Re-Releases? What's up

[cardgame2]

I recently heard that Loki is to be re-released. I know they've re-released Spiderman - what's up with that. I thought we were told that once retired - it would remain retired. I'm very disappointed in Brian for doing this. I don't wish to hear how Asia is a new market, etc. With all the POPS being released and the variants of them I can't help but feel the market is being flooded. I hope this isn't one big beanie baby bust happening. Maybe, I'm not understanding this whole re-release crap - if someone can explain it to me or justify it to me I'd really appreciate it. And I'd like to hear how the collectors feel about this.

[mongoose12]

I share in your disappointment.

[sh3l8y]

Everything comes down to money / sales

[MadLove]

Honestly I don't care if something is rereleased or not. There's some I wish they would in the US cause they were great sellers (coughTwoFaceandRiddlerhack)
As far as the bubble bursting that really depends on the secondary market. When people start buying primarily on eBay and paying insane prices is when it's in trouble (and it's currently headed that way for sure.) But the great thing about trends like this is they tend to fall at the same rate they rose. With Pops they've had a very steady rise in popularity over a few years. I don't think the bottom will drop out too quickly. People will just slowly loose interest. Unlike Beanie Babies, Funko has licenses to HUGE fandoms (some of which there's basically no other merch, let alone any that's easily accessible (I'm looking at you Whedonverse)) That's going to help them out a lot in the long term.
I totally understand folks not liking rereleases. It sort of ruins the "I got Loki for $8 before I even know who Funko was" feeling. It takes away the special given to retired pieces when you think there won't be any more made.
But from a retail standpoint, yes please. We get asked for retired pops all the time and break so many hearts when we say they are long gone. And I'm guessing Funko likes money so makes sense they'd bring back things they think could still sell and make then money.

[cardgame2]

Thanks for the input............It just takes "something" away from the piece and the point originally made by Funko IMO but that is purely from a collectors point of view.

[saul_damascus]

I for one hope they brong back penguin and riddler

[Bamapop]

The re-release of regular run pops shouldn't be a big deal. They weren't limited initially and just stopped being made. The chase pieces and Fundays pieces are the real collectibles in the pop world. Older exclusives fall into that as well, but most of the newer ones are easily attainable.

[BigM]

I have to completely agree with what Claire said. As long as Funko doesn't come out and say "hey we're never making Batman 01 again, He's retired", and then re release it two years from now, it doesn't really bother me. I've only seen a few pop listed as "retired" that being Penguin, Riddler, and some Disney ones. So I understand people's frustration when PC got X amount of Penguins and Riddlers a couple months ago. I already had them before that but for people that were paying $100 for them, I know they are/were pretty ticked off about it. But with Funko re releasing some of these is it gives the new collectors a chance to get the older stuff. I've noticed some stuff that is only a year old are starting to get harder to find mainly because I can only find the newest releases in stores. It's really difficult to play catch up while trying to stay on top of the new releases.
Also, A lot of people are throwing the word "retired" around a lot lately also.


Secondly, I don't see POP going down yet either. I've been growing a little tired of them because of a huge surge of exclusives and people buying multiples them of them to flip them. (I know this happens with other toys) But I think Funko is doing a great job choosing licences to keep the line alive and strong. If you don't like Firefly, there will be Kill Bill or Bambi or NFL etc. The diversity will help keep this afloat.

[sh3l8y]

I agree that Funko is doing a great job with all the different characters and licenses they are touching on
They can keep going strong for a while because of this

I am personally over a lot of the exclusives like blood-spattered pops etc
But all that means for me is that I'm streamlining my collection- not going for every version of one character like I used to
Now I'm just waiting for the version I like best and getting that
Like just getting Glow BMO instead of glow, metallic AND regular for example

[saul_damascus]

I have to completely agree with what Claire said. As long as Funko doesn't come out and say "hey we're never making Batman 01 again, He's retired", and then re release it two years from now, it doesn't really bother me. I've only seen a few pop listed as "retired" that being Penguin, Riddler, and some Disney ones. So I understand people's frustration when PC got X amount of Penguins and Riddlers a couple months ago. I already had them before that but for people that were paying $100 for them, I know they are/were pretty ticked off about it. But with Funko re releasing some of these is it gives the new collectors a chance to get the older stuff. I've noticed some stuff that is only a year old are starting to get harder to find mainly because I can only find the newest releases in stores. It's really difficult to play catch up while trying to stay on top of the new releases.
Also, A lot of people are throwing the word "retired" around a lot lately also.


Secondly, I don't see POP going down yet either. I've been growing a little tired of them because of a huge surge of exclusives and people buying multiples them of them to flip them. (I know this happens with other toys) But I think Funko is doing a great job choosing licences to keep the line alive and strong. If you don't like Firefly, there will be Kill Bill or Bambi or NFL etc. The diversity will help keep this afloat.

what is pc?

[Valde]

I don't mind if things are re-released, however I do feel bad for those who paid high prices for those pieces. If anything it will help dissipate the secondary market for regular release POPs.

[Squird]

I've got mixed feelings on re-releases. It's nice to see people with a second or third chance at getting older pieces, especially with these re-releases happening in 'underserved' markets.

On the other hand, I totally get the frustration of some collectors who spent big bucks on a piece thinking they'll never see it again and then BLAMMO, there it is for retail.

If you're collecting your favorites because they're your favorites, you probably don't mind much. If you're collecting so you can brag about how expensive your collection is, you're probably climbing the walls.

Maybe this will help flush out some of the flippers.

[glowfunkofreak]

Re-issues have classically put a huge damper on a collectible market.
It usually starts to happen when that collectible takes a downward slide.
POP!s haven't taken that downward slide by any means so I don't understand why Funko would start to re-issue any POP!s at this point.

When you buy a series one of an item or a comic issue #1, and you decided you liked it enough to jump in collecting do you really want to see it remade or reprinted ?

If Funko wants to re-issue retired POP!s with no difference to the original POP! what does that say to the collector that stood behind the concept in the first place ?

If you don't see that it de-values the original, not just financially as a newer collector would point out, but it also de-values the entire collection as to an original collectors uniqueness.

Who cares if you collected every POP! since they started ?
Now people can just get a re-issue to fill that hole in the collection.

It goes back to the same thing as exclusives that are limited to conventions or events.
Why do people feel entitled to be able to get one if the don't go to the event or convention ?

Collecting takes patience, time, and understanding the market for that item.
Or just throw your money at it.

Personally I don't like re-issues, it de-values my collection because it makes my collection less unique.

[Gojitron]

I look at it this way...if there's a retired piece in my collection that I really like, but I don't plan on parting with it any time soon, I don't care if it's re-released. The only thing a re-release affects is secondary market value, so if I'm not selling it I don't care if that value goes down.

Conversely, if I buy a retired piece for 5 to 10 times it's original value because it's "retired", well that was my choice. I'd be kicking myself if it got another release, but my foolish spending is not Funko's responsibility. Trying to please collectors with every decision would be a terrible business model.

[stinkymclovin]

Re-releasing would not be so bad if they made small changes to make it obvious the pop is a re-release. Comics generally have different covers to differentiate between first editions and later editions. I'm thinking a different color box or a different font even would be nice. Something minor but easily recognizable.

[Crazypop20]

I don't mind reissues of pieces especially when their is no set quantity on them

[Ronnie]

I see no problem with re-releasing. Funko is a business and there is a demand for their products, especially as they go into new territories. The only ones who seem to be mad about it are ones who paid a lot of money on secondary markets, which Funko didnt benefit from anyways so it isn't their problem, and those who wanna brag about which pieces they have, again not Funko's problem.
Re-releasing these Pops will bring in new collectors and keep people buying Funko products, which means in time Funko can obtain more licenses and get more of what we want and our dream Pops can become a reality.

Besides with the re-releases isn't the JLL sticker on the bottom of the boxes changed to put the new date the re-releases were done? Sort of how books put different edition/run numbers inside the pages?
If you are worried about value/bragging, you can look to that sticker to show you got first run Pops

[Funko5ker]

I have to completely agree with what Claire said. As long as Funko doesn't come out and say "hey we're never making Batman 01 again, He's retired", and then re release it two years from now, it doesn't really bother me. I've only seen a few pop listed as "retired" that being Penguin, Riddler, and some Disney ones. So I understand people's frustration when PC got X amount of Penguins and Riddlers a couple months ago. I already had them before that but for people that were paying $100 for them, I know they are/were pretty ticked off about it. But with Funko re releasing some of these is it gives the new collectors a chance to get the older stuff. I've noticed some stuff that is only a year old are starting to get harder to find mainly because I can only find the newest releases in stores. It's really difficult to play catch up while trying to stay on top of the new releases.
Also, A lot of people are throwing the word "retired" around a lot lately also.


Secondly, I don't see POP going down yet either. I've been growing a little tired of them because of a huge surge of exclusives and people buying multiples them of them to flip them. (I know this happens with other toys) But I think Funko is doing a great job choosing licences to keep the line alive and strong. If you don't like Firefly, there will be Kill Bill or Bambi or NFL etc. The diversity will help keep this afloat.

what is pc?

popcultcha
Store in Australia that carries pops

[Blasphemic Nephilim]

Personally, I don't understand how anyone can be upset about it. Funko isn't an elitist group, it's a busniess. With expanding markets it makes perfect sense to offer up pieces that may be old or retired in one region to another new region. They're not reissuing exclusives, so I see nothing wrong at all with what they're doing. It's smart. Folks who paid way too much for something are understandably salty because their "precious" suddenly isn't so precious, but that's a selfish mind state. That's all that boils down to. If others now have the opportunity to own Pops that they adore, that's no reason to be upset. No one told you to pay 20x retail on the secondary market for a common. Retired or not. I applaud Funko for remembering that the first priority in this world of collecting is fun. Excluding new collectors in new regions? That's not fun.

[JJMITMAN]

I'm not a fan of re-releases. I'm in agreement with Ron that you typically don't see something like this until a line/company is in decline and its a last ditch cash grab. Clearly that isn't what Funko needs and I'm sure Brian looks at it as helping out a new market to be able to obtain the rarer common pieces. However, I wish that when a piece is said to be "retired" that it would stay that way. Devaluation of pieces could really fracture a collector market and that could be the thing that helps to destroy the momentum that Pops have built up for the company. Hopefully this will be the last time anything like this happens. I would think after the outrage of the Penguin/Riddler/TwoFace rerelease a couple months back that this wouldn't be happening especially so soon but oh well.

Now if they choose to re-release another piece I hope its Greedo as he is the last common I need .

[Danchez]

Personally, I don't understand how anyone can be upset about it. Funko isn't an elitist group, it's a busniess. With expanding markets it makes perfect sense to offer up pieces that may be old or retired in one region to another new region. They're not reissuing exclusives, so I see nothing wrong at all with what they're doing. It's smart. Folks who paid way too much for something are understandably salty because their "precious" suddenly isn't so precious, but that's a selfish mind state. That's all that boils down to. If others now have the opportunity to own Pops that they adore, that's no reason to be upset. No one told you to pay 20x retail on the secondary market for a common. Retired or not. I applaud Funko for remembering that the first priority in this world of collecting is fun. Excluding new collectors in new regions? That's not fun.

My feelings exactly. Nobody forces someone to buy a "retired" piece at an elevated price, nor does it take anything away (other than bragging rights) from those who were able to find discontinued Pops at retail.

I mean, I've got an Ursula Pop that I recently realized is retired and thus, selling for exorbitant prices on Amazon and eBay. If she were to be re-issued, I would literally be losing nothing. I bought her simply because I like the character and the Pop is adorable.

[Blasphemic Nephilim]

You all do realize that Funko doesn't get any of that extra money Pops go for on the secondary market, right? Commons, in their eyes, are still $10 toys. Period. It's silly to be upset about them releasing new runs in different regions. The retired Pops ARE retired, in your region. It's not rocket science, lulz. We live in a smaller world because of the Internet but that in no way means you should consider regional releases as some kind of devaluing of your preciouses. The only folk worth being upset at here are the ones who snatch up the commons from abroad and sell them in different regions at ridiculous prices. Know what does? It takes those Pops out of the hands of it's intended demographic. Thereby ruining everything. That's who you all should be upset at, not Funko.

[cardgame2]

Thank you Ron - you hit all the right points that I was trying to make. I like the hunt. I bought Funko's at the time they came out - I went to SDCC and Fundays to be sure to get in on the "special" ones and to make friends. I made deals with these friends to get me a convention edition I couldn't make, and they were glad to help you out at cost. And when you were told something by a COF it was WORD..........you would have had to be at Fundays to hear what we were told the 1st time the POPS made their appearance........in so far as production #'s, retiring, limited, etc.
I remember when we did the Where in the World is Mr Bill with the wobbler - I know I bought him to AC - Mr Bill has been everywhere. Thank God for "Franky Jr" & traditions. Updated traditions are the best. I know things change but all those things were fun and the love of a piece when you finally got it was priceless! That's what collecting has always been about to me. It was fun - good clean fun. Now, to me, there seems to be a coldness to it.... I guess I'm getting old.

But I certainly appreciate hearing everyone's thoughts on this topic - thank you so much for your input.

[gokou105]

I can see flippers buying the Loki's at retail and sell them for above retail...prices will drop but not under $40. At least that's what I saw from the last re-release of Loki.

[BlueberryWaffles]

I honestly hope more rereleases happen. Pop collecting is ridiculous sometimes. You should collect what you like, not what is valuable.

[gruppetstudios]

Time Travel

[HappinessGuano]

As someone who gets them based on what I like and not specifically to sell later, re-releases don't bother me in the slightest. I like it because it lets people who, for one reason or another, missed the first round collect them now.

[dakook]

Couldnt agree more

[borwolf]

Re-issues have classically put a huge damper on a collectible market.
It usually starts to happen when that collectible takes a downward slide.
POP!s haven't taken that downward slide by any means so I don't understand why Funko would start to re-issue any POP!s at this point.

When you buy a series one of an item or a comic issue #1, and you decided you liked it enough to jump in collecting do you really want to see it remade or reprinted ?

If Funko wants to re-issue retired POP!s with no difference to the original POP! what does that say to the collector that stood behind the concept in the first place ?

If you don't see that it de-values the original, not just financially as a newer collector would point out, but it also de-values the entire collection as to an original collectors uniqueness.

Who cares if you collected every POP! since they started ?
Now people can just get a re-issue to fill that hole in the collection.

It goes back to the same thing as exclusives that are limited to conventions or events.
Why do people feel entitled to be able to get one if the don't go to the event or convention ?

Collecting takes patience, time, and understanding the market for that item.
Or just throw your money at it.

Personally I don't like re-issues, it de-values my collection because it makes my collection less unique.

THIS! ^^^^

[a99kitten]

Re-issues have classically put a huge damper on a collectible market.
It usually starts to happen when that collectible takes a downward slide.
POP!s haven't taken that downward slide by any means so I don't understand why Funko would start to re-issue any POP!s at this point.

When you buy a series one of an item or a comic issue #1, and you decided you liked it enough to jump in collecting do you really want to see it remade or reprinted ?

If Funko wants to re-issue retired POP!s with no difference to the original POP! what does that say to the collector that stood behind the concept in the first place ?

If you don't see that it de-values the original, not just financially as a newer collector would point out, but it also de-values the entire collection as to an original collectors uniqueness.

Who cares if you collected every POP! since they started ?
Now people can just get a re-issue to fill that hole in the collection.

It goes back to the same thing as exclusives that are limited to conventions or events.
Why do people feel entitled to be able to get one if the don't go to the event or convention ?

Collecting takes patience, time, and understanding the market for that item.
Or just throw your money at it.

Personally I don't like re-issues, it de-values my collection because it makes my collection less unique.

THIS! ^^^^

Yep. I collected Star Wars toys ever since I was a kid. And kept them perfect because I loved them. Now I have a really awesome collection that I took the time and effort (and yes money) to put into. Now if all of a sudden they re-released Han on 12-back so everyone could have one - yes, I'd be pretty dang annoyed.

But as a business-person, I get the money grab side of it too. The toy market is actually a very fickle one.

[naisatoh]

For the most part, I think everyone has made some good points and counterpoints.

My only suggestion to Funko is now that they have their blog and newsletter in addition to their Facebook page, that they let us know when and if they plan on re-releases. I find it surprising that with so many outlets for communication that we're still learning about Funko releases through second and third-hand information. Take the Unmasked Batman for instance - how did no one know about this until it randomly showed up on eBay?

[Blasphemic Nephilim]

You want them to announce that Pops previously thought hard to find are suddenly available in other countries? To a country where those Pops have already had their run? They don't owe anyone that kind of service, and it's borderline ridiculous to expect that. Americans aren't the target of the re-releases. We get all the latest lines at much lower retail than overseas as it is. But that's not enough, is it? sigh

[glowfunkofreak]

What is this "owe" stuff ?
They announce everything else on Facebook so what's the difference.
Facebook is global .. as is Twitter .. as is Instagram ..
Ohhh wait .. isn't the whole internet global ..

What's with the "Americans" comment ?
Funko is a United States based company yanno ..
So lower retail ..

I got your <sigh> and raise you a DOH !!

[naisatoh]

You want them to announce that Pops previously thought hard to find are suddenly available in other countries? To a country where those Pops have already had their run? They don't owe anyone that kind of service, and it's borderline ridiculous to expect that. Americans aren't the target of the re-releases. We get all the latest lines at much lower retail than overseas as it is. But that's not enough, is it? sigh

Uh... aggressive much?

First of all, a retired Pop being re-released to another country can have an effect on other countries. Last time I checked, we live in the 21st century... global commerce is a thing... online forums with members from all over the world actually exist!

Secondly, and forgive me if I misunderstood, your response seems to infer that Funko only communicates with the United States... Considering Funko is definitely global entity, I think it's reasonable to say that when Funko writes a newsletter, it is addressing its global fanbase.

Third, I never said they owed us anything... but considering a major re-release is going to turn a few heads, I think it's a good business practice to let their consumer base know about upcoming releases AND rereleases.

Fourth... when it comes to Funko, it's never enough!!

[Blasphemic Nephilim]

Not being aggressive, only speaking as honestly and bluntly as I am able to. I mentioned in an earlier post here that I understand full well how small the world is thanks to technology so I get that re-releases can become a global thing. But you misunderstood the part where I mentioned that Funko is neither to blame for that nor are they obligated to announce to the entire world about such a thing happening. When Riddler/Penguin popped up, know where most of the flips on eBay were coming from? America. It saddens me that instead of collectors being happy that other regions can now own rad pieces, it's come down to some kind of elitist thing where some feel salty because now more can own a $10 toy. What's worse is the folk who then complain that the re-releases AREN'T in their region and they whine about insane shipping. Surely you can see how that is not ok? Retired in America hasn't changed. At all. Folks just seem confused by this region policy.

[kevinbuddha]

Re-releases historically kill a collector's market. Since POP is still so strong, it seems a strange move. I sure hope Brian knows what he is doing. Unless he is re-releasing them in a POP ASIA box with slight paint differences. I also agree with Ron's post and all the points he made. I do not seriously collect POP, so it has less of an affect on me. I only buy the pieces that I identify with when it comes to POP, so I am not as seriously invested as some of you are.

[naisatoh]

I can appreciate where you're coming from. I agree that Funko is neither to blame nor are they obligated - but seeing that they really care about their fanbase, it just seems like a reasonable suggestion.

And about Riddler/Penguin - perhaps the reason why the most flips come from America is because that's where the bulk of these characters currently exist. I'm sure that if any other country had them, flippers would come out of hiding there as well.

[gazeebo]

So where is the statement that says they are re-releasing retired figures?

[Capt Hook]

There is 3 POP figures that I never got cause of them beening retire so if they bring them back out I be happy to get them. BTW The 3 that I don't have that I wanted but never got are. Han Solo,Hawkman & Aquaman not the 52 Aquaman but the real Aquaman.

[lovetheangels]

I want a 69 Camaro for the price it cost back in 69. I am entitled! I collect Camaros gimme my mint on lot 69 Camaro for the price it was back in 69.