We’ve all heard the name pop, which has become synonymous with plastic figurines. Yes, but there’s pop and… pop. Particularly when it involves partnerships with Coca Cola, it’s important to distinguish between the historic American Funko Pop, known mainly for its figurines and bobbleheads, and the Chinese Pop Mart, whose production is perhaps more varied. Let’s take a look at the current status of these partnerships.
According to Wikipedia : Funko Inc.is an American company that manufactures licensed and limited pop culture collectibles, known for its licensed vinyl figurines and bobbleheads. In addition, the company produces licensed plush, action figures, apparel, accessories and games. Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker and Claudia Becker, Funko was originally conceived as a small project to create various low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys. The company’s first manufactured bobblehead was of the Big Boy restaurant mascot
Again, here’s what Wikipedia says : Pop Mart was founded in China in 2010 by Wang Ning.[7] The brand’s initial marketing strategy engaged with youth culture trends in China.[8] Over time it grew to 288 outlets and 1800 vending machines in that country. Its success in the ‘blind box’ format drove a $676m USD listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020 giving it a market capitalisation of $7b at the time. However its revenue growth slowed and its shares slid below offer price
Funko
The collaboration between Coca Cola and Funko began several years ago, and includes a fine series of bears, cans and Santas. Some models come in several versions, but the design remains the same.
Pop Mart
This doesn’t yet apply to Coca Cola collaborations, but Funko Pop has introduced the notion of mystery figurines to its bitty pop series. This principle is the basis of Pop Mart’s products. Each series consists of a finite number of “standard” figurines + a more or less rare figurine (1/72 for the mystery figurine in the latest series, for example).
An article has already been published on Pop Mart’s “monsters” series, but here’s the current summary, with three series plus the well-known Space Molly (in normal, 400% and 1000% sizes).
Space Molly
The Pop Car set
The Labubu and the monsters series
The Monsters "vinyl figures" series
