As a collector, I’m torn on POPs. On the one hand, they’re fun little pieces of nostalgia… yet on the other, there’s nothing intrinsically nostalgic or even retro about any of them. While their trademark design is distinct, it’s almost to a fault, because besides their varying paint applications, there’s very little to distinguish one POP figure from another. Sure, there’s occasionally some unique sculpting or something packaged with the figure that might enhance its displayability, but for the most part, they’re the same piece of inflexible vinyl plastic with a different property splashed on it. They’re not really toys, as they have no real play function or value. They’re not vintage reproductions. They’re not models, highly-detailed statues, or articulated action figures… they just sorta are what they are: fun little figurines of nostalgic stuff… or, if you’re a crabby cynic or snob, they’re overvalued, overpriced, soulless little dust catchers. Personally, while I don’t find them to be worthwhile to collect on their own, I think they’re fine accents to a collection of something that is; like a bobble head to a sports collection or a button or collector’s cup to a band or movie collection. I own a handful myself-most were gifts- and that’s how they function for me. As to whether POPs are “dead”, I think it’s clear they’re nowhere near the phenomenon they were some 5 or 6 years ago, but what trend ever stays en vogue forever? No, I don’t think they’ll ever transcend or hold the same monetary value as an actual toy or piece of memorabilia would, but I think they’ll maintain a niche fan base similar to that of Beanie Babies and Happy Meal toys-and to each their own. Great video, RB. Love the new theme song. Keep the content coming!
