Rixi Gonzalez
Miami, Florida
@shadesofrixi

When did you first learn about Funko?
I remember this day because it was the first time I went to a convention. It was back in June of 2015 at Supercon, which takes place in Miami Beach. I saw some vendors there selling them. They called my attention because they look like chibi versions of the actual characters.

Do you remember what your first Funko piece was?
Definitely! Star Wars was my first fandom, so the first Funko Pop! I got had to be from them. My first Funko Pop! was Darth Vader #1.

Why are you a Funatic?
I'm a Funatic because I love Funko Pops! They bring me joy, especially when I take pictures of them. I really love taking pictures. This might sound cheesy, but what I love more about Funko is the Funko community. I love seeing other collectors showing their collections or trying to help out a fellow collector to find that one grail they've always wanted. That type of community brings me joy and it makes my heart smile. I'm thankful for the people I've met and the friends I've made because of this hobby.

What are your favorite fandom(s) outside of Funko and why?
I love anything that has do to with anime. If I had to pick one fandom I would say that #1 goes to Naruto. I love everything about Naruto, from the character development to the story line. I love that it speaks to me on a personal level because I came to this country back in 2000 and when I started high school I didn't speak English. As a non-English speaker I had to work twice as hard in school to get good grades. But at the end it was all worth it. Today I am a proud nurse and I love my job. Naruto taught me that with hard work and perseverance you can reach your goals.

You mention on Instagram that you're a movie junkie. What are some of your favorite movies?
I love movies. I'll watch any movie. It doesn't matter how bad the movie is, I always watch it all the way till the end. Some of my favorite movies are: The Usual Suspects, Schindler's List, Alien and The Empire Strikes Back just to name a few. I love movies because they are a way to disconnect from everyday life while submerging yourself in another world.

Your Instagram also says you're a cosplayer: How and when did you get into that?
I've always loved Halloween. Every year I waited for Halloween to come just so I could wear a costume. But one day I found out about conventions and how people go there in costumes. I was really excited about that! I love cosplaying because you can be anyone you want and I enjoy dressing up as my favorite characters. My favorite cosplays are my gender bender versions of Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul and Hellboy.

Why do you love pop culture?
I love pop culture because it brings people of all ages together. It doesn't matter what age you are or what language you speak; we all have a fandom that we love, and when we get together with other people that enjoy what we enjoy it's a big celebration.

How do you display your collection?
I display most of my collection in the box, but I also have some Pops! that are displayed out of the box.

What movie/show/podcast/videogame/album are you currently watching/listening to/playing?
I'm currently watching an anime called Demon Slayer and also reading the manga from My Hero Academia.

What's your favorite Funko memory?
My favorite Funko memory? Umm, could it be this one? Because becoming Funatic of The Week is something I've always wanted and this is definitely a dream come true.

When did you start photographing your collection and sharing it on Instagram? What inspired you?
I've always wanted a camera to take pictures, but never actually invested in one. Back in May of 2017 I got one as gift and that's when I decided to start taking pictures. I wasn't sure about what kind of pictures I would take. So, I started off thinking of something that could be done outdoors and indoors as well and that it wouldn't involve people. One day I was scrolling through Instagram and I saw a picture of a Funko Pop! and I thought that was a brilliant idea because I could explore my artistic side while showing off my collection at the same time.

What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
I would tell other Funatics to let their imagination flow and to enjoy the process of picture taking. Don't be afraid to take your Pops! out of their case. Have fun with your collection and enjoy doing so. I would also tell them not to worry about how many followers they have or how many people like their pictures. Take the pictures because it brings you joy, not because they represent a number.

What Funko lines and fandoms do you collect?
I've collected a little bit of everything throughout the years, from Star Wars to Doctor Who. But about a year ago I decided to stick to anime/animation and horror lines. My main lines are Naruto, My Hero Academia, Fairy Tail, Bleach, Dragon Ball, Rick and Morty, Bob's Burgers and Pops! from the different horror movies such as IT, Halloween and Alien just to name a few.

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