Who Created Funko Pops? 

The Story of a Pop Culture Phenomenon

Funko Pops! They're everywhere. From your desk at work to the shelves of every major retailer, these big-headed vinyl figures have taken over the world. But where did they come from? Who is the mastermind behind these adorable collectibles?

The OG Funko: Mike Becker

To uncover the roots of Funko Pops, we need to rewind to 1998. It was a simpler time, Google was just getting started, and the internet was a symphony of dial-up tones. In this analog world, a man named Mike Becker decided to follow his nostalgic dreams and founded Funko.

But Becker wasn’t aiming to revolutionize pop culture. He simply wanted to create retro-inspired toys that tugged at the heartstrings of collectors. Funko’s very first product? A bobblehead of the Big Boy restaurant mascot. It wasn’t an instant hit, but it planted the seed for what would one day become a juggernaut.

From Bobbleheads to Pop! Vinyls

For several years, Funko produced quirky bobbleheads and novelty items, slowly carving out a niche. Then, in 2005, Mike Becker sold the company to Brian Mariotti. And this is where the story truly takes off.

Mariotti had big plans for Funko, bigger than bobbleheads. He envisioned a product line that would resonate with a broader audience, appealing not just to niche collectors but to fans of all things pop culture. By 2010, Funko Pop! vinyl figures were born.

Brian Mariotti And Mike Becker 2 Pack Funko Pop Funko Fundays

The First Funko Pops

We convered this on a previous post, you can check it here.

The first Funko Pops! were based on characters from DC Comics. They were a hit with collectors, and Funko quickly expanded it's Pop! line to include Marvel heroes, Star Wars legends, Disney icons, and countless other franchises.

Funko Pop! - The Phenomenon

The rest, as they say, is history. Funko Pops! have become a pop culture phenomenon. They're collected by people of all ages, and they're a staple of comic conventions and other geeky gatherings.

So, who really created Funko Pops? The answer is a bit layered. Mike Becker laid the foundation by starting Funko, but Brian Mariotti took it to the next level, transforming it into the empire we know today with his vision for Pop! vinyl figures. No matter who gets the credit, one thing is undeniable: Funko Pops! have left an indelible mark on the world of pop culture.