Funko Pop figures have become a staple in pop culture merchandise, with their distinctive design and wide range of characters from various franchises. But have you ever wondered how it all started? The first Funko Pop ever made is a piece of history that started it all. In this article, we will take a closer look at the origins of Funko Pop and the story behind the first-ever figure.
The Birth of Funko Pop
Funko was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, who started the company as a small business selling bobbleheads. The company quickly gained popularity, and in 2005, they expanded their product line to include vinyl figures. These figures were called “Funko Pop” and featured a distinctive design with oversized heads and small bodies.
The first-ever Funko Pop was released in 2010 and was based on the character of Batman. The figure was designed by artist Sean Wilkinson and was an instant hit among collectors. The success of the Batman figure led to the creation of more figures, and soon, Funko Pop became a household name.
The Design of the First Funko Pop
The design of the first Funko Pop was simple yet effective. The figure stood at 3.75 inches tall and had an oversized head that was approximately twice the size of its body. The body was small and compact, with minimal details. The figure was made of vinyl and had a bobblehead feature, which was a nod to Funko’s roots in bobbleheads.
The Batman figure was designed to be a stylized version of the character, with exaggerated features that made it instantly recognizable. The figure had a black suit with gray accents, and the iconic Batman logo on its chest. The head had pointed ears and a stern expression, which added to the character’s overall look.
The Impact of the First Funko Pop
The release of the first Funko Pop had a significant impact on the pop culture merchandise industry. The unique design of the figure made it stand out from other collectibles, and its affordable price point made it accessible to a wide range of fans.
The success of the Batman figure led to the creation of more figures, and soon, Funko Pop became a pop culture phenomenon. Today, there are thousands of Funko Pop figures available, featuring characters from various franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, and more.
The Legacy of the First Funko Pop
The first Funko Pop may have been released over a decade ago, but its legacy lives on. The figure paved the way for a new era of pop culture merchandise, where collectibles were no longer limited to action figures and statues.
Funko Pop figures have become a cultural phenomenon, with fans all over the world collecting them and displaying them proudly. The figures have also become a way for fans to express their love for their favorite franchises and characters.
Conclusion
The first Funko Pop ever made may have been a simple vinyl figure based on Batman, but it was the beginning of a pop culture phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. The figure’s unique design and affordable price point made it accessible to fans of all ages, and its success paved the way for thousands of other figures featuring characters from various franchises. Today, Funko Pop figures are a staple in pop culture merchandise, and the legacy of the first-ever figure will continue to live on for years to come.