Why Big Hero 6 Funko Pop Figures Are Still The Grails You’re Probably Missing

Why Big Hero 6 Funko Pop Figures Are Still The Grails You’re Probably Missing

Finding a Big Hero 6 Funko Pop in the wild today is basically like trying to find a microbot in a haystack. It’s tough. Honestly, if you weren't scouring the shelves of Hot Topic or GameStop back in 2014, you’ve probably realized that building a complete set of these San Fransokyo heroes is a total wallet-drainer now.

Most people think Funko just churned out a few Baymax variants and called it a day. That’s not even close. The reality is that the Big Hero 6 line represents a weird, transitional era for Funko where they were just starting to experiment with massive 6-inch "Super Sized" molds and complex translucent plastics.

The Baymax Obsession: More Than Just a Marshmallow

Let’s be real. Baymax is the heart of the movie, and he’s the heart of the collection. But here’s the thing: not all Baymax Pops were created equal. You’ve got the standard white, pearly, "huggable" healthcare companion, and then you’ve got the armored-up powerhouse.

The 6-inch Armored Baymax is a beast. It’s heavy. It’s sturdy. It actually feels like it could punch through a concrete wall. But the real "grail" for serious collectors? That’s the Glow in the Dark (GITD) Armored Baymax. It was a SDCC (San Diego Comic-Con) exclusive, and let me tell you, the glow on that thing is surprisingly vibrant for a figure produced over a decade ago.

  • Pro Tip: If you’re buying a GITD Baymax on the secondary market, always ask for a "glow shot" in the dark.
  • Watch out: Fake stickers are everywhere. The SDCC "Shared" vs "Convention" sticker can change the value by a hundred bucks easily.

Why does Baymax hold his value so well? It’s the design simplicity. Unlike some modern Funko Pops that have way too much going on with tiny details that break off, the Big Hero 6 molds are chunky and iconic. They look good on a shelf from across the room.

The Team Nobody Talked About (Until They Disappeared)

Honey Lemon, Wasabi-No-Ginger, Fred, and Gogo Tomago. They weren't just sidekicks. They were the original Wave 1 lineup.

Interestingly, these figures became surprisingly rare because everyone ignored them at launch to buy Baymax. Retailers didn't restock them as much. Now? Try finding a mint-box Honey Lemon without spending a week's grocery budget. Her design is actually one of the most intricate of that era, featuring her chemistry purse and translucent goggles.

Most collectors didn't realize that Gogo Tomago’s yellow suit and discs would become such a standout piece. She’s got a lean, aggressive stance that was pretty rare for the "boxy" Funko style of the mid-2010s. If you find her with a clean paint job on the yellow discs, grab it. The yellow paint on those early runs was notorious for being thin and prone to scuffs.

The Nurse Baymax Variant Confusion

Basically, there are two versions of the unarmored Baymax that look almost identical at first glance. There’s the standard matte white one and the "Pearlescent" version.

The Pearlescent Baymax was a Hot Topic exclusive. It’s got this subtle, shimmering finish that catches the light. To the untrained eye, it just looks like a shiny toy. To a collector, it’s the difference between a $20 common and a $60+ rarity.

Then there’s the Nurse Baymax with Lollipop.
This one is a total fan favorite.
It’s cute.
It’s simple.
It captures that exact moment of "I have provided a lollipop."
Because it was a later release and often sold as an Amazon or convention exclusive depending on the region, it didn't stay on shelves long.

Why San Fransokyo Gear Matters

The armor designs in Big Hero 6 are heavily inspired by Japanese mecha and Sentai culture. Funko actually leaned into this. When you look at the Hiro Hamada figure—specifically the one in his purple flight suit—the metallic sheen on the armor was actually quite advanced for 2014.

Spotting Fakes in 2026

The market is currently flooded with "reproduction" figures from overseas. If a price seems too good to be true for a vaulted Big Hero 6 Funko Pop, it probably is.

  1. Check the "Pop!" logo on the top left of the box. On fakes, the dot pattern is often blurry or the font is slightly thinner.
  2. Look at the feet. Authentic Funko figures have a serial number stamped or printed on the bottom of the foot or the base of the neck that matches the number on the bottom of the box.
  3. The "Window" test. Real Funko plastic is clear. Knockoff plastic often has a slight blue or yellow tint and feels "crunchy" when you press it.

The Hiro Problem

Hiro Hamada actually has two main versions. You’ve got Hiro in his "street clothes" and Hiro in his "hero suit."

The street clothes version is honestly kinda boring compared to the rest of the set, but because it’s "vaulted" (meaning Funko stopped making it), the price has climbed. It’s the classic "completionist" trap. You have the whole team in their cool hero gear, and then you realize you need the kid in the hoodie to feel like the set is finished.

What Most People Get Wrong About Condition

In the world of Big Hero 6 collecting, the box is 50% of the value. Because these figures are over ten years old, finding a "dead mint" box is nearly impossible. Most of the original 6-inch Baymax boxes have "window bowing." That’s when the large plastic window starts to cave in because the box structure isn't strong enough to support the weight of the giant vinyl figure inside.

If you find a 6-inch Armored Baymax with a perfectly flat window, you’ve found a unicorn. Don't haggle. Just buy it.

The Future of the Line

With rumors of Big Hero 6 characters eventually making appearances in live-action or new Disney+ shorts, the demand for these original Pops is only going up. Funko has a habit of "refreshing" lines, but the 2014 originals will always be the ones collectors crave because of that specific "Old School" Funko charm.

The paint was thicker. The vinyl was heavier.

Actionable Steps for Collectors

If you're looking to start or finish your collection right now, don't just blindly eBay it.

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  • Check Local Toy Cons: Big Hero 6 isn't "trending" like Marvel or Star Wars right now, which means you can often find vendors who have them tucked away in the back of their booths for 2019 prices.
  • Prioritize the 6-inch Figures: These are the centerpiece of the set. Start with Armored Baymax. He’s the anchor.
  • Inspect the "Gogo" Discs: If you’re buying Gogo Tomago, check the attachment points on her ankles. Those yellow discs are prone to snapping if the figure was ever displayed out of the box.
  • Join Niche Groups: Facebook groups dedicated specifically to Disney Funko collectors are much better for finding "near-mint" trades than general marketplaces.
  • Invest in Protectors: For the 6-inch Baymax, buy a dedicated "Pop Shield" or hard stack. That window bowing I mentioned? It only gets worse over time without a rigid protector.

Building this set takes patience. It’s not about having the most money; it’s about having the best eye for detail. Focus on the Wave 1 commons first—Hiro, Honey Lemon, and Wasabi—before chasing the high-ticket convention exclusives. You'll feel a lot better about your collection once the "team" is assembled.