Do you know how Funko decides on which upcoming funko pops they should produce? Or what influences this decision? That’s right, demand. If collectors want it then they shall get it.
How can we make a difference in getting Funkos attention and getting them to hear us about what we want? Well, that’s up to how loud and big the fanbase of a television show, movie, etc. can get!
Anime has always had a devoted fanbase, and in recent years this fanbase continues to grow. In fact, anime has never been more accessible to broad audiences. With shows like Attack on Titan and Fullmetal Alchemist available on Netflix, new people are being introduced to it every day.
Grow demand to get your favorite characters to become Upcoming Funko Pops
Additionally, the rise of anime funko pops as collectibles have served to excite people about their fandoms and introduce them to new characters and stories they haven’t known yet. Below we’ll take you through some of the most highly-anticipated upcoming Funko Pops for this year.
Funko announced another wave of Boku no hero (My Hero Academia) pops, where the show has been ranked 8.4/10 on IMDB recently and continues to grow in popularity as a top best anime. This time it looks like more villain funko pops are taking over the collection than heroes. It’s precise times have changed when collectors are hunting a villain over a hero!
My Hero Academia – Tsuyu (Hot Topic Exclusive)
“Ribbit”
Although My Hero Academia has a long list of Funkos already available, this Hot Topic exclusive of Tsuyu is a brand new edition to add to your collection. A dependable ally, Tsuyu is calm and collected in the face of danger, able to combine her Quirks with her partner to ensure victory.
Dragon Ball Z – Perfect Cell (Glow in the Dark) (Funko Virtual Con Exclusive) (Pop! Animation #759)
“You see, I’m perfect, my strength is perfect, and with that, I shall bring equally perfect destruction through the rest of the universe.”
The ultimate creation of Dr. Gero, Cell is the perfect warrior, combining abilities and traits from some of the greatest warriors in history, including Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold. This Virtual Con exclusive Funko displays Cell in his perfect form. Plus, it glows in the Dark!
Hunter X Hunter – Gon Freecss (Pop! Animation #651)
“You should enjoy the little detours to the fullest. Because that’s where you’ll find things more important than what you want.”
Gon’s curiosity and determination, and unwillingness to back down from a fight, make him a sometimes frustrating but always exciting character. This new Gon Freecss Funko is a must-have for collectors of Hunter X Hunter Pops.
Soul Eater – Black Star (Pop! Animation #778)
“Yahoo!”
The last survivor of the infamous Star Clan, Black Star, is arrogant, immature, and attention-seeking with his trademark “Yahoo!” shout. His arrogance and superiority complex aren’t entirely unfounded, however, as he is a mighty warrior and reliable ally to his friends. This new Funko Pop makes a great addition to the Soul Eater line.
Inuyasha – Evil Inuyasha (Hot Topic Exclusive) (Pop! Animation #770)
“I don’t like giving up. There’s a difference!”
A half-demon with a human mother and dog-demon father, Inuyasha has always been caught between two worlds but never belonging to either. This Hot Topic exclusive Funko Pop! is him in his primitive yokai form.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations – Boruto Uzumaki (Pop! Animation #671)
“Dattebasa!”
Like his father, Naruto Uzumaki, Boruto is loud, energetic, and stubborn, with a high opinion of himself and his abilities. He believes he can do anything himself, often disregarding his teammates or the need for teamwork. Still, he is a loyal and kind friend, and his new Funko will make a great companion for your collection.
One Punch Man – Mumen Rider (GameStop Exclusive) (Pop! Animation #748)
“It doesn’t matter if I stand a chance or not! I have to fight you here and now!”
Mumen Rider never overlooks any crime or backs down from any fight, always seeking to protect the innocent even at the cost of his own life. This brave, determined, honorable hero will make a great addition to your One Punch Man Funko collection.
Yu-Gi-Oh! – Slifer the Sky Dragon 6″ (Hot Topic Exclusive)
One of the three Egyptian Gods, alongside Obelisk the Tormentor and The Winged Dragon of Ra, Slifer is a giant red dragon. With spikes running along his body and head and two mouths, this fierce dragon is a dangerous being in the world. Now in a 6-inch Pop exclusively at Hot Topic, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Naruto – Gaara
“In order to exist, you need a purpose. To exist for no reason is the same as being dead.”
Gaara is the other side of the coin to Naruto: both jinchūriki, both outcasts, and both raised without their parent’s love. However, where Naruto learned to depend on his friends and allies, Gaara gave up on people and tried to gain strength only to protect himself. After losing a fight to Naruto, though, Gaara would learn from his example, eventually becoming a staunch friend and ally. This anime Funko Pop will make a great companion to other Naruto Funkos.
Evangelion – Rei Ayanami
“Those who hate themselves cannot love or trust others.”
With a mysterious origin and seemingly withdrawn, emotionless, but ultimately sincere personality, Rei is a complex character. Acutely aware of her expendability, her sense of self-worth is clouded until she meets and befriends Shinji Ikari. This new Funko Pop is an excellent addition to your Evangelion collection.
