VINYL SODA
Vinyl SODA (stylized as SODA) is a collectible vinyl figure line produced by Funko and launched in 2020. Packaged inside retro-styled aluminum soda cans, each figure comes paired with a collectible POG disc and offers a 1-in-6 mystery Chase variant.
Cronologia
Panoramica
Vinyl SODA (stylized as SODA) is a dedicated line of stylized vinyl collectible figures produced by Funko, initially launched in 2020. The collection reimagines popular characters across superheroes, animation, horror, and retro pop culture, packaging each figure inside a retro-styled aluminum soda can. Despite the beverage-inspired packaging, the cans contain no liquid.
Standard figures stand at 4.25 inches tall and come accompanied by a collectible cardboard POG disc that specifies the figure variant and total production run count. Positioned alongside major Funko lines such as Pop!, Bitty Pop!, and Rewind, Vinyl SODA stands out through its blind-box mystery unboxing experience.
The signature element of the line is its 1-in-6 mystery Chase variant ratio. When opening a sealed can, collectors have a chance of discovering an alternate version featuring special paint finishes, glow-in-the-dark elements, or modified sculpts. With strict piece counts ranging from broad limited releases to ultra-scarce convention exclusives, Vinyl SODA caters directly to pop-culture enthusiasts and dedicated line completionists seeking unique packaging and rare variants.
Storia
Funko officially announced the Vinyl SODA line in January 2020, making its retail debut in the spring around Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC 2020). The initial waves emphasized retro nostalgia, bringing iconic characters from Hanna-Barbera, DC Comics, Masters of the Universe, ThunderCats, and Ad Icons into the new can format.
Following strong collector interest, early 2021 saw an expansion into horror movies, classic films, and major Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises. The line evolved rapidly with new formats. In April 2021, Funko introduced International Subvariants featuring unique globe logos, alternate color schemes, and distinct regional piece allocations.
June 2021 marked the launch of 6-Pack SODA Coolers packaged in themed Loungefly cooler bags. By 2022, Funko scaled up the figures with the 3-Liter (3L) Vinyl SODA series, placing 8-inch figures like The Iron Giant in oversized bottles. In 2023, Funko introduced unnumbered open-edition 'Funko Soda Collectibles' for high-demand Marvel and DC lines while realigning manufacturing volumes across secondary lines. Moving through 2024 to 2026, Vinyl SODA remains a core fixture in Funko's catalog, driven by targeted convention exclusives and specialty retail releases.
I PEZZI DI VINYL SODA
Caratteristiche
• Standard Scale & Sculpt: Figures stand 4.25 inches tall in standard cans; 3-Liter (3L) subvariants scale up to approximately 8 inches in oversized bottles. • Can Packaging: Packaged inside sealed, retro-styled aluminum soda cans containing zero liquid. • Cardboard POG Disc: Every can includes a collectible cardboard POG disc detailing the specific figure variant and total production run count. • Mystery 1:6 Chase Ratio: Most releases offer a 1-in-6 chance of pulling a rare 'Chase' variant figure.
• Chase Variant Hallmarks: Variants feature alternate sculpts, metallic paint, glow-in-the-dark (GITD) details, blacklight paint, or alternate accessories. • Limited Edition Runs: Production counts typically range between 2,000 and 15,000 pieces, with rare convention grails capped as low as 250–300 pieces. • International Subvariants: Non-US releases feature distinct UPCs, alternate can colorways, separate allocations, and an international globe logo printed on the can and POG. • Open-Edition Format: Introduced in 2023 for high-demand Marvel and DC releases without numbered piece caps.
Wave & Serie
• 2020 Debut Wave (Spring/ECCC 2020): Initial release featuring DC Comics (Batman LE 10,000, Robin LE 7,500, Wonder Woman LE 10,000), Hanna-Barbera (Fred Flintstone LE 7,500, Barney Rubble LE 7,500, Huckleberry Hound LE 6,000, Jabberjaw LE 6,000, Peter Potamus LE 6,000, Grape Ape LE 6,000), Masters of the Universe (He-Man LE 10,000, Skeletor LE 10,000), ThunderCats (Lion-O LE 7,500, Mumm-Ra LE 7,500), and Ad Icons (Count Chocula, Franken Berry). • Early 2021 Wave: License expansion announced at Funko Fair 2021, including Beetlejuice (LE 15,000) and Scooby-Doo Silas Long / Werewolf (LE 7,500). • April 2021 Wave: Launch of International SODA Subvariants featuring globe logos and separate regional piece counts.
• June 2021 Cooler Wave 1: Debut of 6-Pack SODA Coolers in Loungefly bags, starting with TMNT Blacklight 6-Pack (LE 10,000). • 2022 3-Liter (3L) Series Wave: Scaling up characters into ~8-inch figures inside giant bottles, starting with The Iron Giant. • May 2022 Cooler Wave 2: Release of Scooby-Doo 6-Pack Vinyl SODA Cooler set featuring classic ghosts and villains. • 2022 Licensing Wave: Expansion into Disney classics (Peg-Leg Pete), anime (Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academia), and major cinematic releases. • 2023 Strategy & Convention Wave: Introduction of unnumbered 'Funko Soda Collectibles' (Marvel/DC) and NYCC 2023 exclusive Willy Wonka 3L SODA (LE 5,000). • 2024 Animated Wave: Release of Marvel Studios' X-Men '97 Gambit Vinyl SODA with glow-in-the-dark Chase details. • 2025–2026 Modern Era Lineup: Ongoing targeted waves released via retailer exclusives (GameStop, Hot Topic, Target, Funko Shop) and convention events.
Pezzi Iconici
• Golden Sleestak: An ultra-rare early convention exclusive capped at a tiny production run of just 250 or 300 pieces. • Pizza Freddy Funko: Highly coveted convention grail limited to an extreme low run of 250 to 300 figures. • Beetlejuice (LE 15,000): Early 2021 fan favorite featuring a rare mystery Chase variant in a maroon wedding suit.
• TMNT Blacklight 6-Pack Cooler (LE 10,000): The debut 2021 Loungefly cooler set containing six blacklight figures with a guaranteed Chase. • The Iron Giant 3L Vinyl SODA: Landmark 2022 release that introduced the 8-inch oversized 3-Liter soda bottle format. • Willy Wonka 3L Vinyl SODA (LE 5,000): Sought-after NYCC 2023 convention exclusive figure produced in the oversized 3-Liter format. • X-Men '97 Gambit Vinyl SODA: Popular 2024 Marvel release featuring a glow-in-the-dark playing card Chase variant.
Collezionismo
Vinyl SODA has established a distinct niche in the collectibles market by combining retro aesthetic appeal with high-stakes variant hunting. The main thrill for collectors lies in the 1-in-6 mystery Chase ratio, where opening a sealed can might yield a glow-in-the-dark finish, metallic paint, blacklight details, or an entirely alternate sculpt. The inclusion of the collectible cardboard POG disc adds an extra layer of nostalgia and authentication for each piece. Rarity and secondary market value are heavily driven by limited edition piece counts.
While standard runs average between 6,000 and 15,000 pieces, ultra-rare convention grails—such as the Golden Sleestak or Pizza Freddy Funko—were capped at just 250 to 300 pieces, making them top-tier grails commanding premium secondary prices. Variations like the Loungefly 6-Pack Coolers, international globe-logo subvariants, and oversized 3-Liter bottles further diversify collection options. Whether hunting single cans at retailers like GameStop and Hot Topic or securing limited convention drops, collectors value the line's distinct display presentation and tight edition caps.
Curiosità
• The retro aluminum beverage cans used for packaging contain zero liquid. • Every sealed can contains a cardboard POG disc detailing the figure's variant and piece count.
• Rare convention exclusives like Golden Sleestak and Pizza Freddy Funko were limited to just 250–300 pieces. • International versions carry a unique globe logo, distinct UPC, and alternate can colors. • The 6-Pack SODA Coolers come packaged inside functional, themed Loungefly cooler bags.
