#FunkoFamily. This hashtag started a little over a year or so ago but the meaning has been in existence for quite some time.
This time of year I always think about Jon and I attending our first extra special Funko event, Funko Fright Night in 2016. We were invited by our close friends, now close Funko family, Wes and Kelly Mosier.
We had no idea what to expect. Little did we know that this event was going to be a pivotal moment for us as collectors and Funko Funatics.
There’s magic in every Funko event. As we entered the venue, we received a cool Trick or Treat bag of goodies. Inside were some fantastic limited edition collectibles, candy, socks and shirt. Mind blown! Being the first Funko event We had been too, this was like winning the grand prize and all we did was walk in!
Seeing Funatics in costume, sharing their love of Funko and various fandoms was like being invited to a party that you actually wanted to go to and never have end. It was liberating and exhilarating.
Being part of big groups or even a community was never really my thing. I guess it’s because I never really had friends that were into the cool nerdy things that I was into. I can’t thank Wes and Kelly enough for that first experience. It still means the world to us and every year around Halloween I laugh out loud at least once thinking of Kelly trying not sweat off her green witch body paint!
People were afraid to show their nerdiness back then… I even hid it until I left High School. Nobody but my closest friends knew I collected toys and comics… now, we’ve taken over the world. The same A-holes who would have given me shit for living this stuff back then are the same ones asking me questions about it now.
So true Tom. Being teased or treated like an “outcast” was nothing new to me growing up. Ironically, I have seen some of those same people via trips home or Facebook and they start up conversations about … nerdy things … to try and break the ice. I’ll engage but not invest. People change, I know i have a lot!
Hahahaa that green body paint was everywhere for weeks.
Hahahaha! That’s what makes the best memories, right!
That was my first Funko event after joint the funatic board and it was amazing to see so many friendly people and finally be able to put names to faces. And I agree. That night, Funko Family became a real thing to us too. Thank you for sharing that evening with us!
If only I would have listened to you both back then and joined the Funko community board at that time. I’d have more stars!!That was such a fun night. I hope they do something similar again!