Pop! Culture, Part 1

On this blog we've shed light on a variety of both rare and common collectibles, from comic books and posters to statues and action figures. A fairly recent introduction into the pop culture world has been Seattle-based manufacturer Funko, which has been producing some of the genre's most popular and collectible figures.     

For this post, we'll take a brief look at Funko's Pop! Vinyl line -- the black-eyed vinyl figures that have become a mainstay in comic book shops and at comic conventions, not to mention popular retailers like Hot Topic and Barnes & Noble. Here's a look at three personal favorites.

Rancor Pop! Vinyl triple pack

Rancor Pop! Vinyl triple pack by Funko

This three-pack from "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" features the Rancor monster, Luke Skywalker and Slave Oola. Of the ones mentioned today, this is the most recent and affordable, and can be found online or at a toy show for about $40.

Genie Pop! Vinyl

Genie Pop! Vinyl by Funko

This retired (and very rare) pop presents the Genie from Disney's Aladdin. The piece became even more collectible following the death of Robin Williams. It can go for over $150 on the secondary market, and the rarer metallic Comic Con exclusive can fetch upwards of $350.

Purple Haze Pop! Vinyl

Purple Haze Pop! Vinyl by Funko

This early pop done in the likeness of Jimi Hendrix (though without his name, one assumes for legal reasons) is one of the hardest to track down. It goes for $200-$250. Keep your eye out for the limited edition Chase Metallic version.

Expect to see plenty more Pop! on this blog, and check back with us tomorrow for more insights from the CollecTwins.