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 Kim Klein.
Were you a collector before you encountered Funko?
"I was! I've always enjoyed collecting things, but Funko products are by far my favorite and the ones I get most excited about."
When and how did you first learn about Funko? Did you start collecting right away or did it develop over time?
"I first learned about Funko in 2014 when someone gifted me a Loot Crate subscription box and it had the GITD Groot exclusive Pop! in there. I loved it, but I didn't start collecting right away. Soon after, I got a few more for myself, but it wasn't until 2015 when I saw a wave of Fallout Pops! coming out that I really got into collecting. Those were the first ones I bought right when they were released and it just escalated from there."
When would you say you switched from being a collector to becoming a Funatic? What does Funko Family mean to you?
"In 2015, after the Fallout wave came out and I added a few of them to my collection, I started looking into what other Funko Pops! were out there from fandoms I loved. I was stoked to see there were so many I wanted! I started with picking up a few of my favorites I had found, like Clyde from PAC-MAN, Heimdall, and metallic Magneto. As I kept finding more I loved I just kept adding to my collection and now we're here!
Funko Family to me is just that. Family. I've met so many wonderful people through Instagram and our shared love of Funko and toy photography. I've received so much love and support through the community that I'm grateful for and so happy to have this be a part of my life."
What Funko lines and fandom(s) do you collect?
"For Funko lines, I mostly stick to collecting Pops!, but I also love Pint Size Heroes, Paka Paka, Dorbz, and I've recently picked up a few Sodas! My favorite fandoms, and what takes up a majority of my collection, are video games, Marvel (both the MCU and comics), and LOTR!"
Do you have favorite fandom(s) that hold special meaning to you?
"Fallout and Pop! Myths! Fallout has a special place in my heart because I have so many wonderful memories playing it, and for Pop! Myths I just really love cryptids. I love visiting cryptid museums and bringing a Pop! with me. So far I have a Bigfoot at Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum in Blue Ridge, GA and the Loch Ness Monster at Nessieland in Scotland checked off my list. Next up is taking Mothman to the Mothman Museum in West Virginia!"
Is there anyone you share your fandom(s) with?
"I share a majority of my fandoms with my partner Ty. He didn't collect Pops! before we were together, but now he loves them and gets excited about new releases right along with me. It adds even more to the hobby I already loved. I share a bunch of my fandoms with friends as well."
What was the first Funko piece in your collection?
"The GITD Groot Loot Crate exclusive Pop!"
Is there a particular Funko art or figure style that you enjoy?
"I'm loving the new Black Light style! I have two so far and I can't wait to see what other characters are made in this style. Major fingers crossed for a Thanos or Loki. I'm also a huge fan of glow in the dark Pops!"
How do you display your collection? In box, out of box, shelves, cases?
"I display my collection out of box. For me it's all about getting to see all the details with them being out of box. Plus, it makes grabbing one to take a picture of so much easier! I do display them in front of their boxes. I have a few I keep in box, and then I just take them out for a picture when needed."
Is there anything not made by Funko that you collect?
"Yes! LEGO Minifigures, Amiibo, video games, and comics."
What movie/show/game/album/podcast are you currently watching/playing/listening to?
"I'm currently catching up on The Flash, I'm about to start replaying The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and I'm forever listening to Frightened Rabbit."
What do you love about Funko?
"There are so many things I love about Funko. I love that I can collect characters from so many fandoms I enjoy and display them in an aesthetically pleasing way. I love the joy I get when new items are released from fandoms I love and I get to add them to my collection. This hobby has gotten me through a lot of difficult times and given me so many happy memories. And of course, I love the community and people I've met through collecting and toy photography."
What's your favorite Funko memory?
"My favorite Funko memory is winning the Photo-A-Day Challenge two years ago. It meant a lot to me, especially because it's what got me into toy photography in the first place. On top of being super excited about it, I also got an incredible Predator proto that I love! I still participate in the Photo-A-Day Challenges in hopes of making another awesome memory, and seeing everyone's photos for the daily themes is inspiring! I haven't been to Funko HQ yet. I had plans to last year that were postponed because of the pandemic, but it's happening this year and I cannot wait to visit! That is going to make the list of top favorite Funko memories for sure!"
What motivated you to start photographing your collection and sharing the photos on social media?
"The Funko Photo-A-Day Challenge on Instagram! When I first learned about it, I couldn't wait to participate in the daily themes and realized I had a lot of fun taking pictures of the things in my collection, so I just kept doing it. I love having it as an additional creative outlet, and I've been able to meet so many awesome people through toy photography that I wouldn't have otherwise."
Can you share a little bit about your thought process going into staging and taking photos of your collectibles?
"For me, it's all about the photos being colorful and having fun backgrounds. My favorite thing to use in a picture is a comic book cover that matches the item I'm taking a picture of. I also love video game covers, pretty scrapbook paper, and taking pictures outside. Something I've started doing is if I'm going out for a walk, I'll take a few pieces of my collection with me and take pictures of them while I'm out."
What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
"Just have fun! That's the most important part. Be creative and have good lighting. It took time and a lot of practice for me to discover how I like to take photos, so just keep going and don't be scared to try all sorts of new things!"
If licensing wasn't a limiting factor, what would be a Pop! collection you'd like to see made?
"Nintendo hands down would be the dream collection I'd love to see. I'd have a full heart and empty wallet for sure. A few individual Pops! I'd love to see come to life include a Halloween themed Bigfoot, Loki with the Scepter, a Treasure Goblin from Diablo, comic book style Mysterio, Ianthe from SAGA, Preston Garvey from Fallout 4, and I'd love a second wave of the Boo Hollow Paka Paka."
Thank you again Kim, 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 Paka Paka collection and Funko Marvel collection as well, click through to check out Funko's current online 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.