Lynda Tang
Simi Valley, CA
@Popfanatics

When did you first learn about Funko?
My first exposure to Funko was when my kids received Funko Pops! from our good friend for Christmas in 2014. He asked what they were into and my son said “The Force Awakens” and both my girls replied "Frozen". They sure were a hit!! Right after that I started buying them as gifts and then eventually I bought my first Pops! for myself. They were Carl and Russell from the movie UP. You can say we were all hooked from this point on.

Why are you a Funatic?
I feel like I've been a collector almost since birth. It started with comic books then trading cards, pins, dolls and even Beanie Babies! And since I knew I could easily get addicted, I resisted Pops! as long as I could. Eventually though, as I started hunting more, I would run into the same group of people over and over. As we waited in lines, we would start talking pop culture and and fandoms that we all love. When I discovered Instagram, I felt like I finally found people just like me...geeky, nerdy, Pop! collecting Funatics! Plus it's true...“Everyone's a fan of something!” Funko just gave us a way of coming together!

What do you love about Funko?
Like most, I love the nostalgia of collecting my favorite superheroes, movie characters and icons from my past! I also love the hunt and thrill of obtaining a limited or sought after piece! This is why I've gravitated towards mystery minis and Pez! I love the challenge.

What are your favorite fandom(s) outside of Funko and why?
I love lots of things! I've watched Star Wars probably a hundred times so the Original Trilogy would probably be my favorite. Not to mention the crush I had on Mark Hamill! Also, Ad Icons, Marvel and Sci fi movies.

Is there someone you share your fandom with?
My husband is also a Star Wars and Sci-fi fan so we watch and love to discuss the movies together. He joins me at the cons but unfortunately he is not a collector. Instead, I have a network of Funatics that I socialize with everyday on Instagram, Facebook and the forum! We discuss and help each other with our collections and just talk pop culture in general!

Why do you love pop culture?
I love pop culture because I work in health care which is rewarding but also can be stressful. I also have 3 kids which keeps me on my toes. Pop culture is a fun way to let all that stress melt away. I always bring at least one of my kids whenever I go to an event or con and it's a great way for us to bond even if it's standing for an hour for that photo op or exclusive toy, we always have fun!!

How do you display your collection?
Every piece of my collection has been removed at least once for photos! A few are displayed in box but the bulk of my collection is displayed out of box! Also, because I have limited space, Pops! and Mystery Minis get rotated out. So far though, my fun and near complete Pop! Pez collection is on permanent display!

What movie/show/podcast/videogame/album are you currently watching/listening to/playing?
Currently Star Trek Picard and Discovery are both so good and so smart! Also, the whole family loves Stranger Things and The Mandolorian. In fact, this series brought back my love for Star Wars that faded a little with the recent movies.

What's your favorite Funko memory?
Without a doubt, it was Fundays 2019 and seeing Mark Hamill! I've seen him from afar at comic con panels but to see him up close like that was a fan girl dream. Also, Brian Mariotti had just gifted me a Pop! Pez on Twitter and I was so happy to have him sign it for me! I was also able to meet up with some of my favorite Funko friends, Joe Ambro and Alyssa G! It was a great night!

What motivated you to start sharing photos?
First, I started posting to help get the word out on new releases. It always helped me when others post their finds. Then once Funko Photo-a-Day started, I immediately played along and haven't missed a single day! I am proud to say I've been featured many times on the reel! As far as advice, I don't feel I'm in a position to say. So many Funatics have much more skill and creativity than me! I just try and post what I love!

What Funko lines and fandoms do you collect?
I collect anything that fits into my collection whether it be Pop!, Pez, Pop! cereal, Dorbz, Minis and even Pint Size Heroes! Just today, I opened my first Funko Soda. I was happy to add another Huckleberry Hound to the collection.

Pineapple totally belongs on pizza!

Are You the NEXT Funatic of the Week?!

Share your Funko and pop culture stories and collectibles to Twitter and/or Instagram, using #FunaticOfTheWeek and #MyFunkoStory

More on our NEW Funatic 2.0: Better, Faster, Stronger, Fan-ner