Pokémon
Pokémon, directly translated from Japanese as “Pocket Monsters,” is considered one of the most successful franchises in the world. It started as a video game in 1996 and rapidly grew into a card game, TV series, films, Pokémon figurines, and other related media. As of May 2025, the rarest Pokémon card was still the 1998 Pikachu Illustrator Card, while the most expensive Pokémon collectible was the Pokémon 2000 film frame, and surprisingly, the most valuable Funko Pop! was actually one never officially released: the #843 Charizard (Metallic). For Pokémon collectors in Australia and around the world, these represent highly sought-after items.
Poké Highlight
LEGO
LEGO announced a partnership with Pokémon to create playable (and collectible) sets, expected to hit the shelves around the world in 2026. You can get news alerts on the Lego official website, but you will need to join Lego Insiders first. It’s free.
LIFE-SIZED EEVEELUTIONS!
Even though this isn’t breaking news, Eeveelution fans will want to take note: pre-orders for life-sized plushies of these Pokémon close on May 19th! Scheduled for release in November 2025, these massive ‘teddy bears’ come with a price tag of around $500 USD (international shipping and fees not included). Currently, only Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon are available.
Poké News
EB Games are restocking the following sets: Prismatic Evolutions (May release), Journey Together (April & August releases), and Destined Rivals (late May release).
The first pre-order rounds, thou, are exclusive for EB World Plus members. The EB World Plus membership is available for AUD $49.00 annually.
Meanwhile, in Japan, a celebration of Gen V Pokémon is scheduled to be released in June: “Black Bolt” and “White Flare”
Pokémon of the Week
With the number of Pokémon set to increase by over 100 in the next couple of years with the release of Generation X, I came to realise if I keep the ratio of introducing one Pokémon a week to newcomers, it would take me way over 20 years to finish the list!
So, I decided to restart the system. Introducing #0002 Ivysaur, in Japanese Fushigisou. This amphibian Pokémon is Bulbasaur’s evolution.
In the world of Pokémon, Ivysaur is the only second stage dual-type pocket monster that does not require an evolution stone to evolve.
A little fun fact about Ivy is that he’s never been seen losing a battle on-screen in any animated media.
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!
Funko Pop!
As a company, Funko was founded in 1998, but the first vinyl Funko Pop! figurines were released in 2010 at the San Diego Comic-Con. The lines were Heroes (10 figures), Marvel (2), and Ad Icons (3). However, the most expensive Funko Pops ever sold was the Willy Wonka Golden Ticket – 2 pack, released in 2016, also at the SDCC. This pack is also the rarest Funko Pop, with only 10 pieces made. Finishing the top 3 most expensive Funko Pop 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 worldwide, these represent the pinnacle of rarity and value.
Funko News
May was the month chosen by Funko to re-start releasing limited edition figurines. This time around, collectors will only be able to get them on the Funko website, more specifically through a membership and a point system. Every month, new Pops will be available and their quantities will vary according to their tier.
The first Pop sold in this system was Genya Shinazugawa (40 USD). On eBay, this figurine is already advertised for 460 AUD. I can’t help myself but to think, “Are these exclusives only getting scalped?”
Check out Funko’s Calendar and their Tier System
I Wish They Made This
Even thou Super Mario Bros. might be the one series collectors around the world want to see turned into Funko figurines, in Australia we can’t help it but to cross our fingers for some AFL mascots. While Funko is no stranger to releasing mascots in America, Australia is yet to see a collection with them.
My imagination turned into an image by Gemini
From the Funko Vault
Today’s vaulted Pop is one that came out in 2013: Thundercats Mumm-Ra. Based on the 1985’s cartoon, Mumm-Ra still remains the only villain released from the series, with a total of four variations – more than any of the heroes have! The most recent one is the May 23rd release of a Funko Royalty Edition with a total of 3,500 pieces.
Prices for #105 Mumm-Ra vary anywhere from 110 AUD to 225 AUD, depending on box conditions. Not bad for a bad guy!
Hobby of the Week
Every week I will introduce you to a popular hobby that you will fall in love with!
Over 90 years old, the LEGO story began in Denmark in 1932 with Ole Kirk Kristiansen, who initially crafted wooden toys. Kristiansen also coined the company name, derived from the Danish words “LEG GODT” (Play Well), after a company-wide naming contest. The first LEGO bricks for public sale landed in the shelves in 1949, an idea also attributed to Kristiansen. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the versatile interlocking bricks we recognize today were developed.
LEGO first arrived in Australia in 1962, thanks to the efforts of John Peddie, a determined sales representative from England. Despite initial retailer scepticism due to Australians’ preference for outdoor play, Peddie’s persistence paid off. Today, LEGO bricks are a beloved toy and collectible in the country, with an estimated average of 70 bricks per person – a staggering total of approximately 1.89 billion bricks nationwide!
Join the LEGO community and enjoy the fun!
What an Image
From my own personal collection!
AFL
Officially, May 17th 1859 was when the history of our Australian Football started. Around the same time, Melbourne (1858) and Geelong (1859) were founded, making 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). The Women’s League had its first game played in February 2017.
Select is one of the biggest card manufacturers in Australia. Some of the rarest and most expensive AFL cards were printed by them. As of January 2025, the most expensive AFL card was the 2021 Select Supremacy 1000+ Goalkicker Quad Signature Gary Ablett, Tony Lockett, Doug Wade, and Jason Dunstall, while the rarest card was still 1894 N302 Mayo’s Cut Plug Football Dunlop.
AFL is History
South Brisbane Australian Football Team 1914, Unknown author, January 1, 1914
John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Original version photographic print : black & white ca. 1910 Negative number: 139756. The photograph is public domain.
The League News
Round 10 ended on Sunday the 18th of May and it delivered several compelling results, including West Coast’s first win this season against St Kilda, and Melbourne’s “come back” victory over Brisbane, who lead for over 2/3 of the game. Geelong showcased dominance in their win over an injury-stricken Port Adelaide, while Collingwood continued their winning streak against Adelaide. The Western Bulldogs recorded a significant win over Essendon, and North Melbourne secured a close victory against Richmond.
So, after ten rounds, Collingwood continues to hold the top spot on the ladder, followed by the Brisbane Lions in second place and the Gold Coast Suns rounding out the current top three..
This Card
Peter Matera played his entire AFL career for the West Coast Eagles (1990-2002). A two-time Premiership winner (1992, 1994), he won the 1992 Norm Smith Medal, was a five-time All-Australian (1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997) and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He also finished runner-up in the Brownlow Medal twice (1994, 1997), cementing his place as one of the Eagles’ all-time greats.
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.
2021 Green Parallel J. Selwood #3
Funko Pop! #322 Jimmy McGill
Funko Pop! #61 Vincent Vega
Pokémon #236 Poké Maniac
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 fakes are priced 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 that can give you tips and guides.
Don’t forget to reach out to your community as well!
Images from TCG Player and Paypat
YouTube channels: serjo_funko_pop and PokeHann are great sources to reach out to when trying to identify if your items are real or lemons.
Bonus sources: MAGIC The Gathering, LEGO, Philately, and Numismatic (modern/ancient).
About Me
Hello! You can call me DROM. Collecting has been a lifelong passion, spanning decades. I’ve delved into various areas, from numismatics (coin collecting) to 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 for almost 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
Stay in touch with other collectors and hobbyists in Australia and around the world in these active communities