Saturday, September 24, 2022

Everett, Washington: Funko HQ

 We recently took a road trip to Everett, Washington to visit Funko Headquarters.

I admit I do not have a single Funko Pop figure of my own, but I might know people who do.


The "pop" is for pop culture, and you can expect waves of nostalgia as all sorts of licensed properties are represented.

Much like visiting a Lego store, the fun is in the displays and large models.

However, in the Lego stores I have been too, I have only seen large models. Those are impressive for what it takes to assemble them in a way that is not true of the large-headed figures Funko makes, some that bobble, some that don't. 

However, Funko has tableau.

So you can see Godzilla breaking up a bridge and power lines while little planes circle...

or find Luke hanging upside down in the Wampa's cave, while Han rides a tauntaun to the rescue.

Around every corner there is something to make you smile.

You can even slide into the Batmobile next to Batman, because Robin is still on the way.

As compelling as the displays are, it is a store, designed for shopping.

It can get very busy when new figures are released, as they do have collectors, and even those who are not trying to assemble a complete collection may have strong feelings about some characters.

In addition to the figures, you can find bags and backpacks made by Loungefly.

There is clothing, and some plush.

They also have a wide selection of strategy games with a similar nostalgic bent.

Not all of the games come with figures, but some do.

There is also a section of separate arms and legs and heads, where you can assemble your own figure. That area was kind of between Hoth and Hogwarts.

There is a long wait time at the Hollywood store due to the popularity of making your own souvenir, but here, near its starting place in Snohomish, you can have a more relaxing experience. 

https://www.king5.com/article/life/shopping/personalized-funko-pop/281-9f781ed3-306f-47b4-91d1-7f99d8b84bea

There was one set of characters we didn't recognize at all.

Funko has started a new series, Wetmore Forest, with monsters living in the Pacific Northwest. There are videos and books, and a lot of characters.

There was even a leaping game you could try. The rules were not completely clear, but I have noticed this at other attractions.

Overall, it was a fun visit.

It was  also a really long drive, so that is something to take into consideration. Everett has a history with flight and airshows, and a museum there.

https://www.seattlenorthcountry.com/things-to-do/

We didn't do that though; we just went to look at Funko (and to stop at the nearby Haggen's, because we miss the deli there.)


COVID: I did not see masking being enforced, but it was easy to avoid other people. That would not be the case on a new release day, though they do have some one-way flow that could help with some things.


Accessibility: I thought this part was well-designed, including the set up for the accessible bathrooms. Aisles are wide and floors are smooth.


https://www.funko.com/

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