As a funko pop collector and Marvel fan, I am often asked if Spider-Man funko pops are worth buying and collecting. With over 100 different Spider-Man funko pops spanning comics, movies, and alternate realities – it‘s a fair question!
In this in-depth collector‘s guide, I‘ll share my insight to help you determine if Spider-Man funko pops deserve a coveted spot in your collection.
An Introduction to Funko Pops
Before delving into the wide world of Spider-Man, it‘s helpful to understand the funko pop craze. Funko pops are highly stylized vinyl figures, standing about 4 inches tall with oversized heads and eyes. They cover a vast range of characters from movies, TV shows, video games, comics, anime, and more.
While funko has been around since 1998, they didn‘t start making the iconic pop figures until 2010. Their affordability and vast selection quickly made them a collector favorite. Now funko estimates over 1,000 new funko pops hit the market every year.
But don‘t let their cute, cartoonish looks fool you! Some funko pops, like limited editions or exclusives, can sell for thousands. Even common pops appreciate nicely in value over time. Their accessibility combined with collectability creates a compelling hobby.
Why Spider-Man Funko Pops Are So Captivating for Collectors
Spider-Man is undoubtedly one of the most popular Marvel superheroes. He resonates strongly due to his underdog backstory and witty personality. Plus, his flashy suite and gravity-defying web-slinging make Spidey endlessly fun.
As of 2023, there are over 100 Spider-Man funkos manufactured. Some collectors spend years trying to acquire them all! Others focus only on their favorite version, such as comics or a live-action portrayal.
There are certainly no shortage of spider-men to choose from! Between Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy and popular variants like Symbiote Spider-Man, 2099 Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man and Japanese Spider-Man – funko has delivered something for every fan. That variety keeps Spidey collections engaging to hunt and curate.
Let‘s explore factors which make Spider-Man funko pops so alluring for collectors:
Rarity – As mentioned, funko mania started in 2010 and some early Spider-Man funkos are already valuable grails. Metallic and glow-in-the-dark variants numbered under 500 units are the scarcest.
Details – Sculpts capture Spidey‘s suits with intricacies like weblines and spider emblems. Some feature him wall-crawling or slinging webs. Others depict alter-egos like Peter Parker.
Affordability – Common Spider-Man funkos retail around $15, while rare ones get pricey. But compared to statues or art, they offer characters at accessible budgets.
Displayability – Their compact size, recognizable designs, and collectible boxes make funkos extremely displayable. Spider-Man looks right at home perched amidst wall shelves of fellow Marvel heroes!
Clearly funko pops offer an appealing opportunity for Spidey fans to enjoy highly detailed collectibles representing their fandom. Next let‘s explore factors impacting value…
Assessing Spider-Man Funko Pop Value
As the funko universe expands, fans rightfully wonder what makes one funko more valuable than another. While no formula determines exact worth, these key indicators Impact value:
Manufacturing Runs – Lower production quantities increase scarcity and value. Con exclusives limited to 480 units will be worth more than commons mass-produced endlessly.
Box Condition – Kept in mint box, pops retain the most value. Damage like rips, creases or sticker wear can severely undermine worth.
Pop Condition – Similarly, condition deficits like paint flaws or lean can reduce value in collectors eyes. Mint figures in mint boxes achieve peak pricing.
Exclusivity – Whether a special edition or store exclusive, anything denoted limited allures buyers. Plus finding exclusives requires more effort.
Popularity – Iconic characters and suits for beloved heroes drive desirability more than minor villains. For Spider-Man, symbiote and Japanese versions are hot commodities.
Now armed with factors that influence funko pop valuations, let‘s explore some of the most covetable Spider-Man pops for diehard collectors!
The Top 5 Rarest & Most Valuable Spider-Man Funko Pops
With 100+ Spider-Man funkos available, narrowing a list is tough! While all portray Spidey, factors like exclusivity, design, age and production runs create meaningful differentiation.
Here are 5 of the rarest and most valuable Spider-Man funko pops any serious collector should know:
1. Metallic Spider-Man (#03 SDCC 2011)
Value: $2,500+
This metallic paint variant of the classic red and blue Spidey suite gets top billing due to extreme limited quantity. Released at San Diego Comic Con 2011 in a run of only 480, this funko holy grail trades hands for as much as $4,000 mint.
As the debut Spider-Man funko, extreme rarity and age catalyze value. Early adopters recall this figure selling on convention floors for just $15!
2. Glow in the Dark Symbiote Spider-Man (#725 Funko Shop)
Value: $200-250
Turn off the lights and this Funko Shop Exclusive springs to life! The white alien symbiote suit and spiraling weblines radiate an eerie and awesome teal glow.
While already limited as a Funko Shop release, what truly fuels feverish interest is the glow feature. As one of Spider-Man‘s most popular alternate looks, this figure will only climb higher for collectors.
3. Peter Parker Spider-Man (#34 Comikaze Exclusive)
Value: $300-350
No mask? No problem! This adorable 2013 Comikaze Exclusive shows off Peter Parker mid-transformation. As he slips off his shirt, we glimpse Spidey‘s iconic red and blue suit emerging underneath.
The massive pop-culture appeal of unmasking a hero or showing their secret identity explains the sky-high value. This figure has leveled up for nearly a decade straight!
4. Amazing Spider-Man Walmart Exclusive (#05 Cover Series)
Value: $100-150
Sometimes comic book cover art receives the funko treatment, enhancing poses and costumes with stylized twists. Such is the case for this amazing Walmart Exclusive that recreates Spider-Man‘s inaugural 1962 comic debut.
The cover art concept, exclusivity and distinguished designskyrocket desirability. Perched heroically atop a 3D issue displaying his first appearance also adds intrigue.
5. Spider-Man No Way Home (10" Super-Sized)
Value: $40-50
Proving new funkos can appreciate quickly, this oversized figure depicts Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man from 2021‘s epic ‘No Way Home‘ in the black & gold Iron Spider costume.
Standing 10 inches tall, its size and detail up the wow factor. As the biggest Spider-Man funko yet, its value should continue rising as more fans complete collections with this centerpiece.
As we‘ve seen, factors like limited runs, striking designs, and product age can create holy grail funkos any Spider-Man fan would treasure. But what about more common pops?
Affordability of Modern Common Spider-Man Funko Pops
The funko frenzy means new Spider-Man pops launch consistently, especially coinciding with Marvel movies or shows. Commonly these retail around $15 near launch.
For example, 2022‘s ‘No Way Home‘ yielded well over a dozen new Spider-Man pops. These remain easy to find under $20 as they are so new and mass-produced.
But over time as shelf space dwindles and interest grows, their value often doubles or triples. For example, funkos from Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield‘s original Spider-Man movie runs coast around $40-100 mint.
Let‘s look at a few moderncommons and their retail trajectory:
- Spider-Man Integrated Suit (No Way Home) – $15 at launch, now $30 mint
- Spider-Man Upgraded Suit (No Way Home) – $15 at launch, now $40
- Spider-Man Black & Gold Suit (No Way Home) – $15 at launch, now $50
Therefore its wise for collectors to acquire fresh pops for retail if possible. Waiting even a year can mean paying drastically more!
Must Have Spider-Man Funkos for Diehard Collectors
New collectors often wonder – "Which Spider-Man funko is essential for my collection?"
That depends on your favorite portrayal! But a well-rounded Spider-verse display should include:
- Classic Spider-Man (#03)
- Symbiote Spider-Man (#113)
- Miles Morales Spider-Man (#88)
- Spider-Man 2099 (#09 Walgreens Excl)
- Peter Parker Spider-Man (#34 unmasked)
Snagging those 5 gives you the most famous comic and movie suits.
For animated fans, snatch the Japanese Spider-Man (#0593 Walmart Excl) or Ultimate Spider-Man (#368). Gamers will cherish the Spider-Man PS4 #688 Walmart Exclusive.
I suggest looking up images of suits that appeal most to you. Funko likely translated it into an awesome collectible!
Alternative Funko Collectibles for Spider-Man Fans
Of course funko doesn‘t just produce those iconic pops. They have molded Spider-Man into plushies, keychains, magnets, apparel and more over the years!
Some of my favorite Spidey items beyond pops include:
Funko Plushies – Cuddle your very own super-soft and huggable Spider-Man plush doll!
Funko Sodas – These vinyl figures arrive in a decorative collectible can! Look for chase variants with alternate colors.
Funko Mystery Minis – Random blind-boxed micro heroes are deceivingly cute. Perfect for small spaces!
Funko Pop Tees – Sport Spider-Man on bold pop-art inspired T-shirts. We all have an alter-ego!
Funko Pop Pins – Stylish enamel lapel pins let you showcase Spider-Man discretely.
Part of funko‘s magic lies in translating iconic characters into various collectible formats to please every fan.
For diehard Spider-Man fans, consider collecting one main line consistently like pops or plushies. Then mix in novelty items like sodas or apparel!
Tips for Collecting Spider-Man Funko Pops
Hopefully I‘ve illustrated why Spider-Man makes an amazing funko collection – stunning suits, obscure exclusives, dynamic poses and representations spanning comics to video games.
For newcomers looking to start a Spider-Man set, follow these pro tips:
Stick to a budget – It‘s easy to overspend in the thrill of the hunt! Determine what you can afford per month.
Research suits you‘d like – Search for Spidey suits that catch your eye, then find the matching Funko. There‘s likely one!
Catalog your collection – Apps like Funko and Stashpedia help you log what you own and track value.
Protect your pops – Display pops out of sunlight in protective cases and soft stacks to preserve condition.
Connect with community – Join collector groups on Facebook or reddit to trade tips. It‘s always wise learning from seasoned vets.
Most importantly – collect what you enjoy! Spider-Man should be smiling proudly in your curated set.
The Verdict – Spider-Man Funko Pops Are Worth Collecting!
In summary – the sheer volume, variety, affordability and appreciate potential absolutely make Spider-Man funko pops worth buying for any Marvel Comics fan.
There‘s simply an amazing Spider-Man funko for every conceivable fan. Obscure exclusives fulfill hunters while modern movie pops satisfy casual viewers. And their compact size makes completing a swarm of Spider-Men decidedly easy!
Through this post, it‘s clear funko captures Spidey‘s essence masterfully with Comic Cover art, swinging poses, modest unmasked identities and grimacing spider symbols. Their stylized translation into vinyl form benefits long-time web slingers and curious newcomers alike.
So why not crawl headfirst into funko‘s Spider-verse? Your plastic pals will be spinning webs and memories for years to come! Ultimately, Spider-Man funko pops offer the perfect opportunity to show your colors proudly – "Does whatever a spider can!"
