Are you looking to start a Funko pop collection featuring your favorite anime and manga characters? As avid collectors ourselves, we‘ve compiled the ultimate list of must-have Funko pops for any Japanese animation fan.
This comprehensive guide will overview 11 vital anime Funko pops that need to be in every diehard fan‘s lineup. For each Funko pop highlighted, we share vital background details, describe what makes the design special, provide up-to-date market values, stunning images, and reasons why the character would appeal directly to you as a fellow anime fan.
Let‘s jump in and reveal which anime and manga Funko pops can level up your collecting game to over 9,000!
Overview of Anime & Manga Funko Pop Collecting
Before unveiling our Funko pop recommendations, let‘s briefly overview the vibrant trend of anime-themed vinyl figure collecting.
As a collector myself for 5+ years, I‘ve watched Funko pops grow from a niche hobby into a red-hot collecting category encompassing every entertainment genre. Within broader Funko mania, anime and manga properties reign among the most popular licenses.
And for good reason — anime‘s unique stylization perfectly complements Funko‘s signature big-headed aesthetic. Seeing your favorite shonen heroes, magical girls, and awesome villains encased in cute chibi form ignites nostalgia and joy for devoted fans.
According to hobby DB, over 800 unique anime Funko pops currently exist. But the vast majority are limited exclusives commanding steep secondary market values.
So which coveted anime pops offer the best blend of affordability and appeal? Let‘s countdown the essential grabs for starter collectors and completionist experts alike!
#1 – Edward Elric (#15) from Fullmetal Alchemist
Release Date: June 2016
Dimensions: 3.75” High
Exclusivity: None
Approx. Value: $15 – $25
Our first recommendation draws from an anime classic – Fullmetal Alchemist. As the central hero, the temperamental young alchemist Edward Elric remains an perennially popular character. His bright red coat makes #15 a visually striking and recognizable addition.
Despite consistent fan demand driving turnover, #15 Ed Funkos remain widely available at reasonable prices. This makes Edward the perfect entry-level buy for anime fans on budget.
For long-time collectors, grab the matching #14 Alphonse Elric Funko to complete the duo!
Why Anime Fans Want This:
- Iconic star of a landmark anime franchise
- Affordable way to showcase your FMA love
- Pairs perfectly with matching Alphonse Funko
- Low buy-in helps kickstart new anime collections
#2 – Hokage Kakashi (#653) from Naruto Shippuden
Release Date: August 2018
Dimensions: 5.00" x 5.00" x 7.00"
Exclusivity: 2018 Summer Convention Exclusive
Approx Value: $60-$100
As one of the most popular Naruto characters, Kakashi remains a fan-favorite across the vast Funko landscape with over 15+ unique pops spanning his evolution. The creatively designed #653 Hokage Kakashi perfectly encapsulates his growth into a leadership role.
The clear plastic stand simulates Kakashi effortlessly gliding on air, highlighting his ninja agility while accentuating flowing Hokage cloak. Limited to 5000 convention exclusive units, #653 now sells for a reasonable $60-$100 range.
For diehard Kakashi fans, this creative take on his Hokage era perfectly spotlights his progression from elite Jonin to village leader!
Why Anime Fans Want This:
- Innovative "air walk" stand creatively shows off powers
- Chronicles Kakashi‘s growth from Jonin leader to Hokage
- Landmark design with GITD variant for bonus appeal
- Reasonable value for special convention exclusive
#3 – Super Saiyan Rose Goku Black (#582) from Dragon Ball Super
Release Date: June 2021
Dimensions: 3.75” x 3” x 3”
Exclusivity: 2021 Galactic Convention (DragonCon) Exclusive
Approx. Value: $80 – $120
Dragon Ball remains Funko‘s most prolific anime property with nearly 500+ unique releases. As one of the latest coveted exclusives, #582 spotlights the Supreme Kai-possessed Goku Black rocking Super Saiyan Rose. This metallic paint job gives his pink hair an eye-catching sheen.
Limited to only 480 units, this 2021 Galactic Convention exclusive predictably commands a steep yet reasonable $80-$120 resale range for dedicated Dragon Ball collectors. #582 captures iconic villain Goku Black at the height of his powers during his climatic showdown with Trunks.
For DB fans, this striking take on Goku‘s body-snatching nemesis makes an awesome focal piece sure to spruce up any display!
Why Anime Fans Want This:
- Striking pink/blue hair metallic paint job
- Very limited 2021 convention exclusive
- Iconic Dragon Ball antagonist in peak form
- Rising value earmarks great investment piece
#4 – Avatar Aang on Air Scooter (#435) from Avatar The Last Airbender
Release Date: July 2020
Dimensions: 3.75” x 3.75” x 5”
Exclusivity: Hot Topic Exclusive
Approx. Value: $50
Despite premiering years earlier, Funko didn‘t release its first Avatar: The Last Airbender pops until 2020. All sold like hotcakes initially. But the uniquely designed Aang on Air Scooter (#435) remains widely available a year later, a rarity for such a hit property.
Hovering in iconic airbending stance above a clear scooter-esque stand encased in tornado-like plastic, this creative mold vividly captures Aang‘s powers and energetic personality.
Compared to other vaulted 2020 Avatar releases fetching $200+ like glowing Avatar State Aang, the #435 Scooter version remains an awesome budget buy at $40-60 range in-box.
For any Last Airbender devotee, no character deserves centerpiece status over Aang himself! This neck-turning sculpt spotlights his free-spirited airbending mastery.
Why Anime Fans Want This:
- Innovative hoverboard stand simulates airbending
- Vaulted 2020 release still widely available
- Most affordable high quality Aang Funko option
- Perfectly showcases Aang‘s powers/personality
#5 – Ochaco Uraraka Training Suit (#893) from My Hero Academia
Release Date: June 2021
Dimensions: 3.75” x 3” x 3”
Exclusivity: Hot Topic Exclusive
Approx. Value: $25
As one of anime‘s current juggernauts, My Hero Academia birthday‘s countless Funkos covering fan-favorites Deku, Bakugo, All Might and most female leads. While most exclusives sell out fast, 2021‘s #893 Ochaco Training Suit release remains reliably stocked.
This affordable option captures sweet gravity heroine Ochaco Uraraka in the fresh training uniform debuted during the Joint Training arc.
For MHA fans getting started, #893 Ochaco makes the perfect budget-friendly gift around $25. Compared to scattering singly licensed exclusives going for $50+, Hot Topic routinely restocks Ochaco units to meet raging demand.
Grab #893 Training Suit Ochaco to perfectly kickoff an affordable MHA Funko horde!
Why Anime Fans Want This:
- Cute take on Ochaco‘s updated training uniform
- Affordable way to rep popular female MHA lead
- Routinely restocked to meet high demand
- Smart starter piece for new MHA collectors
