EVERETT, Wash., July 12, 2018 — The Pokémon Company International and Funko, Inc. (Nasdaq:FNKO) have officially announced their first-ever collaboration and licensing agreement to bring Funko Pop! Pokémon figures to retail this summer. Expected to launch on July 29, 2018, the initial 4-inch stylized vinyl figure features the iconic Pokémon, Pikachu, from the popular video game franchise featuring Funko’s whimsical take on the beloved Pokémon.
“Pokémon is always looking for the best ways to deliver its popular characters to its fans and the timing is perfect to team up with Funko,” said Colin Palmer, vice president of marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “We can’t wait to deliver the most iconic Pokémon, Pikachu, to fans of both the franchise and the immensely popular Funko Pop! figures with this launch.”
While the 4-inch scale Pikachu marks the first collaboration between Pokémon and Funko, a launch this big couldn’t be contained to Funko’s traditional figure size. A second Pikachu figure in a 10-inch scale is expected to arrive in stores later this year. Fans can stay tuned for additional details about the larger figure’s availability.
“As one of the preeminent entertainment properties in the world today, we’re thrilled to welcome Pokémon to the Funko Pop! lineup with this exclusive figure,” said Brian Mariotti, CEO of Funko. “Pikachu is one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture, and as the ultimate purveyor of pop culture we couldn’t be more excited to bring Funko’s signature style to the world of Pokémon. So much so that we plan to launch a larger 10-inch scale figure later this year.”
