Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your First Collection

Welcome to the Hobby

So, you're thinking about starting a Funko Pop collection.

First of all...welcome.

Whether you've already picked up your very first Pop or you're still deciding which one deserves that honor, you've found yourself joining one of the most passionate collecting communities in the world.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by terms like Chase, Grail, Vaulted, or Freddy Funko, don't worry. Every experienced collector started exactly where you are now—with one collectible, a little curiosity, and a lot of questions.

The good news?

There are no rules that say you have to collect a certain way.

Some collectors own ten Pops.

Others own ten thousand.

Some keep every figure in the box.

Others proudly display every character on open shelves.

Neither approach is right or wrong.

The best collection isn't the biggest one.

It's the one that makes you smile every time you walk into the room.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to begin collecting with confidence—from understanding the basics to protecting and displaying your collection as it grows.

Welcome to the hobby.

Let's get started.

Chapter 1: What Is a Funko Pop?

Funko Pops are stylized vinyl figures inspired by characters from movies, television shows, anime, comic books, sports, music, video games, and countless other parts of pop culture.

Since their introduction, they've become one of the world's most recognizable collectibles because there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're a Marvel fan, Disney enthusiast, horror movie lover, anime collector, or sports fanatic, chances are there's a Funko Pop that represents something you love.

One of the reasons Funko Pops have become so popular is that collecting is incredibly personal. Some people focus on completing entire collections, while others only purchase figures connected to their favorite memories.

There's no wrong way to build your collection.

Chapter 2: Buy What You Love

If there's one piece of advice every new collector should hear, it's this:

Buy what makes you happy.

When you first enter the hobby, you'll quickly notice people talking about expensive grails, rare exclusives, and collectibles that have skyrocketed in value.

It's easy to feel like you need to chase whatever everyone else is chasing.

You don't.

Some of the most meaningful collections aren't the most expensive—they're the most personal.

Maybe your favorite Pop is a character from the movie you watched every weekend as a kid.

Maybe it's a superhero who inspired you.

Maybe it's a gift from someone you love.

Those are the collectibles you'll never want to part with.

Your collection should tell your story—not someone else's.

Chapter 3: Learn the Language

Like every hobby, Funko collecting has its own vocabulary.

You'll often hear collectors talk about:

Grails
Chases
Vaulted Pops
Convention Exclusives
Shared Exclusives
Freddy Funko
Sticker Variants
NFT Pops

At first, those terms can seem confusing.

That's exactly why we created the Monster Armor Collector Encyclopedia—an A–Z guide that explains the hobby's most common terms in plain English.

The more you learn, the more enjoyable collecting becomes.

Chapter 4: In the Box or Out of the Box?

One of the biggest questions every new collector asks is:

Should I keep my Pops in the box?

The truth is...

There isn't a correct answer.

Many collectors keep their Pops boxed because the packaging is considered part of the collectible.

Others remove every figure from the box so they can better appreciate the sculpt, paint, and details.

Some collectors even do both.

The best choice is whichever one makes you enjoy your collection the most.

Remember:

You're collecting for yourself—not for the approval of anyone else.

Chapter 5: Protect Your Collection

As your collection grows, protecting it becomes increasingly important.

Even everyday environmental factors can affect collectibles over time.

Here are a few simple habits that can help keep your collection looking its best:

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
Dust your collection regularly.
Handle boxes carefully.
Keep collectibles in a stable indoor environment.
Use protectors for collectibles you want to preserve.
Display your collection on sturdy, reliable shelving.

Many collectors start using protectors only after purchasing a particularly meaningful collectible.

The reality is that protection is often easier—and less expensive—than replacing a damaged favorite.

Chapter 6: Display What You're Proud Of

One of the most rewarding parts of collecting is creating a display that reflects your personality.

Whether you dedicate an entire room to your collection or simply display a few favorite Pops on a bookshelf, your display should make you excited every time you see it.

Some collectors organize by:

Franchise
Color
Series
Character
Release number
Theme

Others simply arrange their favorites together.

There isn't one perfect display.

The perfect display is the one that feels like you.

Chapter 7: Collect Within Your Budget

Collecting should be fun—not stressful.

It's easy to get caught up in limited releases and fear of missing out, especially when social media is filled with impressive collection rooms.

Remember...

Every incredible collection was built one collectible at a time.

Set a budget that works for you.

Prioritize the Pops that genuinely matter to you.

Enjoy the hunt.

The journey is often just as rewarding as the destination.

Chapter 8: You Don't Have to Own Everything

One of the biggest misconceptions about collecting is believing you need every release.

You don't.

Some collectors only collect Marvel.

Others focus exclusively on Disney.

Some only collect horror.

Others collect one character across multiple franchises.

Your collection doesn't need to impress anyone else.

It only needs to make you happy.

Sometimes, a carefully curated collection of fifty Pops tells a more meaningful story than hundreds of random purchases.

Chapter 9: Join the Community

One of the best parts of collecting isn't the collectibles.

It's the people.

The Funko community is filled with passionate collectors who enjoy sharing displays, hunting for new releases, trading collectibles, and celebrating each other's collections.

Whether you connect through:

Instagram
YouTube
Reddit
Local collectible shops
Comic conventions
Friends and family

...you'll quickly discover that collecting is even more enjoyable when it's shared with others.

You may even inspire someone else to start collecting.

Chapter 10: Remember Why You Started

Years from now...

You probably won't remember exactly what you paid for every Funko Pop.

You'll remember finding the one you've searched months to find.

You'll remember the convention where you finally picked up your first exclusive.

You'll remember the gift that meant more than its price tag.

You'll remember building shelves, rearranging displays, and watching your collection slowly grow into something uniquely yours.

Because collecting has never been just about vinyl figures.

It's about memories.

It's about nostalgia.

It's about celebrating the characters, stories, and moments that shaped who we are.

Every Funko Pop represents something.

A favorite movie.

A childhood hero.

A family tradition.

A once-in-a-lifetime convention.

A chapter of your life.

That's what makes collecting so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Funko Pops should I start with?

As many—or as few—as you'd like. Every collection starts with one.

Should I keep my Pops in the box?

There isn't a right or wrong answer. Choose the display style that brings you the most enjoyment.

Do Funko Pops increase in value?

Some do, while many remain close to their original retail price. Collecting based on personal enjoyment rather than future value is often the most rewarding approach.

What's a Chase?

A Chase is a limited variant of a standard Funko Pop that may feature a different pose, finish, or design.

Do I need protectors?

While not required, many collectors use protectors to help preserve the condition of their favorite or most valuable collectibles.

Continue Your Collector Journey

If you're ready to learn more, these guides are a great next step:

Every Great Collection Starts With One Pop

No collector begins with a room full of shelves.

No collector starts with a wall filled with grails.

Every impressive collection you've ever seen started exactly the same way:

With one collectible.

One memory.

One story worth preserving.

As your collection grows, so will your knowledge, your friendships, and the memories attached to each new addition.

Take your time.

Collect what you love.

Display it proudly.

Protect what matters.

Welcome to the hobby.

We're glad you're here.

Why You Can Trust Monster Armor

At Monster Armor, we're collectors first.

We created this guide because we believe collecting should feel welcoming, exciting, and accessible to everyone—whether you're buying your very first Funko Pop or proudly displaying a room filled with favorites.

Our mission isn't just to create premium display products. It's to help collectors understand, protect, and proudly display the collections they love.

Because every collection has a story.

And every collector deserves to enjoy theirs.