The Fascinating History and Popularity of Cartoon Character Bobbleheads

The History and Popularity of Cartoon Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads have become an iconic collectible over the years, with their oversized heads bobbing up and down. Though bobbleheads originated in the 1950s, cartoon character bobbleheads didn't become popular until the late 1990s. Some of the most popular cartoon bobbleheads include characters like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson, and SpongeBob SquarePants.

The Origins of Bobbleheads

Bobbleheads were first introduced in the 1950s by the American companies Alexander & Fils and Tokyo Marui. These original bobbleheads were made of ceramic and modeled after popular baseball players. The 1950s bobbleheads had spring-loaded heads attached to the base, allowing the head to bobble. While the bobbleheads were initially sports-themed, companies soon expanded to include cartoon characters and other pop culture icons.

It wasn't until 1999 that cartoon character bobbleheads became widely popular. The San Francisco Giants hosted a Bobblehead Day at the stadium, giving away Willie Mays bobbleheads. The event was a huge success and ignited interest in bobblehead collecting. More sports teams and companies started producing limited-edition bobbleheads of iconic fictional characters to tap into the growing market.

The Bobblehead Craze of the Late 1990s and Early 2000s

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, bobbleheads saw a huge resurgence in popularity, thanks in large part to cartoon character bobbleheads. Collectors started snatching up limited edition bobbleheads of characters like Mickey Mouse, Superman, Darth Vader, and The Simpsons. The bobbleheads combined people's love of collectibles with their nostalgia for some of the most famous fictional characters of all time.

Some popular bobblehead series that emerged during this time include:

• Disney bobbleheads featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and other classic characters
• Star Wars bobbleheads of Darth Vader, Yoda, R2-D2, and more
• DC and Marvel superhero bobbleheads such as Batman, Spiderman, and Wonder Woman
• Snoopy and other Peanuts gang member bobbleheads
• Looney Tunes bobbleheads of Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, and other Warner Bros characters
• The Simpsons bobbleheads of Homer, Marge, Bart, and the rest of the family

Limited edition and convention exclusive bobbleheads became highly coveted collector's items. The secondary market for rare cartoon character bobbleheads grew exponentially during this period.

Modern Cartoon Bobbleheads

In the last decade, companies like Funko have continued producing bobblehead toys and collectibles for dedicated fans. Funko's Pop! line of big-headed vinyl figures and bobbleheads draw inspiration from classic cartoons, comics, movies, and TV shows.

Some of Funko's most popular cartoon bobblehead figures include:

• SpongeBob SquarePants
• Mickey Mouse
• Deadpool
• Hello Kitty
• Rick and Morty
• Harry Potter
• The Avengers

Aside from major producers like Funko, numerous smaller companies acquire licenses to create bobbleheads for niche cartoons and animations. Independent artists have also tapped into the bobblehead market by making their own custom, handmade cartoon bobbleheads.

The internet and sites like Etsy allow fans to find bobbleheads of virtually any cartoon character - from old school classics like He-Man and Popeye to modern hits like Adventure Time and South Park. Limited edition and convention exclusives are still released annually, sending collectors into a frenzy.

Why Are Cartoon Bobbleheads So Popular?

There are several reasons why cartoon bobbleheads have become a pop culture phenomenon:

• Nostalgia - Many cartoon bobbleheads play into people's fond childhood memories of beloved shows and characters.
• Personality - The springy, bobbling motion matches the exaggerated personalities and animations of cartoon characters.
• Displayability - The vibrant colors and oversized heads make bobbleheads fun display pieces compared to tiny collectible figures.
• Customization - Collectors enjoy expressing themselves through customized bobbleheads of their favorite characters.
• Rarity - Limited edition bobbleheads drive demand among dedicated collectors looking to complete their sets.

In a digital age, there's something special about owning a tangible representation of an iconic fictional character. The bobbling motion adds kinetic energy and personality. For animation fans, bobbleheads are the perfect way to showcase their fandom and love of cartoons.

Tips for Collecting Cartoon Bobbleheads

Here are some tips for getting started collecting cartoon character bobbleheads:

1. Pick Your Favorite Cartoons

First, make a list of your top cartoon fandoms. Focusing on specific shows or characters will help guide your collection. Do you love classic Disney? Nickelodeon? Anime? Select the cartoons most meaningful to you.

2. Research Must-Have Bobbleheads

Once you’ve picked your cartoon priorities, research must-have bobbleheads for those fandoms. Limited editions of popular characters can become holy grails for collectors. Learn the bobbleheads that are in highest demand.

3. Join Collecting Communities

Connect with fellow collectors online to stay on top of upcoming releases and rare finds. Facebook groups, collector forums, and subreddits allow you to network and get tips.

4. Utilize Alerts and Pre-Orders

Sign up for in-stock alerts from retailers to get notified of new bobblehead arrivals. When limited editions are announced, pre-order as early as possible.

5. Look Beyond Mainstream Stores

While major retailers carry popular bobbleheads, small online stores and independent artists offer more eclectic and obscure options.

6. Protect Your Investment

Keep bobbleheads in protective cases away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight to preserve their condition and value.

7. Display Them Creatively

Show off your collection through fun displays. Use shelves, cabinets, wall mounts, and acrylic risers to highlight your favorite pieces.

Notable Cartoon Bobbleheads

Here are some of the rarest and most iconic cartoon character bobbleheads:

Ghost Misfits Mickey Mouse

This glow-in-the-dark Mickey Mouse bobblehead was a limited edition of 48 pieces exclusively for San Diego Comic Con in 2012. It now sells for $2,000-$5,000.

Holiday Hello Kitty

This Hello Kitty bobblehead was a special commission for Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary in 2021. Only 200 were produced, marked with an engraved anniversary logo. Price: $500-$1,000.

Funko Freddy Funko as Proto Man

Part of a rare Megaman-themed collection, this Freddy Funko bobblehead cosplaying as Proto Man had a 100 piece limited run. Currently sells for $1,200-$1,500.

Figpin Glow-in-the-Dark Homer Buddha

From Funko's Figpin line, this glow Homer Buddha bobblehead was limited to 400 pieces for San Diego Comic Con 2020. Secondary market price is $600-$800.

Stan Lee Signed Marvel Bobbleheads

Official Marvel bobbleheads signed by the legendary Stan Lee are highly valued. Prices range from $300 for newer pieces to over $1,000 for older, rarer editions.

Fun Facts About Bobbleheads

• The largest bobblehead ever was a 15-foot tall sculpture of baseball player Jay Buhner weighing over 600 pounds.
• During the early 2000s bobblehead craze, fans would wait in line overnight to get limited edition promotional bobbleheads at baseball games.
• In the late 1990s, airports started installing bobblehead versions of sniffer dogs to help comfort anxious travelers.
• A collection of over 2,300 bobbleheads was certified by Guinness World Records in 2021 as the world's largest bobblehead collection.
• A life-sized bobblehead house was built in Highland, Illinois in 2022 featuring bobbleheads from pop culture, sports, and politics.

Cartoon bobbleheads have become ingrained in pop culture due to their fun designs and collectibility. For animation fans, they are the perfect novelty item to show off fandom and add some whimsy to any collection. With new characters constantly being bobblized, the popular collectibles show no signs of bobbling away from the spotlight anytime soon.

FAQs

When did cartoon character bobbleheads become popular?

Cartoon bobbleheads first rose to popularity in the late 1990s. Sporting teams and companies realized the nostalgia associated with fictional characters and started producing limited edition bobbleheads of iconic cartoons.

Where can I buy rare cartoon bobbleheads?

Online auction sites like eBay are good places to find rare, older cartoon bobbleheads. Limited edition releases can also be found at collector's conventions. Joining bobblehead collector groups can help you locate specialty pieces.

How should I display my bobblehead collection?

Protect bobbleheads by displaying them away from direct sunlight in protective acrylic cases. Use shelving, cabinets, risers, and wall mounts to highlight your collection. Rotate pieces to prevent over-bobbling.

What are some of the most expensive cartoon bobbleheads?

Rare convention exclusives like Ghost Misfits Mickey, special edition Hello Kitties, and limited edition signed Marvel bobbleheads can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Where can I get custom cartoon bobbleheads made?

Many online bobblehead companies like Custom Bobbleheads and Bobble Heads Inc offer custom designing. Provide a photo and they'll create a unique bobblehead portrait.