Ultraman : Ultraman [31]

Pop! Vinyl by Funko is one of the most recognizable and successful collectible toy lines in the world. Launched in 2010, these figures feature a distinctive design with oversized heads, small bodies, and minimal facial features, often with black, round eyes. The line covers a vast range of characters from movies, TV shows, video games, anime, sports, and pop culture. Despite their mass-market nature, Funko Pops have influenced the designer toy scene by popularizing vinyl collectibles, introducing mainstream audiences to the joy of collecting, and occasionally collaborating with artists for unique, stylized designs. Funko is an American company known for producing licensed pop culture collectibles, most notably its Pop! Vinyl figures. Founded in 1998 by Mike Becker and later sold to Brian Mariotti, Funko started with bobbleheads before evolving into a global powerhouse in the collectible toy industry. Pop! Vinyl Line (2010–Present) – The company’s most famous product, featuring stylized figures with oversized heads, covering franchises from movies, TV shows, video games, sports, anime, and more. Funko has partnerships with Disney, Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Harry Potter, anime studios, music artists, and sports leagues, making it one of the most diverse collectible brands. The company produces various collectibles, including Dorbz – Smaller, rounder figures with a smiling aesthetic. Funko Soda – Vinyl figures packaged in a soda can-style container. Funko Gold – Premium stylized figures, mainly for sports and music icons. Board Games & NFTs – Expanding into digital and tabletop gaming spaces. Retail & Fan Culture – Funko has flagship stores, exclusive online drops, and a massive presence at conventions like SDCC, NYCC, and ECCC. Funko has democratized collecting, making it more accessible with affordable pricing and an endless variety of figures. While not an art toy brand, its influence has helped mainstream vinyl figure Eiji Tsuburaya (1901–1970) was a pioneering Japanese filmmaker and special effects director, best known as the co-creator of Godzilla and the founder of the Ultraman franchise. He played a crucial role in shaping the tokusatsu (live-action special effects) genre, developing innovative techniques in miniatures, suitmation, and optical effects. As the special effects director for Godzilla (1954), Tsuburaya crafted the iconic monster using rubber suits and detailed miniature city sets, influencing generations of filmmakers. In 1963, he founded Tsuburaya Productions, which launched Ultraman (1966), a landmark in Japanese superhero television. His work remains highly influential in global science fiction and special effects cinema.