Welcome,
fellow enthusiasts, to The Collectible Chronicles, your premier online destination for collectible hobbies! Dive into the world of collectible Pokémon cards, Funko Pop! figures, AFL cards, and a vast array of other new, vintage or rare collectibles. Whether you are a seasoned collector with a passion for investing in collectibles or just starting your journey into the exciting realm of acquiring treasures, I am 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 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 June 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). The most valuable Pokémon cards in Australia and around the globe involve Pikachu, Charizard and Umbreon. 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!
Scheduled for release in November 2025, the Eeveelutions plushies come with a price tag of around $400 USD (international shipping and fees not included).
Currently, only Sylveon, Glaceon and Leafeon are available, with scheduled releases for December 2025. The others are already pre sold out.
Poké News
EB Games are restocking the following sets: Prismatic Evolutions (Aug release), Journey Together (Nov), and Destined Rivals (Jul).
Meanwhile, “Black Bolt” and “White Flare” sets, with Reshiram and Zechrom back as the highlighted Pocket Monsters, are to be released in English in mid July.
A Japanese highlight is the return of the MEGA Evolutions, set to hit the stores in the country in early August: M1L MEGA Expansion Pack Mega Brave / M1S MEGA Expansion Pack Mega Symphonia
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 #0010 Caterpie, in Japanese Caterpie.
This small, green, caterpillar-like Pokémon is known for its endearing appearance and distinct red antennae. It primarily lives in forests and grassy areas, using its suction cups on its feet to climb trees and its tiny, powerful jaws to devour leaves at an astonishing speed. Its prominent, large, yellow eye-like markings on its head aren’t actual eyes, but rather ocelli (eyespots) that it uses to intimidate predators by mimicking the eyes of a much larger creature.
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 is the definitive Pokémon database, offering a complete Pokémon list for all species. Essential for collectors aiming for Pokédex completion, it provides crucial Pokémon information including stats and evolution methods. It’s the ultimate guide for every trainer
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
Funko restarted releasing special limited edition figurines. Collectors can only 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 System.
Meanwhile, future releases that are open to everyone in the upcoming months include Casper, Zodiac signs, SDCC exclusives, Pokémon and Sonic.
Check out Skittle_Rampage on YT for more!
I Wish They Made This
Beyond the highly anticipated Snorlax, collectors are also eagerly awaiting another beloved Pokémon to be released as a Funko vinyl figurine: Jigglypuff. This charming little pink singer is a long-standing fan favorite, and its absence from Funko’s lineup has left many collectors hopeful for its eventual arrival alongside other popular Pokémon characters
In the meantime, let’s place our orders for Slowpoke, Ceruledge, and Turtwig, available in stores in July.
Image: Gemini bringing my imagination to life
From the Funko Vault
Capture the hip-hop legend! The Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure #1052 B-Rabbit brings Eminem’s iconic character from the movie 8 Mile to life. A must-have collectible for rap fans and Funko Pop collectors, this figure perfectly represents Jimmy Smith Jr.’s gritty determination.
Initially launched in 2020, Funko vaulted this vinyl figurine in 2021 following its second wave release.
Prices for #1052 B-Rabbit vary anywhere from 120 to 210 AUD, depending on box conditions.
Hobby of the Month
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 iconic LEGO company name, derived from the Danish words “LEG GODT” (Play Well), after a company-wide naming contest. The first LEGO building bricks for public sale landed on shelves in 1949, an innovative toy idea also attributed to Kristiansen. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the versatile interlocking bricks we recognize today were developed, revolutionizing toy manufacturing.
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! This highlights LEGO’s enduring appeal as a global brand and a significant collectible item in the Australian toy market.
Join the LEGO community and enjoy this amazing collectible hobby!
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.
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 July 2025, the most expensive AFL card was the 2021 Select Supremacy 1000+ Goalkicker Quad Signature, while the rarest card was 1894 N302 Mayo’s Cut Plug Football Dunlop.
AFL is History
Taken in May 1935, this image is part of the Hood Collection at the State Library of New South Wales and depicts a player in a striped jersey bending to gather the ball during a match of the rugby league, between some of Sydney’s prominent teams of the era.
The League News
Round 18 ended with the same top three: Collingwood (56 points), Brisbane (50), and Adelaide (48). The most exciting match of the round was arguably the encounter between St Kilda and Sydney, where the Swans emerged victorious by a slim five-point margin, 92-87.
Season-to-date, Jeremy Cameron from Geelong remains the top goal scorer with 53 goals, while Dayne Zorko of the Brisbane Lions leads the league in total kicks with 375.
More individual stats here.
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
2021 Prestige Marquee Matt Crouch
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 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 from TCG Player and Paypat
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