Funko
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
LET’S BE SERIOUS NOW
Every lasting collectable goes through phases of quiet and hype, and Funko is no different. It feels that the brand hasn’t found its balance yet, or lost it somewhere along the journey.
The modern Pop market, as of February 2026, is currently at a crossroads. While the allure of finishing a specific Pokémon line like Charmander remains a powerful draw for legacy fans, there is a palpable decline in broader consumer interest. This fatigue is largely driven by a perfect storm of economic pressure and over-saturation.
To complicate matters, the secondary market has been cannibalized by a predatory scalping culture that alienates the very community the brand relies on. When limited-run exclusives or numbered pieces are instantly scooped up by bots and listed on eBay for triple the retail price, it forces average collectors to choose between growing their debt or walking away from the hobby entirely.
So, I leave you with a question – is there a way out of it or is this our new normal?
I Wish They Made This
Currently, collectors can find character-based cards in the Alice in Wonderland series or even specialized Panini sports-themed. So that made me think, “what if a standard deck of cards got the “Pop! Originals” treatment?
Seeing a Jack of Spades or a King of Hearts “come to life” with Funko’s signature aesthetic would be a fascinating evolution for the brand, bridging the gap between traditional gaming and modern vinyl collectibles. Transforming these centuries-old symbols into stylized figures would offer a fresh, artistic perspective on the card game itself, turning abstract suits into tangible characters with their own distinct personalities and lore (Jack of Diamond in the image).
Honestly, Funko, explore!
From the Funko Vault
The partnership Pokémon and Funko has is fairly new, but it has already produced dozens of retired figurines. One of which being the Jumbo Lapras!
Lapras is revered as the “Transport Pokémon,” known for its gentle nature and its unique ability to understand human speech. This Water/Ice-type from the Kanto region remains a fan favourite for its serene design and its rare, rhythmic song that is said to be both beautiful and haunting.
For collectors in Australia, the Jumbo 10-inch Lapras Funko Pop (#867) has become a high-priority target since being vaulted.
While its original retail price sat around $63.61 AUD, the second-hand market in early 2026 has seen prices climb significantly due to its retired status; depending on the condition and the seller, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $120 AUD to secure this massive aquatic companion for your collection. Popcultcha still has it!
While eBay remains the gold standard for tracking ‘Sold’ market data worldwide, there is another tool you can use:
Funko Gallery
Funko Calendar
Funko restarted releasing special limited edition figurines. Every month, new Find out below:
How Much?
While eBay remains the gold standard for tracking ‘Sold’ market data worldwide, there are other tools that collectors can use. Find out below: