When Funko vaults a Pop figure, it means production has permanently ceased. No more will be made, ever. For collectors, the vault announcement is both exciting and terrifying—exciting because the figure you own may suddenly appreciate, terrifying because the one you have been procrastinating on buying is about to become significantly more expensive.
In 2024, Funko vaulted several lines that had been in production for years, creating some of the most dramatic price surges the secondary market has seen. Here is a breakdown of the vaulted Pops that doubled—or more—in value over the past year.
Understanding the Vault
Before diving into specific figures, let us clarify what “vaulted” actually means. Unlike a temporary out-of-stock status, a vaulted Pop is officially discontinued. Funko occasionally revaults figures for special events, but this is rare and usually involves slight design changes. For all practical purposes, once a Pop enters the vault, supply is fixed at whatever quantity was produced.
The vault mechanism creates a classic supply-and-demand scenario. As new collectors enter the hobby and existing collectors expand their collections, demand for vaulted figures continues to grow while supply remains static. Over time, this inevitably pushes prices upward.
The Biggest Winners of 2024
Disney: The Vault Kings
Disney Pops have always been vault-sensitive, and 2024 was no exception. When Funko announced the vaulting of the entire Wreck-It Ralph line, prices across the board jumped 40% to 80% within a week. The standout was Vanellope von Schweetz, which climbed from a $15 retail figure to a $45 secondary market piece almost overnight.
More dramatically, the entire Tron: Legacy line was vaulted in April 2024. Quorra, in particular, went from $18 to $65 in under a month—a 260% increase. The combination of cult movie status, limited production run, and strong character design made this one of the year’s biggest surprises.
Marvel: MCU Momentum
The Marvel line saw several significant vaultings tied to the MCU’s Phase Five releases. When Funko vaulted the Eternals line—a move many collectors anticipated after the film’s mixed reception—something unexpected happened. Prices did not drop; they rose. The Kumail Nanjiani Kingo figure, previously a $10 bargain bin resident, jumped to $35. Collectors realized that the film’s poor reputation did not diminish the figures’ collectibility.
The vaulting of the Shang-Chi line produced similar results. Morris, the faceless winged creature, became a cult favorite and climbed from $12 to $38. The lesson: even figures from “disappointing” films can become valuable if the character design is unique.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars collectors experienced the most painful vaulting of 2024 when Funko discontinued the entire The Clone Wars animated line. These figures had been readily available for years, leading many collectors to delay purchases. When the vault announcement came, panic buying ensued.
Ahsoka Tano in her white robes—a figure that had lingered at $15 for months—exploded to $55 within days. Captain Rex, already a fan favorite, jumped from $25 to $80. The most dramatic increase was Commander Cody, who went from $18 to $95, a staggering 430% increase.
Anime: The Silent Surge
Anime Pops have historically been slower to appreciate than Western properties, but 2024 changed that perception. When the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood line was vaulted, prices across the board surged 50% to 150%. Edward Elric in his red coat, previously a $20 figure, now commands $50 to $60.
The My Hero Academia line saw selective vaulting that drove strategic price increases. All Might in his Silver Age costume—a figure with exceptional sculpt detail—jumped from $22 to $65. The lesson for anime collectors: do not assume anime Pops will remain affordable indefinitely.
What Makes a Vaulted Pop Hold Value?
Not every vaulted Pop appreciates. Some enter the vault and immediately fade into obscurity. The Pops that hold or increase their value share several characteristics:
Character significance: Figures of iconic characters—Spider-Man, Darth Vader, Mickey Mouse—have a built-in collector base that ensures ongoing demand. Obscure characters from forgotten films rarely appreciate regardless of scarcity.
Design quality: Pops with exceptional sculpts, unique poses, or detailed accessories tend to hold value better than basic standing figures. Collectors want display pieces, not just checklist items.
Line completion: When a full line is vaulted, completionists drive prices for the rarer pieces. If you own the hard-to-find figure in a vaulted line, your Pop becomes essential for anyone trying to complete the set.
The Investment Perspective
Should you treat vaulted Pops as investments? Cautiously, yes—but with important caveats. The Funko market is less volatile than cryptocurrency or meme stocks, but it is still subject to trends and bubbles. The figures that have historically held value best are those tied to enduring franchises with multi-generational appeal.
If you are buying vaulted Pops as investments, focus on condition above all else. A mint-in-box vaulted Pop can be worth triple the same figure with damaged packaging. Store your collection properly—away from sunlight, in climate-controlled spaces, and preferably in protective cases.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Industry insiders suggest that Funko plans to vault several long-running lines in 2025, including parts of the Harry Potter and Batman series. Collectors holding these figures may see significant appreciation. For buyers, the window to acquire certain figures at reasonable prices may be closing.
As always, collect what you love first and treat appreciation as a bonus. The best collections are built on passion, not profit calculations.
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