
11 Collectible Facts About Funko ByΒ JAKE ROSSEN
Since 1998, vinyl figure factoryΒ FunkoΒ has been making it extremely simple to gift the pop culture fan in your life with a small-scale representation of their favorite movie, TV show, or video game. Engineered for maximum cuteness, their Pop! toys adorn million of desks and have inspired a devout following. If youβve ever wondered about the larger story behind those button eyes and block-shaped heads, check out some facts about Funkoβs history, its massive Washington headquarters that’s open to fans, and why Tom Cruise may have shot down a chance at plastic immortality.
Your familiarity with the Bobβs Big Boy burger franchise may depend on your age and geographical location. The chainβs mascotβa large, pompadour-sporting hamburger serverβhas become a nostalgic touchstone for many. One of Bobβs fans, Snohomish, Washington native and T-shirt designer Mike Becker, went inΒ searchΒ of a collectible but found the vintage figurines on eBay too pricey. Becker realized he could simply buy the Bobβs license and produce his own bobblehead figures, which is exactly what he started doing in 1998. While Beckerβs mom wasnβt enthusedβshe told her son no one was going to want the figureβthe Big Boy helped launch Becker’s toy venture, which he dubbed Funko.