Funko Pops: In Box Collector vs. Out of Box Collector

Way before Funko Pops even existed I collected Star Wars action figures. A LOT of them. I started off by opening each one I acquired (these mostly consisted of various versions of Han, Luke and Leia) and then I suddenly stopped doing it that way. I think I liked the idea of keeping them in the best shape possible and also really enjoyed how they were presented in their colorful cardbacks as different waves were released. Overall as a collector I would pick and choose what stayed in the box and what would come out depending on what it was. It really just comes down to personal preference.

When Funko Pops came around I approached collecting these new and adorable figures the same way I did with action figures. To this very day I've always appreciated the overall presentation and even though I might not be able to see every detail of the character the majority of the time I feel like it's fairly easy to observe the character and be satisfied. The box also makes for a nice display with the character artwork and the iconic Star Wars logo and name of the character on the front. I know for some collectors the number of the Funko Pop is a huge deal but to me it's just a number though I do think it's part of the packaging and that it would look strangely odd without it. Last but not least, I really love the Funko Pops that have the "Exclusive" or "Chase" stickers on them and if I were to open those ones it totally defeats the purpose of the sticker because at that point why would I need to keep the box? I'm not one for storing empty boxes.

Keeping them in the box also makes dusting them much easier. The majority of my Funko Pops are in the box (I'll get to that in a minute) while my husband Jason's aren't. It takes more time to dust them properly since we don't have them in a case. I also like keeping them in the box because they are much easier to display this way and I actually like the way they look stacked though I've never gone more than two rows high.

When Jason got his first Funko Pop and wanted to open it I cringed. It felt so wrong. Funny thing is, he collected some action figures as well and surprisingly preferred them in their original cardbacks. I decided to pick at his collector's brain...

Q: Why do you open your Funko Pops?

A: That's what they're for. You can't see them when they're in the box. Why would you by something you want to look at but can't because it's in a box? That's like buying a movie on Blu Ray and you don't open it to watch it.


Q: What about your Star Wars actions figures that you collected and kept in the box?

A: Those are for playing with but I didn't play with toys at that age. So, I bought those to collect not to use.


Q: So, Funko Pops aren't toys?

A: No. They're for looking at. That's how you use them. They're statues not toys. I don't collect Funko Pops, I use them.

Amused much? It's ok. I also found it funny but probably more so because he didn't have to think about anything I asked him. He knew exactly what he thought concerning this matter and why. And I fully understand why he collects the way he does. Or apparently "uses" when it comes to Funko Pops.

Nowadays I actually do love seeing the figures outside of the packaging because I'm able to appreciate every detail of the mold. Funko does a phenomenal job! When the first Ahsoka Tano Funko Pop from Star Wars Rebels was released Jason told me to be sure to purchase two because he couldn't not open it if I just came home with one. We did the same thing with the new Ahsoka Tano Funko Pops from The Clone Wars. Call us crazy but it's nice to have one that's in its original form of packaging and another to appreciate and display in a different way. We've only ever done this with the Ahsoka figures because she is second on both of our lists of favorite Star Wars characters.

If you watch our Smuggler's Bounty Unboxing videos than you also know that whenever a larger Funko Pop is included, we unbox them. I've never had a problem opening these ones due to the boxes being so large that they take up so much space and the fact that I personally think they look so much better displayed outside of the box. I've also opened my Porgs and our Christoper Robin Funko Pops because they were too cute looking to keep them inside. They're actually even cuter outside of the box and, you know, we are all about the cute factor. And yes I do collect other Funko Pops here and there that aren't in any way related to Star Wars.

I hope you enjoyed this insight on how and why we collect the way we do and seeing photos of how we have "some" of our Funko Pops set up. Don't worry if you ever wondered what it would be like to live with someone who collects differently from you! It can work out if you respect each other's different ways of collecting and be open to finding something to appreciate about the way your family member, friend or significant other goes about it.

So tell me, how do you collect? Leave a comment below or send me a Tweet!