Wesley Boutilier
Marietta, GA
@wesley_collects
When and how did you first learn about Funko?
My mom bought me a Captain America Pop! for my birthday back in 2013. I thought it was pretty neat, but that was about it. Pretty soon I realized how many other characters had been turned into Pops! (especially Muppets) and I was instantly hooked.
Why are you a Funatic?
I've always been a big-time toy collector so Pops! were basically tailor made for me. I love weird, obscure characters and Funko has made so many of them! I never thought I'd be able to get so many Haunted Mansion characters and H.R. Pufnstuf in the same year!
What's your favorite fandom(s) and why?
I love Disney Parks and Marvel, but my biggest "fandom" is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It's not the biggest fandom out there, but there are some of us out there! It's my favorite movie of all time and I love that I've been able to find other people who care about it as much as I do. I saw E.T. in third grade and it made me fall in love with movies. It was the first time a movie had scared me, made me laugh, and made me cry. It still gives me goosebumps.
Why do you love pop culture?
I just love how much weird pop culture is out there. There's always some obscure show or movie to discover, whether it's something brand new or something that aired once in the ‘70s. It's even better when you find out one of your favorite actors starred in some random thing you've never heard of.
How do you display your collection? In the box or out of the box?
Out of box, with a few exceptions.
What movie/show/video game/album are you currently watching/playing/listening to?
I've been watching Billy on the Street on Netflix. It's hysterical. I'm also obsessed with Danny Brown's latest album.
What's your favorite Funko memory?
I got one of my Tony Stark Pops! signed by Robert Downey Jr. at a charity event in Atlanta. It was incredible!
What motivated you to start photographing your collection and sharing the photos on Instagram?
I've always been a collector, but when I realized how many other people share their collections online I knew I wanted to join in! Eventually, my pictures started to get more and more involved and now it's become one of my main creative outlets.
What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
Just take photos of what you like! There are so many characters and scenarios you can come up with. The possibilities are truly endless.
What Funko lines and fandoms do you collect?
Marvel, Disney Parks, Muppets, Ad Icons, and any other random things I love!
Is there anything you'd like to add?
I've met so many cool people since I've started collecting Pops! Whether it's in person waiting outside of Hot Topic or on Instagram from sharing photos. I talk to a lot of these people every day and it wouldn't be possible without Funko!
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