Stephen R.
Howell, NJ
@puerto_rican_pophunter
When did you first learn about Funko?
I first heard about Funko in 2012. My son Started collecting Pops! first and I got addicted!
Do you remember what your first Funko piece was?
My first Funko piece was the injured Daryl from The Walking Dead that my son gifted me.
Why are you a Funatic?
I can't choose one reason why I am a Funatic. The community I am a part of, the friends I have made, and especially for the hunt of them! I love how Funko can make a Pop! or a Movie Moment that is just a reminder of a time you had and make it last forever.
What are your favorite fandom(s) and why? What do you love about it?
Some of my favorite fandoms are all sports icons and players, Marvel comics and classic cartoons like Masters of the Universe and my favorite Thundercats.
I love the thrill of the hunt. Going out in the morning and finding that Pop! I have had my eye on makes it all worth it! It's my stress relief. Going to stop at stores and find a Pop! in the wild is my joy.
Is there anyone you share your fandom with?
I share my fandom with my whole family, especially my son. We have a special bond connecting with the Funko community and have a great time doing it.
Why do you love pop culture?
I have a passion for pop culture because it is always changing. New music and old school music. It makes us all connect in some way that makes us feel apart of a bigger picture
How do you display your collection?
I have over 800 Pops!. I wish I could display all of them! I am mostly in box but I do take out some of my favorites to let them breathe.
What movie/show/podcast/videogame/album are you currently watching/listening to/playing?
I currently just finished up with season 3 of My Hero Academia going to start season 4. I sometimes like to rock some Fortnite also.
What's your favorite Funko memory?
One of my favorite Funko memories is from 2018, when my son and I went to our first comic con together in New York. My son was actually selected to get into Funko booth, seeing The excitement made it all worth it! Meeting all the wonderful Funko staff. Getting to meet Sully and even though he was sick, he still took the time out to talk with us which was an awesome experience.
What motivated you to start photographing your collection and sharing the photos?
I have always had a passion for photography. When Funko started a photo a day challenge I decided to start photographing my Pops!. Since then I have been taking photos daily. It's my favorite hobby and pastime to find backdrops to fit my pops.
What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
My advice would be to do what brings you happiness. My daily pictures inspire the community and that means a lot to me! People always tell me how I inspire them to collect and photograph and that is why I do it!
What Funko lines and fandoms do you collect?
I collect what I like - no boundaries. My favorite is the Venomized Marvel line. I am also a big chase collector and Pops! that bring me back to my childhood.
My favorite Pop in my collection is my flocked Lion-O.
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