Welcome,
fellow enthusiasts, to The Collectible Chronicles, your online destination to explore Australia’s most popular hobbies! Dive into the vibrant world of collecting — from Pokémon cards and Funko Pop! figures to AFL memorabilia, LEGO sets, and other rare treasures that capture the heart of every collector. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist investing in collectibles or just starting your journey into this exciting realm, I’m here with you. Step through the portal and join the passion!
Pokémon
Pokémon — directly translated from Japanese as “Pocket Monsters” — is considered one of the most successful anime, video game, and collectible franchises in the world. It started as a video game in 1996, part of the Pokémon series, and rapidly grew into a trading card game (TCG), TV series, films, Pokémon figurines, merchandise, and other related media. As of October 2025, the rarest Pokémon card was still the 1998 Pikachu Illustrator Card. The most expensive Pokémon collectible was the Pokémon 2000 film frame. Surprisingly, the most valuable Funko Pop! was one never officially released: the #843 Charizard (Metallic). For Pokémon collectors in Australia and around the world, the most valuable cards are highly sought-after items, especially those featuring Pikachu, Charizard and Umbreon, as well as rare holo cards, first edition cards, limited edition Pokémon cards, graded cards (PSA / BGS), and promo cards.
Poké Highlight
30 YEARS OF POKEMON
Pokémon will celebrate its 30th anniversary on February 27, 2026, a milestone marked by the return of the classic “Fat Pikachu” mascot.
2026 is set to be the franchise’s most expansive yet, highlighted by the expected reveal of Generation 10 and the March 5 release of the life-sim game Pokémon Pokopia for Nintendo’s next-generation console.
Beyond gaming, fans can anticipate a year-long TCG “First Partner” collection starting February-March, and a major “Pokémon Day” event that many industry insiders believe will introduce a visual overhaul to the entire series. For now we can just speculate!
HOW MUCH WAS IT AGAIN?
If 2025 taught us anything, it was to stay alert when checking the value of our cards. eBay sold items remain one of the most reliable sources when checking real-world secondary market values on Pokémon cards.
You can, however, count on other websites to help with that, like:
Poké News
AFFORDABLE AGAIN?
Perfect Order seems to be a perfect name fit for what this set might represent. It is a more focused, compact release compared to the massive Ascended Heroes expansion of Mega Evolutions. With “only” 120 cards, 88 of which are standard, this might actually be more affordable to collect.
Perfect Order features the debut of four powerful new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex: Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Starmie ex, Mega Clefable ex, and Mega Skarmory ex. There are rumours of added cards to the 120 as promos, but for now, what is set is the release of this expansion on the 27th of March, a month after the 30th Anniversary of Pokémon!
LEGO
It’s getting close. The LEGO-Pokémon partnership comes out with their first sets in February. Leaks were received with mixed reviews (here).
Pokémon of the Week
With Generation X set to add over 100 Pokémon in the next couple of years, I’ve realised that if I maintain the ratio of introducing just one a week to newcomers, finishing the list would take me way over 20 years!
So, let’s go! Introducing #0036 Clefable, in Japanese Pixy.
Clefable is a Fairy-type Pokémon known for its gentle nature, mysterious origins, and strong connection to the moon. It evolves from Clefairy when exposed to a Moon Stone and is said to live in quiet, remote areas, rarely seen by humans.
Clefable is surprisingly powerful, capable of using a wide variety of moves thanks to its magical abilities.
A popular fan theory suggests that Clefable and Gengar may be related due to their similar body shapes, stat distributions, and Pokédex numbering in the original games. However, it’s important to note that this theory has never been confirmed or mentioned by Pokémon.co or any official Pokémon sources. It is very cool thou!
Pokémon TCG Checklists
The Pokémon TCG has been around for decades now, which can both overwhelm new collectors and make it somewhat hard for hobbyists to complete sets. Intrigued by the development of terms such as “Grandmaster,” “Master Pokémon,” and “Pokémon Master,” I set out to find helpful checklists. While tracking down every single appearance of a Pokémon across all variations, trainer sets and country-exclusive releases has proven to be incredibly challenging, I’m optimistic that my findings will be genuinely helpful. Just follow the links and good luck!
National Pokédex
The National Pokédex serves as the definitive Pokémon encyclopedia, containing a complete list of every known species across all generations. For players, collectors, and trainers, it’s the key resource for Pokédex completion, offering detailed information such as base stats, evolution paths, abilities, and type advantages. Whether you’re researching your next team or tracking rare Pokémon, the National Pokédex remains the ultimate guide for understanding and mastering the world of Pokémon:
Funko Pop!
Funko Pop! collecting has become one of Australia’s most popular hobbies, captivating fans with the wide variety of figures available locally and through secondary markets. Founded in 1998, Funko rose to global prominence, but the first vinyl Pop! figurines didn’t appear until 2010 at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), launching with three lines: Heroes (10 figurines), Marvel (2), and Ad Icons (3). While some ultra-rare numbered figures are primarily available overseas, Australian collectors enjoy a thriving market through local retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty stores.
Among the most valuable Funko Pops worldwide, the most expensive ever sold remains the Willy Wonka Golden Ticket two-pack, released in 2016 at SDCC — an ultra-rare collectible with only 10 pieces ever made. This exclusive set is also considered the rarest Funko Pop in existence. Completing the top three most valuable Funko Pops are the 2013 Clockwork Orange (Glow in the Dark) and the 2012 SDCC Freddy Funko as Iron Man (Metallic). For Funko Pop collectors in Australia and around the world, these ultra-limited editions represent the pinnacle of rarity, value, and demand in the Funko Pop market.
Funko News
Funko restarted releasing special limited edition figurines. Every month, new Pops will be available and their quantities will vary according to their Tier System.
BRING IT ON 2026!
After a brief scare in the community—thanks to an unchecked (or rogue) generative AI at Dexerto boldly predicting the end of Funko by 2026—the company is kicking off the year on a high note with vinyl figures for… well, just about everyone.
Jan and Feb’s lineups are packed: Muppet Babies, Music legends like Oasis and Rob Zombie, Anime, Pets (yes, even a golden retriever gets its own figure), Disney Channel, Movies, and even the Brides of Friends. Pokémon is finally getting Bulbasaur and Charmander lines finished early this year too. If you’re a Funko Pop fan, rest assured—2026 is delivering plenty to collect!
More Funko news here!
I Wish They Made This
In 2025, Funko expanded its horizons by introducing a new Zodiac line, which reimagines the stars as ethereal, celestial creatures. While these Western signs are a hit, it’s impossible not to imagine how breathtaking a full Chinese Zodiac series could be—especially if Funko looked to the legendary Han Meilin for guidance.
Han, the artistic visionary behind the 2008 Beijing Olympic mascots, is a master of blending ancient cultural symbols with modern, playful aesthetics. His zodiac sculptures and paintings are famous for their bold, rhythmic lines and ‘Heavenly Script’ style, turning traditional animals into lively, adorable, and powerful figures.
I wanted to see what they would look like. Fabulous! I want them:
From the Funko Vault
The Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, represented a historic milestone for the Doctor Who franchise as the first female incarnation of the Time Lord. She’s bringing a sense of breathless wonder, social compassion, and a “team-first” dynamic to the TARDIS. Her era signaled a modern shift in the series’ identity, emphasizing inclusivity and exploring historical events with a renewed educational focus, while her vibrant, rainbow-trimmed aesthetic became an instant icon for a new generation of fans.
In terms of collectability, her standard Funko Pop! #899 is currently seeing a steady rise in value now that it has been vaulted; recent “sold” listings on eBay AU show the figure typically fetching between $35 and $55 AUD (shipping excluded), depending on box condition. While she may not yet reach the triple-digit heights of some earlier vaulted Doctors, the 13th Doctor’s figures remain high-demand items for fans looking to complete their “Modern Era” sets.
While eBay remains the gold standard for tracking ‘Sold’ market data worldwide, there is another tool you can use:
Hobby of the Month – Aussie Favourites
Every month I’ll introduce you to a new hobby you might fall in love with!
Comic books have evolved from simple, inexpensive entertainment into one of the most enduring and influential popular hobbies of the modern era. Emerging in the early 20th century, comics gained widespread popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with the rise of superhero characters during what is now known as the Golden Age of Comics, when titles were mass-produced and accessible to a broad audience.
Over subsequent decades, comics diversified in both style and subject matter, reflecting social change, cultural trends, and advances in printing and storytelling. The Silver and Bronze Ages introduced more complex characters and long-form narratives, helping comics mature beyond children’s entertainment and attract dedicated collectors. By the late 20th century, comic book collecting had become a recognised hobby, driven by specialty comic shops, conventions, and the growing appreciation of original artwork and first appearances. Today, comic books remain a popular hobby worldwide, appealing to readers and collectors alike through a blend of nostalgia and artistic expression, ensuring their continued relevance across generations.
Comics also come in various types, such as graphic novels, anthologies and single-issues. They usually relate to format, purpose, and publishing tradition, rather than just genre or age group. One type that requires a whole month is the Japanese Manga. So, stay tunned!
Because Comics are not exclusive to collectors, to estimate the number of people collecting them is virtually impossible. However, the comic book market was valued at around AUD 180 million just in 2024.
Join the community!
What an Image
There is nothing better than finding a stack of comic books on a Sunday afternoon. It’s the perfect way to share a quiet moment with family or friends
I imagine, AI generates
AFL
AFL holds a special place in the collectibles universe. Officially, May 17th 1859 was when the history of our Australian Football started. Around the same time, Melbourne (1858) and Geelong (1859) were founded. That makes them two of the oldest continuous sporting clubs in the world. The first game ever recorded took place in Melbourne: Scotch College vs Melbourne. Grammar (1858). Comparatively, the Women’s League had its first game played in February 2017.
Among Australia’s most fervent collectible hobbies, cards stand out as a dominant pursuit. While Pokémon firmly holds its position as the country’s top-selling card game, outpacing Magic: The Gathering, AFL Select is rapidly gaining ground, challenging the popularity of other prominent collections such as Dragon Ball and One Piece. As of October 2025, the most expensive AFL card remains the 2021 Select Supremacy 1000+ Goalkicker Quad Signature, while the rarest card is 1894 N302 Mayo’s Cut Plug Football Dunlop.
AFL is History
We’ve spent months exploring images from the early days of the AFL, revisiting where the game began. It’s been a great journey, but now it’s time to take the next step and dive into the history of every club. This month, we begin by celebrating the
The Lions have a rich and fascinating history that blends heritage and modern success, beginning when the Brisbane Bears merged with the Fitzroy Lions to form the Brisbane Lions in 1996.
In the early 2000s the Lions became a powerhouse under coach Leigh Matthews and captain Michael Voss, achieving an extraordinary feat of three consecutive AFL premierships in 2001, 2002 and 2003, the first time a club had done so in the modern era. After a long premiership drought, they roared back into flag contention in the 2020s, claiming the 2024 and 2025 AFL premierships..
Revered figures from the club and its predecessor include Kevin Murray, Haydn Bunton and Leigh Matthews, Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and Simon Black; more recently, leaders and stars such as Lachie Neale and exciting young talents like Will Ashcroft have defined the latest golden era.
The League News
AFL: The most recent news focuses on roster availability and the growing anticipation for the representative season. The league has confirmed that Collingwood forward Bobby Hill has taken an indefinite leave of absence from the club for personal reasons, with the Magpies offering full support for his time away. Meanwhile, the pre-season “Fantasy” season has officially kicked off with an in-depth preview of the Fremantle Dockers, highlighting Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw as the primary “must-have” under-priced stars for the 2026 season.
AFLW: the news is currently centered on the upcoming 2026 season structure and state-level talent pathways. The league has officially locked in the 2026 Grand Final for Saturday, November 28, confirming that the season will once again begin in August. In player movement news, the focus is on the WAFLW recruitment surge, where former AFLW stars like Annabel Johnson and Bianca Webb have officially signed with state-league clubs (Subiaco and Perth respectively) after being delisted during the recent AFLW trade period.
This Card
Joel Selwood is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders and most decorated players in the history of the AFL.
Debuting for the Geelong Cats in 2007, he made an immediate impact by winning the AFL Rising Star award and playing a pivotal role in the club’s drought-breaking premiership that same year.
Over a 16-season career, Selwood became the personification of consistency, earning six All-Australian selections and winning three Carji Greeves Medals as Geelong’s Best and Fairest.
Selwood’s legacy is best defined by his captaincy and ultimate fairy-tale finish. Appointed captain at 23 years old, he went on to set the AFL record for the most games captained by a single player – 245 matches. His career reached a historic crescendo in 2022 when he became the first Geelong player to win four premierships. Retiring shortly after that with 355 games to his name, Selwood left the sport as the record holder for the most VFL/AFL finals played (40).
Check These Out!
My featured eBay products right now.
As a collector, I keep going through my sets. If I no longer love a card or a Funko, I try to find it a new home.
Funko Pop! #105 Mumm-Ra
2021 Prestige Marquee Matt Crouch
Funko Pop! #61 Vincent Vega
Pokémon Eevee RC14
Flair is in the Details
Enhance Your Tools, Upgrade Your World! Below you will find options to enrich your hobby (and maybe professional) experience:
Search, Track, Write, Create!
Your binders, flawless!
Stand Out. Connect Instantly!
Are These Real?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – how to spot a fake collectable.
The best way to spot one is definitely comparing it to the original! But we all know that’s not always easy, especially when you’re just starting out and scammers price fakes like the real deal. So, I’ve put together a few images to help you identify fake Pokémon cards and fake Funko Pops.
In addition, I’ve included some helpful links to channels and videos to guide you:
The YouTube channels serjo_funko_pop and PokeHann are great sources for when you’re trying to identify if your items are real or lemons.
Don’t forget to reach out to your community as well!
Images: TCG Player and Pop Collectibles
About Me
Hello! You can call me DROM. Collecting has been a lifelong passion, spanning decades. I’ve delved into various areas, such as numismatics and Japanese manga, often trading or selling entire sets to pursue new interests in the hobby. Trading cards and Funko Pop! figurines have held a special place in my heart. In fact, I have been collecting and trading them for over thirty years all together.
More recently, 3D printing became a healthy obsession. I can use it to create both models and cards – A tailored collection of my own!!!
Find Your Tribe
Thanks for visiting The Collectible Chronicles! Whether you’re hunting Pokémon cards, Funko Pops, AFL memorabilia, or exploring new hobbies, this is your space to discover, share, and enjoy the thrill of collecting. Stay in touch with other collectors and hobbyists in Australia and around the world in these active communities