This guide helps new and casual collectors choose a pop culture figure, assess a listing or item before purchase, and set it up for safe display. You will finish with a figure that suits your budget and space, plus a basic plan for protecting it. No specialist collecting knowledge is needed; allow 30-60 minutes to compare options and another 15-30 minutes to prepare a display.
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Funko POP! TV: SpongeBob SquarePants 25th – DoodleBob
- ✔ Brand: Funko
- ✔ Line: POP! TV
- ✔ Character: DoodleBob
Funko POP! Movies: E.T. – Elliott with E.T. in Bike Basket
- ✔ Brand: Funko
- ✔ Line: POP! Movies
- ✔ Franchise: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Super7 ReAction Figure: Green Day Kerplunk Girl (3.75")
- ✔ Brand: Super7
- ✔ Series: ReAction Figures
- ✔ Character: Kerplunk Girl
Difficulty: Beginner | Time: 30-60 minutes to research and choose; 15-30 minutes to set up a display
What You’ll Need
Tools & Materials:
- Phone or computer with internet access
- Notebook or notes app for tracking candidates and prices
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Clean, dry display shelf or cabinet
- Soft microfiber cloth
Knowledge:
- Basic online shopping skills
- Ability to recognize the character, franchise, or performer you want to collect
Decide whether you want to display the figure in its packaging or remove it before buying. Include tax, shipping, and any display accessories in your budget. If buying secondhand, ask for current photographs and a clear description of damage before paying.
Funko POP! TV: SpongeBob SquarePants 25th – DoodleBob
DoodleBob is our best overall pick because it turns a recognizable SpongeBob character into a simple, compact display figure without requiring a collector to build a whole scene around it. At approximately 3.75 inches, it shares a convenient scale with the other figures here, while its vinyl construction suits a desk, shelf, or character-focused collection. The appeal is in the character itself: fans who remember DoodleBob can identify the reference quickly, and the anniversary branding connects it to a particular celebration of the show.Compared with Elliott with E.T., DoodleBob is less of a scene piece and more of a single-character accent. That can make it easier to place among other figures, but it offers less built-in storytelling than Elliott and E.T. together in the bike basket. Compared with Kerplunk Girl, it has broader animation appeal and does not depend on a specific music-history reference; however, Kerplunk Girl provides an accessory and explicitly described display packaging that DoodleBob’s listing does not mention.The tradeoff is a deliberately straightforward collectible. The available details do not specify articulation, pose changes, or extra accessories, so we would choose it for its character identity and shelf presence rather than interactive features. It makes the most sense for a SpongeBob fan who wants a familiar, display-ready figure in a small footprint. Collectors seeking a more elaborate sculpted scene or a figure with a stated accessory may prefer Elliott with E.T. or Kerplunk Girl.
Pros:
- Features the recognizable DoodleBob character from SpongeBob SquarePants.
- Approximately 3.75 inches tall for compact display.
- Vinyl construction is suited to a collectible display role.
- A natural fit for SpongeBob collections or fan gifting.
Cons:
- The supplied details do not specify articulation or additional features.
- It is a single-character collectible rather than a scene-based display.
- Its strongest appeal depends on interest in SpongeBob SquarePants.
Best for: SpongeBob fans and animation collectors who want a compact, recognizable character figure for a desk, shelf, or themed display.
Not ideal for: Buyers looking for documented articulation, included accessories, or a multi-character scene.
Bottom line: Choose DoodleBob for the most broadly approachable character display in this lineup, provided a simple collectible is what you want.
“Choose DoodleBob for the most broadly approachable character display in this lineup, provided a simple collectible is what you want.”
Funko POP! Movies: E.T. – Elliott with E.T. in Bike Basket
For a collectible that communicates a movie moment at a glance, Elliott with E.T. in the bike basket has the strongest scene-based concept in this group. Rather than presenting one character alone, it brings together Elliott and E.T. in a familiar arrangement from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. That gives the figure a built-in story and makes it especially suitable for a film shelf or a display organized around iconic movie imagery.Against DoodleBob, this figure has a more specific visual setup: the bike basket is central to its appeal, while DoodleBob’s appeal rests mainly on the character. That scene focus is a benefit for movie fans but also a limitation. Someone who wants a general E.T. character piece may find a single-scene interpretation less flexible. Kerplunk Girl also draws on a source image, but its connection is to album art and its listing includes a separate accessory; Elliott’s defining feature is the paired character-and-basket composition rather than an accessory called out in the description.Its stated size and vinyl material make the display proposition clear, but the listing does not describe functionality beyond collectible use. We would not choose it as a play-focused figure or assume it has articulation. This is the best fit for buyers who value cinematic recognition over versatility and want a compact tribute to one particular film. If your collection is organized around animation or music instead, DoodleBob or Kerplunk Girl will make a more coherent addition.
Pros:
- Combines Elliott and E.T. in a recognizable bike-basket scene.
- Approximately 3.75 inches tall for display cases, desks, and shelves.
- Vinyl construction supports its role as a display collectible.
- Offers more scene context than a single-character figure.
Cons:
- Its appeal is tied to one specific moment from the movie.
- The description identifies limited functionality as a toy.
- The supplied details do not specify articulation or included accessories.
Best for: E.T. fans and movie collectors who want a compact figure built around a recognizable scene rather than a standalone character.
Not ideal for: Buyers who prefer flexible character designs, documented articulation, or collectibles that represent a franchise broadly rather than one scene.
Bottom line: Pick Elliott with E.T. when a memorable movie scene matters more to your display than a flexible, standalone character figure.
“Pick Elliott with E.T. when a memorable movie scene matters more to your display than a flexible, standalone character figure.”
Super7 ReAction Figure: Green Day Kerplunk Girl (3.75")
Kerplunk Girl is our music-collector pick and the most specialized figure in the roundup. Its design draws from the artwork associated with Green Day’s 1991 album Kerplunk, so it functions as a piece of band and album nostalgia as much as a character collectible. Super7’s ReAction format is presented on a blister card with original artwork, and the included smoking gun accessory gives this option a detail the two Funko figures do not have listed.That additional collector context helps it stand apart from DoodleBob’s straightforward animated-character display and Elliott with E.T.’s movie-scene presentation. For a Green Day fan, the album reference and card-back artwork may make the packaging part of the appeal. For someone building a general pop culture shelf, though, its subject is less immediately universal than the SpongeBob or E.T. characters. Its recommended age of 14 and up also makes the intended audience clearer than the supplied information for the other two.We rank it third because specificity narrows its audience, not because the concept is less considered. The blister-card presentation may suit collectors who like keeping packaging visible, but buyers who prefer loose figures or do not connect with Green Day may get more use from either Funko pick. The smoking gun accessory adds visual distinction, yet the listing does not establish how the figure articulates or what poses it can hold. Choose it for album-art nostalgia and collector presentation, not as a broad, all-purpose figure.
Pros:
- Design is inspired by Green Day’s Kerplunk album artwork.
- Includes a smoking gun accessory.
- Blister-card packaging features original Super7 artwork.
- Its 3.75-inch scale is compatible with other ReAction figures.
Cons:
- Its subject has narrower appeal than the SpongeBob and E.T. figures.
- Recommended for ages 14 and up, so it is not aimed at young children.
- The supplied details do not specify articulation or poseability.
Best for: Green Day listeners, punk-rock collectors, and adult fans who value album-art references and card-back presentation.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a broadly recognizable film or animation character, a figure for young children, or confirmed articulation details.
Bottom line: Choose Kerplunk Girl for a distinct Green Day display piece with an accessory and album-inspired packaging, rather than for general-purpose character appeal.
“Choose Kerplunk Girl for a distinct Green Day display piece with an accessory and album-inspired packaging, rather than for general-purpose character appeal.”
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Before You Start
Collectible figures vary widely: some are inexpensive toys, while others are limited-run pieces with delicate parts or higher resale prices. A high price or limited-edition claim alone does not prove quality or authenticity. Treat collecting primarily as a way to enjoy an item you like, not as a guaranteed investment. Check the seller’s return policy and the maker’s care instructions before opening a sealed package.
Keep figures away from small children and pets if they have small detachable parts. Do not use household cleaners, solvents, or adhesive on a figure unless its manufacturer says they are safe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Set your collecting goal and spending limit
Write down the character, franchise, or theme you want to collect, then set a maximum price for one figure. Decide whether you care most about appearance, poseability, scale, packaging, or display value. Set a separate limit for shipping and display materials so the full cost stays within budget.
If you are unsure, start with one figure rather than buying a bundle. A single purchase lets you check the size, finish, and level of care the hobby requires before adding more.
Tip: Do not raise your limit just because a listing says the item is rare or that a sale ends soon. Compare prices from multiple sellers first.
Check: You have a written theme and a maximum total spend, including delivery.
Step 2: Choose the figure type and size
Search for figures from the franchise or maker you chose. Compare the product photographs, listed height, materials, included accessories, and whether the figure is fixed-pose or articulated. Check whether the listing describes a new, used, open-box, or damaged item.
Measure the shelf or cabinet where you plan to place it. Leave room for the figure’s base, accessories, and the space needed to remove it without knocking over nearby items. Compare the listed height with an object of known size if the scale is unclear.
Tip: Product photos can make figures look larger than they are. Use the listed measurements, not the image alone.
Check: You can identify the figure’s approximate size, contents, condition category, and intended display location.
Step 3: Compare makers, sellers, and prices
Check the manufacturer’s official product page when available, then compare the item with reputable retailers or established resale sellers. Review recent buyer feedback, return terms, shipping costs, and whether the seller provides their own photographs. For secondhand listings, look for close-ups of the face, joints, base, accessories, packaging, and any stated defects.
Compare the total cost of similar listings rather than judging by the asking price alone. A much lower price can reflect missing parts, damage, a counterfeit, or a misleading listing; ask questions before ordering.
Tip: Use the manufacturer’s spelling, product name, and model or product number to check that listings describe the same release.
Check: You have compared at least two credible options and know the return policy and full cost of your preferred listing.
Step 4: Check authenticity and condition before paying
Ask the seller to confirm the maker, release, included parts, and any repairs or defects. Request clear photographs of the actual item rather than relying only on stock images. Check for consistent branding and packaging details against the manufacturer’s information, while remembering that packaging can be replaced and does not prove authenticity by itself.
For an in-person purchase, inspect the paint, seams, joints, base, and accessories under good light. Look for cracks, loose pieces, sticky surfaces, strong chemical odors, uneven paint, or signs that parts have been glued. For a shipped item, save the listing and messages until you have inspected the delivery.
Tip: If a seller will not answer reasonable questions or provide actual-item photos for an expensive secondhand figure, choose another listing.
Check: The item’s identity and condition match the listing, or you have decided not to buy because the evidence is unclear.
Step 5: Buy safely and inspect the delivery
Pay through a method that provides a transaction record and buyer protections. Confirm the shipping address, total price, estimated delivery window, and return rules before submitting payment. Keep the receipt and order confirmation.
When the package arrives, photograph the outer box if it is visibly crushed or wet. Open it carefully without cutting near the figure or its packaging. Compare the contents with the listing and inspect the figure before discarding packing materials. Contact the seller promptly if something is missing or damaged, and include clear photographs.
Tip: Do not remove a seal or discard the original box until you have checked the item and decided whether you may need to return it.
Check: You received the described figure and parts, or you have documented a problem and contacted the seller within the stated return period.
Step 6: Prepare a stable display spot
Choose a level shelf or cabinet away from direct sunlight, heaters, fireplaces, damp areas, and busy walkways. Check the shelf’s weight limit and make sure the figure cannot be easily bumped. Place heavier figures on lower shelves and keep small accessories out of reach of children and pets.
Wipe dust from the display surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth before placing the figure. Use a manufacturer-approved stand or base if supplied. Do not balance a figure on an unstable surface or force a peg into a hole that does not fit.
Tip: Sunlight and heat can fade colors or affect some plastics over time. A shaded location with steady room conditions is a safer choice.
Check: The figure stands securely on a clean surface, with space around it and no direct sun or nearby heat source.
Step 7: Handle and maintain the figure
Hold the figure by its main body, not by a thin accessory, antenna, weapon, or extended limb. Support articulated figures near the joints when changing a pose, and stop if a joint resists; forcing it can break a peg or loosen the connection. Follow the maker’s instructions for detachable parts and stands.
Dust the figure gently with a dry, soft cloth or a clean soft brush. Avoid water, alcohol, sprays, and abrasive cloths unless the manufacturer approves them. Keep the original packaging and small parts in a labeled, dry place if you may need them later.
Tip: If a part feels stuck, do not apply force or heat. Check the product instructions or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Check: The figure remains stable, clean, and free of new scratches, loose joints, or misplaced accessories after handling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying based on a dramatic product photo without checking measurements. — Read the listed height and compare it with the available shelf space before ordering.
- Assuming a low price or limited-edition label proves a good deal or authenticity. — Compare matching releases, check the seller’s record, and request actual-item photographs and condition details.
- Forcing a stiff joint or accessory into place. — Stop when a part resists, consult the maker’s instructions, and ask the manufacturer or seller for help.
- Displaying a figure in direct sun or near a heat source. — Choose a shaded, dry location with steady room conditions and a stable surface.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The delivered figure has a missing accessory or damage that was not disclosed.
Solution: Photograph the item and packaging, save the listing and messages, and contact the seller through the purchase platform within its stated reporting period. Do not attempt repairs before the seller responds.
Problem: The figure will not stand securely.
Solution: Check that the base is assembled correctly and that the figure’s feet or mounting pegs match it. Place it on a level surface and use only a compatible stand; do not wedge it with adhesive or loose objects.
Problem: A joint or removable part feels stuck.
Solution: Stop applying force. Check the product instructions for safe movement or removal, and contact the manufacturer if the instructions do not resolve it.
Problem: The figure looks different from the listing or you suspect it is not authentic.
Solution: Compare the product number, markings, paint details, and packaging with official maker information. Ask the seller for clarification and use the platform’s return or dispute process if the item does not match its description.
What Success Looks Like
You have selected a figure within your planned budget, checked its size and condition, and bought it from a seller whose listing and return terms you understand. The delivered figure matches its description, includes the stated parts, and stands securely in a shaded, clean display location. You can dust and handle it without forcing joints or risking damage.
Next Steps
Record the figure’s maker, release name, purchase date, price, and any condition notes in your collection list. Keep receipts, certificates, and original packaging together in a dry place. Check the display periodically for dust, wobbling, fading, or heat exposure. Before adding another figure, confirm that you have space and that the next purchase fits your collecting plan and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep a collectible figure in its box?
Choose based on whether you prefer an unopened display or want to pose and handle the figure. Keeping the box can protect it during storage and preserve packaging, but it does not guarantee future value. If you open it, save the box and inserts in case you move or store the figure.
How can I tell whether a figure is authentic?
Compare its maker, product number, markings, packaging, and details with the manufacturer’s official information. Buy from a seller with a clear history and return terms, and ask for photographs of the actual item. No single feature, including a box or authenticity claim, proves an item is genuine on its own.
How often should I clean a displayed figure?
Dust it when you see buildup; the timing depends on the room and whether the figure is in a cabinet. Use a dry, soft cloth or soft brush and follow the maker’s care directions. Avoid cleaning liquids unless the manufacturer approves them.
Are collectible figures a good investment?
Future resale prices are uncertain and depend on demand, condition, authenticity, and the market. Buy figures because you enjoy them, and do not spend money you cannot afford to lose based on a prediction that the item will rise in value.
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