In the ever-expanding universe of pop culture collectibles, Funko continues to be a gravitational force, pulling together disparate franchises into a cohesive, if somewhat quirky, aesthetic. The latest gravitational pull comes in the form of new Funko Fusion figures, tied to the adventurous, albeit modestly received, video game of the same name. While the game itself may not have ignited the world on fire upon its release, the figures it inspires are certainly sparking interest among collectors, promising a fresh wave of iconic characters, some with delightfully unexpected twists.
The Blue Bomber Gets a Funko Makeover (and a Zombie Apocalypse)
One of the most anticipated additions to the Funko Fusion lineup is none other than Capcom`s iconic robot hero, Mega Man. Set to release on December 27th for a pre-order price of $15, the standard figure captures the Blue Bomber in his classic azure armor, complete with his signature arm cannon poised for action. It`s a nostalgic nod for long-time fans and a vibrant addition for any collection.
However, Funko, ever the purveyor of delightful unpredictability, isn`t stopping at nostalgia. For those who enjoy a bit of macabre charm with their collectibles, a rare Chase variant of Mega Man will also be available. This version re-imagines the otherwise pristine hero in a zombified state: pale skin, vacant white eyes, and disconcerting flecks of green goo splattered across his armor. With a 1 in 6 chance of snagging this undead variant, the hunt for this particular Mega Man promises to be a thrilling, if slightly unsettling, endeavor.
Image: A side-by-side view of the classic blue Mega Man Funko Fusion figure and its zombified Chase variant, featuring pale skin and green splatters.
Unexpected Alliances: Colonel Sanders, Invincible, and Freddy Fazbear Join the Fray
Mega Man isn`t traveling alone into this fused universe. Funko is orchestrating a grand crossover event, bringing several other beloved (and sometimes terrifying) personalities into the collectible fold. Imagine a world where the fast-food titan, Colonel Sanders, wields a chicken-launching cannon – because, why not? This figure, along with its equally flamboyant all-gold Chase variant, drops on December 9th for $15. It’s a testament to Funko’s ability to take the mundane and make it wonderfully absurd.
Joining the Colonel on December 9th is the powerful hero Invincible. For fans of the gritty superhero saga, this figure offers a standard representation, alongside a much-coveted blood-spattered Chase variant, perfectly encapsulating the brutal reality of his world. And for those who prefer their collectibles with a side of jump scares, Freddy Fazbear from Five Nights at Freddy`s will also arrive on December 27th, complete with a pizza launcher (because what else?) and a chilling zombified Chase variant, mirroring Mega Man`s ghoulish transformation. Each of these new figures is available for pre-order at $15, ensuring that every pop culture niche finds something to adore.
Image: A collage showcasing the Funko Fusion figures for Colonel Sanders with a chicken cannon, Freddy Fazbear with a pizza launcher, and the heroic Invincible.
The Game That Started It All: Funko Fusion`s Deluxe Edition
These new figures are, of course, a tangible extension of the Funko Fusion video game. While the initial critical reception for the game was a rather lukewarm 4/10, it`s undeniable that the title offers a unique premise: a quirky cooperative adventure brimming with pop culture references. For enthusiasts who appreciate the sheer spectacle of diverse characters interacting in a shared universe, the game still holds a certain charm.
To further sweeten the deal, a new Deluxe Edition of the game is arriving, priced at $40. This enhanced version boasts an expanded roster of playable characters, pulling from an eclectic mix of popular movies and TV shows. Imagine battling alongside the likes of Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked, classic Universal Monsters such as Dracula and Frankenstein`s Bride, or even the familiar faces of Michael, Dwight, Jim, and Pam from The Office. It’s a roster that could only exist in a Funko-fied reality.
For those who prefer just the essentials, the standard edition of Funko Fusion is still available for $20 across PS5, PS4, Switch, and Xbox Series X, and notably, it does include Mega Man in its playable lineup. So, even without the Deluxe Edition`s expansive cast, players can still dive into the crossover chaos with the Blue Bomber himself.
The Enduring Allure of the Chase
What makes these Funko figures, particularly the Chase variants, so captivating? It’s not just about owning a piece of a beloved franchise; it’s about the thrill of the hunt. The anticipation of unboxing a standard figure, only to discover that coveted, rarer version, adds an element of delightful chance to collecting. It transforms a simple purchase into a miniature lottery, where the prize is a unique, limited-edition rendition of an iconic character.
This strategic blend of accessibility (standard figures) and exclusivity (Chase variants) is a cornerstone of Funko`s success. It keeps collectors engaged, eyes peeled, and wallets, well, perhaps a little lighter. Whether it`s the zombified Mega Man or the all-gold Colonel, these variants inject an extra layer of excitement into the world of pop culture merchandise.
A Universe Constantly Fusing
Beyond the latest pre-orders, the Funko Fusion collection already spans a vast array of fan favorites. From the stoic Cylon robots of Battlestar Galactica to the iconic He-Man, and from the witty Nicholas Angel of Hot Fuzz to the terrifying Blair Monster from The Thing, the lineup continues to grow. This ever-expanding roster underscores Funko`s genius: to take characters from every corner of entertainment and place them side-by-side on our shelves, creating a shared narrative that is both absurd and utterly charming.
The new wave of Funko Fusion figures, with their ingenious concepts and highly sought-after Chase variants, serves as a fresh reminder of the brand`s enduring appeal. It`s a world where the lines between franchises blur, and the only constant is the irresistible urge to collect `em all – especially the ones that are just a little bit different.
Callum Darby