The Funko convention landscape is about to go through its biggest transformation in decades. The predictable patterns are gone — 2025 brings innovation, international expansion and a wave of unprecedented exclusives. From Japan's first-ever convention stickers to the evolution beyond the old "Big Three" format, this is the year that redefines what collectors expect from Funko events.
With C2E2's surprise exit and Star Wars Celebration making its landmark Japanese debut, the 2025 circuit isn't just shifting — it's rewriting the rules. Whether you're a convention veteran or planning your first event, this guide keeps you from missing a single exclusive drop. (Heads up: SDCC drops are prime targets for anime grails, and the year's rarest pieces turned up at Funko Fundays.)
The End of the "Big Three" Era
The convention world you knew is getting a makeover. The legendary "Big Three" format that defined Funko's calendar for years is becoming something more flexible — and, honestly, more interesting. After C2E2's departure (confirmed by Funko staff at NYCC 2024), we're entering an era where surprise reigns.
Don't panic, though — this is an upgrade, not a downgrade. SDCC and NYCC remain the powerhouse events, but the third slot is now a rotating showcase: Star Wars Celebration in Japan, a potential return to Fan Expo Canada, and other venues that could drop stickers we've never seen. For collectors, that means more diverse opportunities, unique regional variants, and new ways to experience a Funko con.
Convention Schedule & Exclusives
Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) — The Comeback
Dates: March 6–9, 2025. Location: Seattle Convention Center, Washington.
After years of playing musical chairs with WonderCon and C2E2, Seattle's premier pop-culture event is reclaiming its spot as a major ECCC Funko destination — and making up for lost time.
Why it matters: as the first major con of 2025, it means fresh molds and never-before-seen designs hitting the floor; a Seattle hometown advantage with Funko in its own backyard; perfect timing for the Toy Story 30th anniversary releases; and, finally, that Classic Elmer Fudd we've been begging for (no more opera costume).
Expected drops:
- Yu-Gi-Oh!'s Elemental Hero Bubbleman, likely making his entrance.
- Dr. Teeth with his keyboard — the first musical-instrument Muppet setup.
- Oscar the Grouch with Slimey, together in Pop! form at last.
- Multiple Toy Story 30th commemorative pieces.
Pro tips: the lottery system opens earlier than usual this year, so set those alerts; Seattle weather in March is wild, so pack layers and Pop! protectors; downtown hotels sell out faster than a 500-piece exclusive, so book now; and join PNW collector groups early for trading backup.
WonderCon 2025 — The Return to Anaheim
Dates: March 28–30, 2025. Location: Anaheim Convention Center, California.
After a year's absence, WonderCon is back — Funko's first appearance there since 2023, and they're bringing it. Expect a triple-threat presence with Funko, Loungefly AND Mondo all dropping exclusives, perfectly timed between ECCC and Star Wars Celebration Japan, plus UV Premium Pop! Protectors included with select exclusives for the first time at the show.
Critical intel:
- Time-session registration opens March 10th and closes March 20th.
- Winners are randomly selected on March 21st via email.
- Registration is separate from convention badges — you need both.
- Online purchasing is available for those who can't attend.
Expect special anniversary editions for WonderCon's return, anime exclusives to complement ECCC's lineup, Loungefly bags designed for the Anaheim crowd, and Mondo posters that'll vanish in seconds. Winning strategy: set multiple alarms for March 10th, update your Funko account and save payment info now, have your badge ready before registering, and be set the minute online sales go live. This return fills a crucial gap for West Coast collectors between Seattle and Japan.
Star Wars Celebration Japan — Making Funko History
Dates: April 18–20, 2025. Location: Japan (venue TBA).
Big news: for the first time ever, Funko is hitting Japanese soil with exclusive convention stickers. This isn't just another con — it's a genuine first for the hobby. Why it's a big deal: first-ever Japanese convention exclusives (imagine those stickers), the Ahsoka Ventures Pop! finally dropping after months of leaks, a Darth Vader Rebuild variant that's driven wild speculation, and the potential for Japan-exclusive colour variants we've never seen.
Insider whispers suggest special-edition Star Wars Moments with Japanese art influence, region-specific packaging designs, potential collaborations with Japanese pop-culture icons, and limited runs that'll make SDCC piece counts look enormous. Mission details: international shipping services become your best friend, Japanese proxy buyers are worth their weight in gold, Google Translate will be vital, and it's worth learning "I need that Pop!" in Japanese now.
San Diego Comic-Con — The Big One Gets Bigger
Dates: July 2025 (exact dates incoming). Location: San Diego Convention Center, California.
SDCC 2025 is shaping up to be the monster of the calendar — an expanded Funko booth, an enhanced digital queue, and some of the most anticipated releases of the year. The heavy hitters:
- A 10" Giratina continuing the Gen 4 Pokémon legacy — and it's massive.
- Deadpool & Wolverine movie drops, including the first-ever Cassandra Nova.
- The Penguin series debuts collectors have been waiting for.
- A Flocked Kraven the Hunter to make your Spider-Man shelf weep.
- Plus surprises they won't even tell us about yet.
Game-changers this year: a fully digital virtual queue (goodbye paper tickets), expanded booth space, new purchase limits for a fairer shot, and hotel blocks releasing months earlier. Set three alarms for the queue, study the new floor maps, book backup rooms now — and if the Deadpool wave is your thing, SDCC is where it peaks.
New York Comic-Con — The Grand Finale
Dates: October 2025 (stay tuned). Location: Javits Center, New York City.
NYCC 2025 goes next level — the Javits transformation means more space, better flow and bigger surprises. Epic exclusives to watch: Marvel drops tied to secret upcoming projects, anime exclusives that'll make SDCC's look tame, Funko Fusion game tie-ins with exclusive character reveals, anniversary editions, and movie moments nobody sees coming.
Next-gen features: an AI-upgraded digital lottery, a new entrance system that halves wait times, a Pop! protection station right at the booth, and an on-site shipping centre so you're not lugging boxes. Strategy: lottery registration is your golden ticket, hit the new entrance routes early, bring your A-game for trading, and ship directly from Javits.
Your Ultimate 2025 Success Guide
Power Moves for Every Convention
- Lottery systems are your best friend — register the second they open.
- Join collector groups now, not later.
- Book hotels the moment blocks open.
- Follow Funko's socials closely for surprise drops.
Convention Day Domination
- Early bird gets the Pop! — two hours early, minimum.
- Bring hard stacks for those grails.
- Pack light, move fast.
- Make friends in line — trading is your secret weapon.
After the Hunt
Missed an exclusive? Shared retailers to the rescue. Target's a confirmed 2025 partner, Hot Topic has expanded exclusive rights, GameStop remains a solid backup, and Amazon is joining with new exclusive arrangements. If you'd rather understand what makes these exclusives climb in value first, start with our
guide to rarity, grading and price estimates — then keep the News desk bookmarked for every confirmed drop.
The 2025 Revolution
Collectors, this is our year. With international expansion, rotating conventions and more exclusive opportunities than ever, 2025 is rewriting the Funko playbook — and we're all here for it. Stay connected, stay ready, and happy hunting.