Stick to the formula, creativity doesn't sell. Well, it does, but not as much. And if Funko wants too much money, make your own Funko rip-off with giant heads, tiny bodies and a really generic and boring design and pose". Even if you go to online stores, you can't escape these bloody things (and again, their endless imitators). People just like things that appeal to them. There, I saved you from having to post another two paragraphs of judgment and insults from up on your ivory tower. Thank me later. Everything but the first line of my posts criticized Funko Pops, though, and as mentioned above I really don't think that one line was being that rude to collectors. Perhaps I'm wrong in thinking people mostly get them because they see their friends and/or influential people endorse them and like every fad, people will look back on it and wonder why they ever got so crazy over this kind of stuff, in which case I shall look for the best wine to pair with my words to eat. But I doubt it. Stop. Please.
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Post by Cyno on Jun 12, 2018 20:41:25 GMT -5
If you don't see how you're being condescending over something that is ultimately just your opinion, based partially on preconceived notions, then I don't know what else there is to say, really. Also, Dorbz are made by Funko, too. Another reason why the Beanie Babies comparison falls short, Ty only focused on one style and relied on it too long, Funko keep things fresh and ticking with multiple styles of collectables from Dorbz to Mystery Minis to Vynl to full blown action figures to Pint Size Heros to Keychains to t shirts to pins, hell they even do specialised subscription boxes for Disney, Marvel, DC and Star Wars which are now evolving as of next month to being sold in/on retail outlets To be fair, Ty produced a few different lines of plushies even when Beanie Babies were in their prime, and still do. But yeah it's not as varied as the products Funko puts out.
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Allie Kitsune
Crow T. Robot
Always Feelin' Foxy.
HaHa U FaLL 4 LaVa TriK
Posts: 46,161
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Post by Allie Kitsune on Jun 12, 2018 20:43:54 GMT -5
It actually turns out that the one I wanted (Sidney Crosby) isn't that expensive...
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Post by "Cane Dewey" Johnson on Jun 12, 2018 21:23:06 GMT -5
On one hand, I see the appeal, although I have no interest in owning a Funko Pop. On the other hand, if they are as popular as people say, then I wonder why certain stores are stuck with walls of merchandise they can't move. In Canada, EB Games is especially bad for having one whole side of the store covered in Funko Pops. Maybe because the line is so expansive in terms of licensing properties that any store that tries to cater to anyone and everyone by having every Pop available will have leftover products that will only interest a small segment of foot traffic? I don't know.
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Eunös ✈
Dalek
Duck Feet Expert
Tolerated, just not practically liked.
Posts: 59,201
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Post by Eunös ✈ on Jun 13, 2018 4:35:19 GMT -5
I do own some but I don't go out my way to collect them.
I will say though I wish I was the person who invented them. I imagine they aren't doing to bad in life right now.
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The Ichi
Patti Mayonnaise
AGGRESSIVE Executive Janitor of the Third Floor Manager's Bathroom
Posts: 37,304
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Post by The Ichi on Jun 13, 2018 6:14:29 GMT -5
This thread actually made me order a few. Seriously, these are badass. Well played, marketing team member OP.
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Post by Starshine on Jun 13, 2018 6:34:26 GMT -5
Come on, as wrestling fans we shouldn't be throwing stones at fanbases we don't personally understand. Why do you like watching oiled up sweaty men in their underwear rolling around and pretending to fight in a boxing ring for 5+ hours a week?
Empathy. It goes a long way.
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