Stephanie Cote
Springfield, MA
@novacollects

When and how did you first learn about Funko?
In 2014 I was subscribed to a monthly nerdy box I would get in the mail. One month they sent me a Pop! and I have been hooked ever since. Once I learned how many different types of characters were made into Pop! form I was blown away.

Why are you a Funatic?
I have met so many wonderful friends through collecting Funko products. It's such a comforting feeling to be a part of something where everyone helps each other out and we can all bond over our love for the same games, animes, movies, etc. Some people in the Funatic community are like family to me now and I am so grateful that Funko has brought us together. With Funko, there is something for everyone!

What's your favorite fandom(s) and why?
My Hero Academia is my absolute favorite fandom of all time. I am a huge fan of anime in general but I've never had one that hits my emotions the way My Hero Academia does. It has such a wonderful message behind it, wholesome characters, the best concepts of villains I have ever seen, astonishing voice actors and a driving plot. Another favorite of mine is the anime Bleach; I can't even begin to tell you how much nostalgia I get whenever I re-watch it. It was my very first anime I ever became a big fan of. It's just one of those shows I can re-watch every year and never get sick of it. When I saw that Funko was making Pops! of Dabi and Bakugo from My Hero Academia and Grimmjow from Bleach, I lost my mind! To own Pops! of my most favorite characters is a dream come true. I get so very excited every time Funko announces that they will be making another anime line that I love.

Why do you love pop culture?
Pop culture has always been present in my life. My dad was a big collector of comics, cards and figures. Both my mom and dad were super supportive of my love for video games and pop culture in general, so when I was a kid I was already collecting a ton of things from my favorite shows, games and movies. Now that Funko captures so many different fandoms, collecting pop culture has become even more fun for me and it just reminds me of being a kid again.

How do you display your collection?
Out of the box, but I keep the box behind my unboxed Pops! My boyfriend and I created a shelf system made from pine wood and brackets and we measured them perfectly to fit the pop in front and the box behind. I am so very grateful to finally have enough space to display my entire collection!

What movie/show/video game/album are you currently watching/playing/listening to?
I'm currently watching the new season of My Hero Academia and other newer seasonal animes like Dr. Stone and Black Clover! The album I have been listening to a lot lately is "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" by Billie Eilish.

What's your favorite Funko memory?
My favorite Funko memory is getting my Bakugo Pop! signed by voice actor Clifford Chapin. He has grown to become one of my favorite voice actors of all time.

What motivated you to start photographing your collection and sharing the photos on Instagram?
The very first Photo A Day challenge that Funko did really inspired me to start taking my photos. I always love to see how others interpret the different themes as well. There are so many ways to take on each one, so I love the challenge! These photo challenges inspired me to create my own themes and try to get the best shots I can.

How did you choose your Instagram handle?
I chose @novacollects because Nova is one of my favorite characters in a game called Kirby Super Star.

What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
Try things that are outside of the box. Bring a Pop! with you on your hike and find a bright location for your picture; lighting is everything! Have some of your friends participate with you and come up with a group photo challenge.

Is there anyone you share your fandom with?
My boyfriend and I love a lot of the same games and shows so it's really easy to bond over collecting. We both love playing PC games together and watching all the same animes! Other than that I always love to trade with friends or maybe help them find something they are missing in their collection.

What Funko lines and fandoms do you collect?
My Hero Academia, Bleach, Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z and The Ancient Magus' Bride are my top favorite Funko lines.

What was your first Funko piece in your collection?
Plague Doctor from Assassins Creed.

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