2023 came in and went! What a year for collecting! This year follows the path of 2022 in terms of staying relatively close to Funko POP, which may seem rather mundane compared to my past collection, when all in all, 2023 had some strong hitters that I added. But before we jump into that, here are some factors as to why I picked the figures/toys on this list as I did. Let's get into the said list, shall we?
Accuracy: Did this figure capture the likeness of the source material? This is subjective since 'likeness' might also be in the eye of the beholder. There is a definitive look for a character, but there are also many different artists for someone like, let's say, Spider-Woman, which makes "definitive" really subjective.
Price: Regardless of the price paid, did it meet its overhead price? Enough bells and whistles to justify its price tag?
Availability: How rare is this figure? Was it hard to get? It's not a BIG factor in a LOT of the action figures on the list but it is something that plays a small part.
Preference: Of course, some of my fandoms do come into play. This might very well be the biggest factor as to WHY these action figures are on the list.
As I mentioned, it's going to have less variety but a few versions of POP series. I got plenty this past year so the list for POP will be bigger than the others--and once again, to reiterate, the other brands have taken a serious hit and it's been like that for some time now. Let's get ready then, shall we?
The most POPular
Yes, Funko, as I mentioned, ruled the toy hunts for 2023. I also did something different this year by finishing two sets which I will also include in this highlight. There's not so much 'ranking' with this year since the ones I pick have some meaning one way or another but I will save 'the best' (so to speak) for last. With that said though, let's take a look at the ones that stood out to me for 2023, shall we?
I usually pass on Holiday POPs that involve the Marvel characters. Usually. This year, I realized that having them around as a seasonal decoration isn't so bad! Worth having them and between a special friend and I, we wanted to finish this set! While not every single piece I'd recommend, together, I'd think it's a pretty good assemble of Marvel characters (Spider-Woman, please).
The Megazord is not included in this, mind you but the rest of the OG MMPR Rangers are, for sure. With 2023 the 30th anniversary of the original Rangers, it's more than fitting that they came out with an entire set of POP. I was more than happy to oblige. Another co-collection with a certain someone.
I can't say I've been the biggest fan of the POP figurines stuck inside a case/package and meant to be displayed that way. I honestly like to see the full details and beauty of a figurine, but this is a special POP. Far more than I can express.
I've liked most of Elizabeth Olsen's appearance in the MCU as Scarlet Witch. While MoM wasn't the best MCU movie, I certainly adored the Scarlet Witch there. Also, this POP is very nice.
Spider-Man was pretty popular for me in 2023 and it was an Insomniac Holiday Month. Between Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man (Miles Morales), it's been the spiderverse! The POP department wasn't exactly lacking of Spideys either but this one stood out. And it's strange too because Miles isn't exactly high on my list as my favorite Spider-Man.
I consider myself a very informed Elsa POP collector. I may not get the news the first day but I am confident I can get the information about a new Elsa POP before it hits the market. However, my friend found this one in the wild without me even knowing about its existence and that is something. I know there's a Diamond version but this one is the one that holds the most significance. It's obvious that to me, a POP is symbolic as it is a piece of quality figurine.
A POP that I snagged much later in the year but something that manages to make a place for itself. I mean, how can it not, be right?
Well, that's 2023 POP. Admittedly, I didn't do the ranking and all that but at this point, the number system does not necessarily apply to the way I collect anymore, and at a certain point, POP might very well be the main show for my collecting. I don't foresee POP collecting slowing down this year. Funko continues to push out some awesome stuff and characters that I am into. Let's see where 2024 leads us while we enjoy what last year gave us in the POP department!
Imported Beauties
Well, I don't think imports will ever go away in my collection. They are a welcomed part of my shelves and for the most part, they just look aesthetically appealing.
A strange turn of events when I ended up liking the Static Arts Aerith more than Tifa's. Also, the statuette of the Nier Automata 2B/2P variant is something that I didn't expect to have as much enjoyment as it did. Both are not in the same price category but I definitely can say that the two figurines hold their quality in terms of how worthy they are of price and how aesthetically pleasing they are. Luckily, I frequently find my eyes gravitating towards their direction.
Well, it's Goat-Girl! I should play Genshi Impact--right? But even without playing the game, having Ganyu around is not a bad idea at all. This one is a gift and I appreciate the special person who gave this to me. No doubt about it, I adore this figurine throughout 2023. I still find myself looking at the corner of the shelf. Every time I found myself glancing at it, I knew I was going to pick it for 2023 highlights. Got a lot of good things going for it for sure.
Marvel Legends
Look! Is it a Marvel Legend that made it on the list? It's a lone one since 2023 only had three purchases under my wallet. Will this toy line completely phase out this year? I'm not sure. As long as I am a fan of Marvel, the Hasbro toy series will always catch some of my attention. Though with their price inflating and they continue to do this two-steps forward and three-steps back mentality, I don't think I can justify getting them by the bundle as I used to a few years ago. Still, at least one made it this year, right?
The Extremis Iron Man is one of my favorite Iron Man suits ever. It was the one suit that started getting heavy into the 'magical technology' that we are all too familiar with now thanks to the MCU. Well, Hasbro decided to remake this armor with "modern-day" Marvel Legends standards and it's not too bad when we are talking about design, sculpting, and overall presentation.
In conclusion, 2023 was a good year. Got a couple of sets, got some quality imports, and POPs aren't slowing down. I know I say it every year about space, allocating funds somewhere else, etc, and I do think that collecting has slowed down, but in the end, I'm still an avid collector. We'll see where 2024 brings! All in all, 2023 was a blast! Couldn't have had it any other way!
Until Next Time!
