# Adorably Sinister Comic Figures The Funko Batman Toys Make the Gotham Characters Look Cute By Kyle Towers | Published 2013-03-28 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funko-batman-toys References: [nerdapproved](http://nerdapproved.com/approved-products/batman-funko-blind-boxed-figures-now-available-for-preorder/) & [funko](http://www.funko.com/) These Funko Batman toys are almost patronizing to the Dark Knight and his foes and allies. It's hard to be fearful of the Joker's insane and twisted demeanor when he's a [cute and tiny plaything](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/care-bears-caring-cuties). What is so brilliant about Funko's strategy is that it boxes its figurines in [blind packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-top). The consumer doesn't know which character or character variation they will get until they buy it. The fact that they offer 20 different figures makes this an [addictive collection process](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/san-diego-comiccon), which may even encourage trading among friends. As depicted in the images, some characters come in a variety of poses, designs and facial expressions. The Funko Batman toys are available for pre-order, so let the collection begin! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Blind Packaging Collectibles:** Opportunity to create addictive and collectible products with surprise value in blind packaging. - **Character Variation Collectibles:** Opportunity to create a market for collectibles with different variations of popular characters, encouraging trading. - **Cute Comic Figures:** Opportunity to create adorable versions of traditionally sinister or intimidating characters, appealing to a wider audience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toy Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create blind packaged collectible toys that appeal to collectors and fans. - **Comic Book Merchandise:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create new lines of collectible merchandise with various character designs and variations. - **Gift and Collectible Retail:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to leverage cute and unique collectibles that attract a broader customer base and encourage collection. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Toy-Themed Film Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funko-pop-movies-barbie.md) - [Miniature Horror Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-mart-chucky.md) - [Prideful Superhero Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funko-pop-heroes-dc-pride.md) - [Superhero Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinder-dc-and-funko.md) - [Miniature Japanese Superhero Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultraman-figure.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Miniature Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-of-boba-fett-1.md) - [Collectible Kawaii Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-funko.md) - [Collaborative Cookie-Themed Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-funko-pop.md) - [Superhero-Themed Retail Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcfarlane-toys-1.md)