I have found that one of the coolest aspects about collecting Funko’s Pop! Vinyls is how to diverse the line can be. Your favorite characters from television, movies, and comics are interchangeable with a beloved musician, wrestler, or even an advertising icon. Everyone has their own wish list of figures they’d love to see, and with the ever-expanding waves of exclusives, chases, and even the Specialty Series, I don’t think anything is too much to hope for now.
Is there really a movie more beloved than the original Ghostbusters? After thirty-two years, it’s still on regular rotation at my house. I could quote it in my sleep, and I probably do, much to the chagrin of my wife. It is also the franchise that jumpstarted my foray into collecting Pops. I was thrilled to pick up the Zuul, Gatekeeper, and Keymaster set this last year (seriously, I think it was my favorite purchase of 2016), but there are still several characters I’d love to see take Pop form.
Honorable Mention: Winston Zeddemore
Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking, and yes there absolutely is a Winston Zeddemore pop already, hence why he only gets an honorable mention here. But I can’t be the only one who wants an individual release to put beside my other Ghostbusters. His original intended release number (Movies #107) is still available. While the Ecto-1 is iconic, I’m not sold on the Pop! Rides series yet. Maybe I just don’t have the room to display them. Zeddemore’s sculpt is ready to go, so it wouldn’t be inconceivable to see him drop as an exclusive somewhere, even if it’s just to keep the collectors with OCD happy.
5. The Scoleri Brothers
The sequel may have had trouble living up to the original, yet I can’t deny it some love. While majority of the ghosts are regulated to montages (much like the first film), these two get a whole scene to haunt. The Brothers would make an amazing 2-pack, with a transparent sculpt similar to Disney’s hitchhiking ghosts, and glow-in-the-dark eyes. To make it twice as interesting, give them both the electric chair.
4. Janine Melnitz
Upon creating this list, I was surprised to find myself in serious debate whether or not to include Janine. The Ghostbusters’s secretary is an iconic and important character in the franchise… but she is a secretary. It doesn’t make for the most dynamic figure. However, the more I stare at the picture above, the more I can imagine her sculpted in Pop form, with a plaid vest and big glasses. And yes, she totally has the bug eyes.
3. Vigo the Carpathian
Viggy, Viggy, Viiggy. You have been a bad monkey! And who doesn’t want a mini Vigo on their shelf, glaring out of his box with that deadpan snarl? His conquistador-meets-Hellraiser armor is unique enough to be immediately identifiable, and detailed enough to look cool as heck in Pop form. Give him a dominating pose, and Vigo would be a worthwhile addition to the line.
2. Gozer
The big bad herself… or himself… or itself. The Destructor comes in many forms, and when first met appears like a cross between David Bowie and a Victoria Secrets model wearing a bubble bath. And it would completely work in Pop style. Remember, if she asks you if you’re a god, just say yes.
1. Louis Tully
Is it possible not to love Rick Moranis? Man do I miss him in movies. I remember cheering when Louis Tully suits up in the sequel, ready to bust some ectoplasmic heads and save the day. As I stated the Gatekeeper/Keymaster/Zuul set is one of my favorite pieces, but I would happily double dip on a characters this time around (besides, does it even count as the same characters if they are possessed?). Give this man a borrowed Ghostbusters outfit, earmuffs, and a proton pack, and I will preorder immediately. And now that I put the idea in your head, I know that you will too.
So what do you guys think? Am I onto something here? Would you add any of these to your collection, or would they just haunt the discount bins in the store?
Matt Norris