What is the deal with Protos?

[rdgmjv11]

I see a handful of people here that collect these, but I've NEVER seen one. Ever. What are they and how do you get them?

[squidward]

Protos are prototypes which are created to check the design and colors. Some are all white and some are colored.

Protos are most commonly available as giveaways at Fundays, purchases from select vendors such as Gemini Collectibles, or contests directly from Funko.

[angeladominguez]

Yep!
Protos are prototypes.
I've seen people trade them, purchase them from Gemini, or even Funko holds contest to win a proto!

[Vinyl4Blood]

Funko is currently giving you the opportunity to win some protos.

http://funko.com/blogs/news/batweek-proto-giveaway

[ldfm]

There's a few protos I wouldn't mind... but man, I can't justify "asking" prices.

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos? Just curious, it's something I've thought about.

[treswright]

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos?

Noooooooo not this again! This question gets asked a little too often and it's usually split evenly between two camps, the "you people are crazy for paying so much for an unpainted Pop" group and the "you just don't understand the significance of prototypes" group Hopefully this time we can keep things civil Personally my answer to you is that it is an acquired taste. New collectors typically have no interest in prototypes and Freddys. As they hang out here more and learn about Funko and Pops and Fundays and such, they eventually understand more about the significance of these. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll ever collect them (it can get spendy), but they at least learn to appreciate those that do collect them .

[Vinyl4Blood]

There's a few protos I wouldn't mind... but man, I can't justify "asking" prices.

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos? Just curious, it's something I've thought about.

Two things for me...

I appreciate and collect design/marketing/technical items. From blue prints to design sketches, I just enjoy those items.
Secondly, many people like exclusives... because sometimes we want something ... exclusive, rare, something not everyone has. And you can't get much more rare than a proto... when only a handful are made.

Originally I couldn't stand them. I thought they were ugly. But once my wife got a proto of the SDCC toy Tokyo exclusive dug with cone, I fell in love with them.

But everyone has their own reasons.

[popfanboy]

Originally I couldn't stand them. I thought they were ugly. But once my wife got a proto of the SDCC toy Tokyo exclusive dug with cone, I fell in love with them.

Not gonna lie, I'm super jealous of your Dug proto. That's an awesome score!

Personally, I enjoy protos and I really wish I could get one but they are just too expensive for me. There are a few protos that are cheap but I don't wanna buy one just so I can say I have one. I would really only want a proto of a character I love or enjoy.

[donofoblivion]

I absolutely LOVE Protos! Like many, when I first got into collecting Pops! I didn't know what protos were--I didn't know they existed. I bought a boxed Pop! from a seller once who asked me the question, and exposed me to them. I can't remember if it was that particular seller or not, but when I saw the Clockwork Orange Proto I was just literally blown away. At first, I thought protos were rather "odd-looking" too...unpolished and unfinished. But then I began to recognize these as actual prototypes--the original, core models...the foundation for the retail Pops! that so many of us came to love later. Then Protos took on kind of a historical legacy and identity for me.

For me, these have become the ultimate out-of-box Funko Pop collectible. I mix/display my in-box, out-of-box collection together, and believe the protos occupy a place at the top tier of that collection. I know many regard Funko items as just "toys"; yes, that is a component of their nature. But I think a lot more is going on here than that. They're not high-end art in a classical or sculptural sense, but I do regard them as being "art" nonetheless. Like all other art forms, these little guys do describe and represent to some extent what's important to people living at the time. Not only are they adorable and cute, but each of our collective collections describe what and who is important to us, and what has likely influenced us over the course of our lives. As a whole, Pop! collections are like mini-historical lessons that make you smile.

At some point, I plan to show pictures of my collection, but I seem to be having difficulty at this time; not sure if it has to do with getting permission, or that I just don't know what I'm doing. Regardless, in my eyes, protos have become beautiful and rare collectible items.

[booboo79]

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos?

Noooooooo not this again! This question gets asked a little too often and it's usually split evenly between two camps, the "you people are crazy for paying so much for an unpainted Pop" group and the "you just don't understand the significance of prototypes" group Hopefully this time we can keep things civil Personally my answer to you is that it is an acquired taste. New collectors typically have no interest in prototypes and Freddys. As they hang out here more and learn about Funko and Pops and Fundays and such, they eventually understand more about the significance of these. That doesn't necessarily mean they'll ever collect them (it can get spendy), but they at least learn to appreciate those that do collect them .

I wholeheartedly agree with this. They're cool, but I personally have no interest in collecting them. However, many of my friends do and I can understand why and see their significance.

I also agree with the fact that as you learn more about Funko and spend more time getting to know the veterans on this board, you come to appreciate the other lines Funko produces. I was never into Spastiks but Beau sent me one a few months ago and I've been curious ever since. After seeing a few recent Spastik hauls, I'm close to purchasing my very first one (just can't make up my mind on which one).

Long story short, you may not see the personal value in protos now, but that may change with time

[donofoblivion]

Long story short, you may not see the personal value in protos now, but that may change with time

Totally agree

[alex_dewitt]

There's a few protos I wouldn't mind... but man, I can't justify "asking" prices.

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos? Just curious, it's something I've thought about.

Two things for me...

I appreciate and collect design/marketing/technical items. From blue prints to design sketches, I just enjoy those items.
Secondly, many people like exclusives... because sometimes we want something ... exclusive, rare, something not everyone has. And you can't get much more rare than a proto... when only a handful are made.

Originally I couldn't stand them. I thought they were ugly. But once my wife got a proto of the SDCC toy Tokyo exclusive dug with cone, I fell in love with them.

But everyone has their own reasons.

Wow, that's incredible! Would you mind showing a photo of the Dug proto? One of my favourite Disney characters. I was so happy that he was easy to obtain outside Toy Tokyo, but the proto would be a dream come true

[Vinyl4Blood]

Wow, that's incredible! Would you mind showing a photo of the Dug proto? One of my favourite Disney characters.

Not gonna lie, I'm super jealous of your Dug proto. That's an awesome score!

By your request, here he is.

My wife scored him at Fundays this year. Then we stayed after the show, and she asked Brian to sign him... which he graciously did.
She screamed so loud the people on the other side of the room could hear her! I doubt she will ever let him go.

[Hopesdenial]

If you start collecting protos, be careful there's a lot of counterfeits (China rejects, paint removal, etc).

[treswright]

At some point, I plan to show pictures of my collection, but I seem to be having difficulty at this time; not sure if it has to do with getting permission, or that I just don't know what I'm doing. Regardless, in my eyes, protos have become beautiful and rare collectible items.

Anyone can post photos of their collection here whether they've been here for years or days They used to host photo sharing space on these forums but during the last board transition they did away with it because they realized how complicated it was to try and move everything and relink zillions of photos. So now you have to use your own photo hosting (there are free ones like photobucket or imgur) and then post the images here by placing the image link inside the "img" tags (click "Full Editor & Preview", then click the little picture about the post window that looks like mountains). There's a sticky at the top of the forum called "Your display, the Funko way!", that's where people post pics of their collections.

[hawkman2]

Cool pic great proto.

[Trixt]

We should just make a sticky called "the thing with protos" feel like this post happens once a month.

[Mrs_19k]

Wow, that's incredible! Would you mind showing a photo of the Dug proto? One of my favourite Disney characters.

Not gonna lie, I'm super jealous of your Dug proto. That's an awesome score!

By your request, here he is.

My wife scored him at Fundays this year. Then we stayed after the show, and she asked Brian to sign him... which he graciously did.
She screamed so loud the people on the other side of the room could hear her! I doubt she will ever let him go.

Bootyful!

[donofoblivion]

Vinly4Blood--that Dug proto is incredible! (and I don't even know much about the character).

And treswright--thank you very much for the insight and the info. Very much appreciated.

[ldfm]

Oops, didn't think this was asked often. But thanks for the input. I can understand and see both sides. I also collect vinyl records and have seen "test presses" and people who try to collect those, etc. I guess it is weird to collect an unpainted toy, but didn't realize that makes it "exclusive" in a way.

But yeah, I guess it's like you both kinda said, it is an acquired taste. Maybe if I get more into collecting Funko I'll join in the proto hunting!


and a side note, the quote system here is terrible...

[The Head]

I''ll admit that I'm not a grizzled veteran, but I'm no newbie to collecting either and I don't think I'll ever quite get the allure of the majority of protos. When it comes to collectibles, I like things that look cool and IMHO, most protos just don't look all that good. They look like exactly what they are - unfinished products.

With that said, I have seen a handful that actually look pretty cool. The smugglers bounty boba, for example, is a fantastic looking proto. The dug that was shared in this thread is one of the better ones I've seen as well.

I guess if you're into the historical significance of something like that, more power to you. For me though, unfinished versions of products that were released two weeks ago just don't feel all that historical to me. On the other hand, if we have a proto of some of the first pops to be made, now we're talking! Hell, even sketches or concept art of the first pops would do it too. A proto for pops made within the last couple years, not so much.

Before everyone gets all bent out of shape, I'm not demeaning anyone who collects protos. I'm just stating why they don't do it for me. I've never personally been in a heated debate over this topic and don't intend to start now. To each their own, collect what you love, and all that jazz. If it makes you happy, do it...unless it's illegal or unethical! :D

Also, this is as good a time as any to formally petetion the abolishment of my biggest argument pet peeve of all time...the "you just don't get it" retort. When challenged, please leave that one untouched. It doesn't help your cause at all and makes you sound like you're just doing whatever it is to be part of the cool kids club. You're better than that!

[DanMarcheski]

Fun to hunt protos and anything else rare for that matter. Thrill of the hunt! And also looks great when you have a complete set along w the proto to match.

[booboo79]

Wow, that's incredible! Would you mind showing a photo of the Dug proto? One of my favourite Disney characters.

Not gonna lie, I'm super jealous of your Dug proto. That's an awesome score!

By your request, here he is.

My wife scored him at Fundays this year. Then we stayed after the show, and she asked Brian to sign him... which he graciously did.
She screamed so loud the people on the other side of the room could hear her! I doubt she will ever let him go.

Geez Louise, that's a freakin' beauty!! congrats!!

[Vinyl4Blood]

Geez Louise, that's a freakin' beauty!! congrats!!

Thanks. my wife really scored with that one. I wasn't quite so lucky... I ended up with a General Klytus. I hung around after the show and traded him to a fellow funatic for a Freddy White Walker. (not a proto) And I'm glad I did. That GOT Freddy Night King is really nice.

[kajoshb2k]

Wow, that's incredible! Would you mind showing a photo of the Dug proto? One of my favourite Disney characters.

Not gonna lie, I'm super jealous of your Dug proto. That's an awesome score!

By your request, here he is.

My wife scored him at Fundays this year. Then we stayed after the show, and she asked Brian to sign him... which he graciously did.
She screamed so loud the people on the other side of the room could hear her! I doubt she will ever let him go.

Hell yeah she screamed loud!! I don't think I will ever hear properly again, .

[dolphinax2]

He is really cute and can see why she was so excited. My daughter traded her TWD proto for an anime proto and like your wife there is no way she is parting with it.

[JJLecaros]

i got 2 protos at fundays.
Lo-pan
Buzzlightyear

[Vinyl4Blood]

i got 2 protos at fundays.
Lo-pan
Buzzlightyear

I'm jealous of your Buzz Proto. I bet he looks sweet.

[jkcohen626]

There's a few protos I wouldn't mind... but man, I can't justify "asking" prices.

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos? Just curious, it's something I've thought about.

I don't have any, but I think the idea is rarity. Usually only a few are made, and even those are all different. For example, there might be one all white one to check a mold or a colorful one that is testing how the colors of the plastic look, but tere will only be one or two white and one or two colored ones.

[Flex Luthor]

I think for some proto collectors they are the ultimate completists that have to have everything of their favorite character or pop line in order to feel done with their collection. For me, I try to get protos of my favorite characters just so my spending doesn't get too out of hand.

[booboo79]

Geez Louise, that's a freakin' beauty!! congrats!!

Thanks. my wife really scored with that one. I wasn't quite so lucky... I ended up with a General Klytus. I hung around after the show and traded him to a fellow funatic for a Freddy White Walker. (not a proto) And I'm glad I did. That GOT Freddy Night King is really nice.

You came out with a great piece in that trade. I'm not a Freddy collector, but that White Walker is a beauty!

[jedik6]

It really is up to your own taste. Just be careful because like they say above - protos can get pricey. I should know. I only have a few - all characters I love. The other thing is watching out for fakes.

[JJLecaros]

i got 2 protos at fundays.
Lo-pan
Buzzlightyear

I'm jealous of your Buzz Proto. I bet he looks sweet.

i got a box for a regular buzz and put it that to protect it.

[Squird]

There's a few protos I wouldn't mind... but man, I can't justify "asking" prices.

To those who collect or have, why do you like protos? Just curious, it's something I've thought about.

I like the look, mostly. Some of the sculpted details stand out better without paint covering them up. If I really like a figure, I try to get the proto to go with. I don't collect as many figures as I used to, so I have more money to put towards 'splurge' purchase (splurchases).

I think they're hard to appreciate until you see one in person. From a picture they just look kind of blah, in person, big difference.

Also, no boxes to crush.

[Squird]

I also agree with the fact that as you learn more about Funko and spend more time getting to know the veterans on this board, you come to appreciate the other lines Funko produces. I was never into Spastiks but Beau sent me one a few months ago and I've been curious ever since. After seeing a few recent Spastik hauls, I'm close to purchasing my very first one (just can't make up my mind on which one).

Gill. Always start with Gill.

[Vinyl4Blood]

i got 2 protos at fundays.
Lo-pan
Buzzlightyear

I'm jealous of your Buzz Proto. I bet he looks sweet.

i got a box for a regular buzz and put it that to protect it.

Yep. He is really nice. Well, if you ever want to sell.....

[pinklaquer]

i got 2 protos at fundays.
Lo-pan
Buzzlightyear

I'm jealous of your Buzz Proto. I bet he looks sweet.

i got a box for a regular buzz and put it that to protect it.

that's pretty smart of you. I would die for an Ariel proto

[VaultToysTX]

It's a very divided line on protos. When I started collecting Funko items I looked at them as this ultimate holy grail for a pop line. I never thought I'd get to have them. Personally for me they are that core blueprint for all the future paint variants. I focus on getting the ones for series I really appreciate. Thankfully or more kind of painful for my wallet Gemini keeps putting up ones I want or getting them from older collectors. It's a fun hunt if you do decide to hunt them.

[clashcityrocker33]

I also agree with the fact that as you learn more about Funko and spend more time getting to know the veterans on this board, you come to appreciate the other lines Funko produces. I was never into Spastiks but Beau sent me one a few months ago and I've been curious ever since. After seeing a few recent Spastik hauls, I'm close to purchasing my very first one (just can't make up my mind on which one).

Gill. Always start with Gill.

Uh...yeah. Always. Then Chet.

[donofoblivion]

That Buzz proto is fantastic!!!