Funatic of the Week: Michelle Popovitch!

Funko Team

November 17, 2015

Funatic of the Week: Michelle Popovitch!

Michelle Popovitch
Brooklyn, NY

What Funko lines do you collect? How many pieces are in your collection?
I mostly collect Marvel and DC Pop! Vinyls and looking to start expanding into the Dorbz line, because they're so ADORBZ. The Loki Marvel Collectors Corp Dorbz guards my entire collection. I love the Retro Freddy figures as well! The ultimate goal is to one day be able to collect prototypes. I stopped counting how many pieces I have a while ago, I love that each and every one I purchase is special and not because it's the X numbered Pop! I own. Ya know?

How long have you been a collector?
Over a year now- it’s been great from day one!

What are your favorite fandoms?
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Agent Carter, Supergirl, anything with female empowerment to be honest.

What was your first Funko item?
Dancing Groot Pop!

What is your favorite Funko piece in your collection?
Director Coulson and Lola Pop! Ride

Tell us your favorite Funko story!
Let me elaborate on why the Director Coulson and Lola Pop! Ride is my absolute favorite! I had purchased Coulson and Lola months before New York Comic Con and it held a special place separate from the rest of my collection. A shrine, almost. The night before NYCC, I thought about how great it would be to have the entire cast autograph Lola, and how it would manifest my love for the show and the actors. A few of the cast members were scheduled to appear, but it was my first NYCC and I didn't know how anything worked. So I said what the hey, wrapped up Coulson's little head in paper towels so it wouldn't bobble, wrapped Lola and Coulson in a sweater, and gently put it in my backpack. The next day I ended up waiting two hours in the lobby by the Nerdist food truck where I had an amazing view of Clark Gregg and Chloe Bennet while they spoke about their show. I held Lola and Coulson in my hands the entire duration of the interview, and Clark Gregg came up to me and asked to hold Lola. SWOON. He mentioned to the audience how awesome the entire thing was as he showed it around (see photos above!). The actors and fans both share an appreciation for the vinyl figures, it's amazing. I didn't end up getting an autograph, but I was over the moon.

BUT WAIT IT GETS BETTER... I knew that Clark Gregg and Chloe Bennet were scheduled to sign autographs at the Marvel Booth so I went there still holding Lola and Coulson in my hands. When I arrived there, I was disappointed to find out that I needed a ticket to attend the signing, again I was a NYCC newb. I waited around and watched countless people get posters, comic books, and DVDs signed by Clark Gregg and Chloe Bennet when a gentleman who worked for the booth called me over. He said because they still had time left after finishing up signing for people who had tickets, I was allowed to go on stage and get an autograph and meet Clark Gregg, Chloe Bennet, and Jeph Loeb. It was a blur but I managed to get Lola and Coulson signed, and my friend managed to capture it all on video. I remind myself to watch it every so often because it's unbelievable.

From that day, I promised myself that I would continue to pursue my dream of getting Lola signed by the cast of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I recently traveled close to four hours to Rhode Island Comic Con to see Ming-Na Wen and have her sign Lola. She like Mr. Gregg absolutely loves the Pop! Ride. I truly enjoy being the envy of everyone in the autograph line ;) Beyond that, I could not be more grateful that Funko has created an outlet for me to express my love for a television show that is reciprocated at every fan event, comic con, etc. that I attend.