Late October 2024 found my mate Kris and me, two Aussies in our 40s, chasing the American dream of a classic road trip. The plan? Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, soak up the sights, and then circle back to L.A. before hopping on a night flight back to Australia. It was the kind of trip that mixes nostalgia, a bit of midlife rebellion, and a whole lot of fun.
The real adventure came on the last day, with hours to kill before our flight home. Instead of lounging at an airport hotel, we decided to head to downtown Hollywood for one final hurrah. The destination? The Funko HQ — a wonderland for Pop Vinyl collectors and fans of pop culture.
Walking into Funko HQ is like stepping into a different dimension. Floor-to-ceiling shelves brim with Pop Vinyl figures representing everything from classic cartoons to modern blockbusters. The energy in the place is infectious, with fans of all ages poring over the shelves, searching for their favorite characters or discovering new ones to add to their collections.
And yes, you can “Funko Pop Vinyl Yourself.” This is where the magic gets personal. You can create a custom Funko figure that looks like you, decked out with accessories, hairstyles, and even a touch of personality. It’s the ultimate souvenir for any Pop Vinyl enthusiast or casual visitor looking for something unique. Kris and I couldn’t resist the temptation. After all, what better way to commemorate a road trip than with mini versions of ourselves immortalized in vinyl?
By the time we left Funko HQ, we were both Funkoed out — our wallets a little lighter but our spirits undeniably high. Bags packed with Pop Vinyls and our custom creations, we felt like we’d squeezed every last drop of fun out of our trip.
As we boarded the flight back to Australia that night, there was a sense of satisfaction. The trip had been a whirlwind of experiences, from the iconic roads we traveled to the quirky pit stops along the way. Hollywood, Vegas, and the long stretches of open road had left their mark, reminding us that adventure isn’t bound by age.
For anyone considering a road trip like this, let me say: do it. Dive into the kitsch, the glamour, and the unexpected. And if you find yourself with a spare day in L.A., don’t skip Funko HQ. It’s the kind of place that’ll have you grinning like a kid, no matter how old you are.
