Intro
Funko Pop figures are some of the most popular collectibles among anime, movie, game and pop culture fans. Their simple design, price range and wide availability make them appealing to both casual buyers and serious collectors. Because of their popularity fake Funko Pops have become increasingly common. Knowing how to identify a real Funko Pop helps protect your collection and ensures you get what you pay for.
Real vs Fake Checklist
- Box Quality and Printing
The box is often the first and easiest place to spot a fake Funko Pop. Authentic boxes are made from sturdy cardboard with sharp clean printing and vibrant colors. Text and images should be clear and well aligned while fake boxes often show blurry graphics, dull colors or misaligned elements like imperfect cuts. Any spelling errors or low quality printing are strong warning signs.
- Logos and Text Details
Real Funko Pops have consistent branding across all boxes. The Funko logo should look clean and correctly proportioned with no variation in font or placement. For example, the Funko Pop logo has fading bubbles within the borders of POP!, while fake ones doesn't. Character names, series titles and warning labels should be spelled correctly and evenly printed. Fakes often get small details wrong such as spacing fonts or missing symbols.
- Serial Numbers and Licensing
Authentic Funko Pops include official licensing information on the box. This usually appears near the bottom or side and lists the company that owns the character rights such as Disney, Marvel or an anime studio. Real figures also include a serial number printed on the box and stamped on the figure itself often on the foot or head. Missing serial numbers or incorrect licensing information are also major red flags.
- Figure Quality and Paint
Examining the figure itself is crucial when checking authenticity. Real Funko Pops have smooth plastic, clean edges and well applied paint. Lines between colors should be neat and symmetrical especially on the eyes and face. Older Funko Pops might have more imperfections compared to newest ones, but still non that many.
- Price and Seller Reputation
Price can be a strong indicator of authenticity. If a Funko Pop is being sold far below its usual value especially if it is vaulted or exclusive, it should raise suspicion. Buying from official retailers, hobby shops or well reviewed sellers, greatly reduces the risk of getting a fake. Unknown sellers with limited feedback or stock photos should be approached with caution.
Conclusion
Spotting a real Funko Pop requires attention to detail and a bit of research. By checking the box quality, logos, licensing figure paint and seller credibility collectors can avoid most counterfeits. Taking the time to verify authenticity, especially on expensive figures, helps protect both your collection and your investment while keeping the fun in collecting.