Funko would not be the same without all of the wonderful Funatics that come together to help make up the Funko Family. To show our appreciation we're taking some time to introduce you to other Funatics in the community, and with that, please say hello to Meg Stocker.
When and how did you first learn about Funko? Did you start collecting right away or did it develop over time?
"I've been a huge Marvel/Avengers fan since I was a kid, so Funko hit my radar when the first Marvel Collector Corps – “Avengers: Age of Ultron” – box launched in April of 2015! I received the 6” Hulkbuster Pop! and the Thor vs. Ultron t-shirt as part of that box, and was immediately hooked on both Pops! AND Funko fashion. My collection ramped up pretty quickly after that, since there were already so many different fandoms to choose from across the Funko licenses!"
Were you a collector before you encountered Funko?
"Yes! I started collecting comic books with my dad back when I was a kid – Avengers & X-Men were my favorites! We'd go to regional comic book shows together, and it was so amazing to meet some of the artists as well as other collectors. I really found my community there – everyone was so passionate about superheroes and many other amazing types of stories portrayed in comics and graphic novels!
I also collected basketball cards, and loved trading them with my friends. My all-time favorite players were Michael Jordan and Alonzo Mourning. I even had a little part-time job for 6 months at a trading card kiosk at the local mall. The owner was a great guy, and he figured I was hanging around so often and knew so much about the trading card market that I might as well help out! I was too young at the time to be officially paid, so the owner would pay me in store credit - which was of course a sweet deal for a young collector! I still have a bunch of my cards and comics from back then; they always bring back great memories."
When would you say you switched from being a collector to becoming a Funatic? What does Funko Family mean to you?
"While I've been collecting for around 6 years now, I'd say I entered into full Funatic territory in early 2019. That's when I really started connecting to the Funko Family through Twitter and Instagram, in particular thanks to the Funko Funkast and the #FunkoPhotoADay contests! What I found was an incredibly engaged, fun, and kind group of fantastic Funatics who wholeheartedly welcomed me into the community.
Even though I haven't yet been able to meet most of these amazing Funatics in person, I truly consider them to be some of my closest friends. We connect on a daily basis, not just on collecting, but about family, life achievements, and little happy moments… and they have made a huge positive impact on my life especially during the challenging time we've all encountered during the pandemic."
What Funko lines and fandom(s) do you collect?
"I love so many different lines - I collect Pop!s, Mystery Minis, Paka Pakas, Sodas, FunkoVerse, a few Dorbz, and the fun new Snapsies! In terms of fandoms - Marvel is definitely my primary fandom and makes up the bulk of my collection - especially the Avengers, and in particular Captain Marvel, Captain America, and Iron Man. The Mandalorian, Freddy Funko, and Wonder Woman are my other biggest fandoms! I also collect select Disney, Harry Potter, and Star Wars figures, plus a wide smattering of other figures where I love the sculpt or the character. One of the best things about Funko is the incredibly vast range of characters and universes you can get all in one place – it's never hard to find something you love!"
Do you have favorite fandom(s) that hold special meaning to you?
"It will always be the Avengers. As a kid, I imagined a world where one day I'd get to see this epic superhero team come to life on the big screen… but never could have imagined it would happen on as massive of a scale as we've seen from Marvel Studios over the last 13 years! I still can't watch the 'Avengers Assemble' scene in Avengers: Endgame without getting teary – these characters have meant so much to me for so long, and I am in awe of how they've all been brought to life in what to me is just about the perfect way."
Is there anyone you share your fandom(s) with?
"My 5-year-old daughter has her own little Funko collection that she absolutely loves! Her current favorites are Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Ironheart, and Elsa. My 3-year-old son has a few as well – Captain America, Batman, and Spider-Man are his top three! We also love to do "unboxing" videos together, and our current favorite lines to open are Snapsies and Paka Paka figures.
One of my brothers also has a Pop! collection that is focused on Deadpool and Star Wars, my other brother has Pops! from The Mandalorian, and I've gifted a few Pops! to my dad as well – Scrooge McDuck and Mickey Mouse in particular!"
What was the first Funko piece in your collection?
"That beautiful original 6-inch Hulkbuster Pop! from the first Collector Corps box. I always have it right nearby as a reminder of where everything started for me with Funko!"
Is there a particular Funko art or figure style that you enjoy?
"I love the Marvel Black Light series! I've picked up every one of them so far, and they're such fun to photograph. They also add an awesome pop of color to my display shelf! Another favorite is the set of six interlocking Marvel Funko Pop! Deluxe Avengers Assemble set – incredible sculpts, and from such an iconic moment! What a clever idea to design connecting figures that can create a much bigger scene. I can't wait to see how the interlocking Marvel Funko Pop! Deluxe Victory Shawarma end credits scene interlocking set comes together too."
Is there anything not made by Funko that you collect?
"I collect Denver Broncos memorabilia – my prized piece is a full-sized helmet signed by Peyton Manning. I also collect guitars (since I'm a singer/songwriter) – I have 13 of them across a range of sizes and styles, as well as a couple of ukuleles!"
How do you display your collection? In box, out of box, shelves, cases?
"I have a varied selection of Pops! that I display out of box at my desk area (some at work, and now some in my home office since I'm currently working from home!). I'll rotate these off and on with my larger collection which I display in box, stacked floor to ceiling (in protectors) along the walls of my collection room. I completely respect those who decide to keep everything in box! For me, I just love taking them out to see the full front-to-back detail of the sculpts, as well as to be able to use the full collection for my photography!"
What movie/show/game/album/podcast are you currently watching/playing/listening to?
"Currently re-watching season 2 of The Mandalorian since it was AMAZING! Playing Beat Saber on the Oculus and Mario Kart 8 on the Switch. And I'm constantly tuning in to a ton of podcasts and Twitch streams created by our fantastic Funatic community – too many to name here, but drop me a line and I'll be happy to share a comprehensive list of awesomeness with you!!"
What do you love about Funko?
"Everything. The community. Funko's authentic engagement with its fans, from photo challenges to virtual cons to everyday connections. The creativity it inspires in me as a photographer. The absolutely astounding range of licenses and fandoms offered. The expansion into fantastic new lines over the years, including Funko Soda, Paka Paka, and Snapsies most recently. And the pure enjoyment I get from sharing the love of something this FUN with family and friends!"
What's your favorite Funko memory?
"In January of last year, I was so fortunate to visit Funko Hollywood one evening when I was in L.A. for a work trip. I still remember walking through the front doors and being blown away by the grand scale of the place – entire rooms and sections devoted in striking detail to all of my favorite fandoms!! I spent over two hours there just walking from space to space, going back two and three times to my favorite areas and noticing new things. Pure magic. Also, huge shout-out to the hard-working staff there – they were all SO helpful and also kindly took photos of me at some of the best photo op spots!
Another quick one too – I had the opportunity to do a Funatic Shout Out during the December 2020 edition of Funko Fun TV, and it was a blast to watch it live on a big screen with my wife and kids! We made popcorn and picked our favorite Pops! to watch along with us, haha. But the most meaningful part was having the chance to tell our whole Funko Family how special and important they are to me!"
What motivated you to start photographing your collection and sharing the photos on social media?
"I've been an avid photographer since I received my first camera back in elementary school – I love the way you can capture a special moment and look back on it forever. As soon as I discovered Funko… here were these amazing, colorful, fun figures that fit perfectly into any scene! Living in Colorado, there's plenty to photograph as well (mountains, snow, wildflowers, animals) – so it's always fun to add an intriguing little character into the mix!
Participating in the #FunkoPhotoADayChallenge events really ramped up my excitement as well – the themes are always a treat to work on, and I'm in awe of the incredible photos I see from our whole Funatic community!!"
What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
"Focus on characters you love, and have a little fun trying and testing things out! Play with different angles, try out different lighting or colors, and think about unexpected scenes/backgrounds you could select. Also, follow some Funatics on Instagram whose Funko photography you particularly enjoy - that will provide a ton of inspiration. And don't pressure yourself to set the "perfect" scene either - just jump in and start! The vast majority of my photos involve less than 5 minutes of formal staging."
If licensing wasn't a limiting factor, what would be a Pop! collection you'd like to see made?
"I'd love to see a whole Pop! Broadway line, starting with RENT, Wicked, and Hamilton!"
Thank you again Meg, for taking the time to share details about your Funko experience and collection with the Funko Family.
For those who are interested in adding to their Funko Marvel and Star Wars: The Mandalorian collections as well click through to check out Funko Shop's selection. If you are interested in possibly being a featured Funatic, you can tag @OriginalFunko on Instagram or Twitter along with a picture of you with your collection with #FunaticOfTheMonth.