Well, it’s no secret that the pop-culture frenzy that is COVID-19 has caused more than a few lines to become more popular than ever before. One such example is the Funko brand, whose iconic and versatile characters have benefited from the sudden and global demand for merchandise, especially as the result of social distancing guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
The best thing about these characters is their adaptability: you can dress them up in your favorite costumes, set them in your favorite poses, and use them for your favorite activities. You can collect them all, or you can decide to focus on a specific group of characters, making it easier to follow the rules set down by authorities on how we can and cannot interact as a society. One such character that has seen a massive increase in demand as a result of COVID-19 is of course, Batman. And thanks to the pandemic, it’s easier than ever to tell if a Batman figure is authentic or just a cheap knockoff that will melt in your hands.
Not all Batmans are made equal, and these figures deserve the attention of serious collectors. Luckily, we’ve got you covered on this front. Here are the key points that will help you identify an authentic Batman figure.
The Slight Wink
An authentic Batman figure will have a slight “wink” at its eyes when it is closed. This is something that was first implemented as part of the character’s design in 1939 and has since become one of the identifying features of the caped crusader. It is also what allows you to distinguish an original Batman from a reproduction or a fake. Just like your friendly neighborhood Spiderman, all Batmans have two eyelids: one that closes and one that doesn’t close. The one that doesn’t close gives the character a very subtle wink when it’s closed. You can see this feature more clearly in pictures taken in direct sunlight or bright lights.
The Caped Crusader’s Largest Asset
When it comes to Batman, there is one thing that he’s never had a problem capitalizing on: his large pool of fans. This has led to countless products and collectibles inspired by the iconic superhero, most of which are quite collectible in themselves. If you know where to look, it’s easy enough to find a used Batman lunch box that you can cherish for the rest of your life. Or how about a vintage Batman doll that you can dress up in your favorite costume and take care of whenever you want? Or perhaps the best-selling Batman jigsaw puzzle, which will keep you entertained for hours as you work on completing it.
A Solid Pose
When it comes to collectibles and memorabilia, especially those related to popular culture, there is one thing that all authentic Batmans share in common: they all have “good” poses. Standing, sitting, or laying down all work for the character, providing you with endless opportunities for posing them how you want. This is why it’s essential that you pay attention to how the figure is positioned, especially when posing in group settings. When you see a bunch of people posing with their arms around each other, that’s usually a sign that they’re all fakes.
The Joker’s Revenge
If there is one person who embodies all that is wrong with the world today it’s undoubtedly the notorious Joker. More terrifying than Batman himself, the Clown Prince of Crime is responsible for some of the most iconic images in pop culture. He’s spawned countless memes and been a source of endless inspiration. Thanks to the pandemic and the freedom of being able to spend more time at home, Joker has become more accessible to the average person than ever before. It’s now easier than ever to get your hands on some of his terrifyingly brilliant and grotesque costumes, which you can wear with pride knowing that they were inspired by one of the greatest villains in history. As for his equally infamous “laugh”, well, it’s safe to assume that it would always be accompanied by a smile, given that we rarely if ever see him without one.
So there you have it, all you need to know in order to determine whether or not Batman is Funko Pop. You can find more information on the web about the many different kinds of fakes out there, including tips on how to spot them. Or if you want to be extra safe, you can use a tool like Fakerotter to check the authenticity of any item you’re considering buying. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!