LEGO BrickHeadz vs Funko POP! Figures: Collecting & Investing

In the realm of pop culture collectibles, two names stand out: Funko POP! Figures and LEGO BrickHeadz. These miniature replicas of iconic characters provide a compelling way for fans to showcase their passions; but the question arises: Which makes for a better collectible and investment opportunity? To answer this, let's delve into a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of both options.

Looking for some more information on Funko POP! Collecting and Investing? Take a look at our 10 Essential Tips... A similar article for LEGO and BrickHeadz is coming soon!

Funko POP! Figures

Pros

Wide Range of Characters

Funko POP! Figures boast an expansive range of characters across numerous franchises, be it movies, TV shows, video games, or sports. Debuting in 2010, these figures offer fans an incredibly high chance of finding their beloved characters in a collectible format.

Uniform Style

POP! figures adhere to a unique and uniform style. While they remain instantly recognisable as Funko POP! Figures, they still manage to perfectly encapsulate the individual attributes of each character (most of the time anyway!). This design approach adds a cohesive aesthetic to every POP! collection.

Potential for High Return on Investment

Certain limited edition figures or event-specific releases can quickly appreciate in value. Collectors who are well-versed in the market trends can realise a considerable return on investment. Even more enticingly, figures autographed by the actor, musician, sportsperson etc. the figure is based on, usually gain exceptional value.

Accessibility

Funko POP! Figures score high in accessibility. These collectibles are not only generally affordable but also widely available, making it convenient for new collectors to start amassing their desired figures.

Cons

Quality Variability

Some Funko POP! Figures can suffer from inconsistent paint-jobs and/or moulding, which can detract from their overall aesthetic appeal and, by extension, their value.

Space Concerns

Amassing a large collection can pose challenges with regards to space. This becomes particularly crucial when considering the additional room required for keeping figures in their original boxes to retain value (which every collector hoping for their figures to appreciate in, or at least retain, value should be ensuring. For more detailed information see paragraph 2 of our POP! protection step-by-step guide.

Fragile Boxes

The boxes in which Funko POP! Figures are packaged are often susceptible to damage which could severely affect their resale value. This also makes online ordering somewhat of a risk, if the seller doesn't carefully package the figure.

LEGO BrickHeadz

Pros

The Building Experience

LEGO BrickHeadz offer something Funko POP! Figures don’t: a hands-on building experience. This dual nature serves both the toy and display piece aspects, adding an extra layer of engagement.

Durable Material

Constructed from high-quality plastic, LEGO BrickHeadz are notably more durable than their vinyl Funko counterparts, offering a more enhanced resistance against wear and tear.

Modular Design and Customisation

Similarly, the brick-based structure enables a level of customisation not possible with Funko POP! Figures. Fans can modify or even reconstruct figures based on their preferences, buying extra LEGO peices individually from sites such as bricklink.com, thereby creating characters not officially licensed by LEGO, and making each BrickHeadz uniquely theirs.

Collectible and Playable

These figures serve dual purposes as both display items and playable sets. This multifunctionality adds a level of depth that Funko POP! Figures do not provide, whilst confined to their boxes in-order to keep their value.

Cons

Limited Range

First released in 2016, LEGO BrickHeadz offer a much narrower selection of characters/franchises (with the majority confined to Marvel, DC, Star Wars and Disney), giving collectors fewer options to choose from, short of creating their own custom BrickHeadz.

The Box Issue

Opening and building a BrickHeadz set to display renders it 'used', unlike a boxed POP! which effectively remains new whilst still being fully displayed. While LEGO sets and pieces usually retain their value well, most highly priced BrickHeadz fetch a premium for still being new and boxed.

Complexity

Some collectors may find the building aspect cumbersome, especially if their primary objective is to use the set as a display piece.

Funko POP! Figures VS LEGO BrickHeadz, Which is the Better Investment?

From an investment standpoint, both Funko POP! Figures and LEGO BrickHeadz offer limited editions and seasonal releases that can be profitable. Yet, Funko POP! Figures currently dominate with a more robust market, backed by a longer history of value appreciation for select figures.

LEGO BrickHeadz on the other hand can lose value when properly built and displayed, but luckily the power of the LEGO brand ensures the rarity of the pieces they are made of, or the retirement of said sets, can still add a premium to their overall value.

Final Thoughts

Your preference between Funko POP! Figures and LEGO BrickHeadz likely hinges on your own individual tastes. If you're drawn to a wide array of characters and potential investment returns (especially for limited edition, retired or signed items), Funko POP! Figures might be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if a building process and durability interest you, LEGO BrickHeadz may be a better fit.

Both collectibles come with their own sets of advantages and drawbacks, but they share the common purpose of enabling fans to tangibly collect and celebrate their favourite characters. Ultimately, choosing the one that resonates most with you will be the best choice, but if you can't choose, remember both is also an option!

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