If you've been hunting for that one specific piece to round out your sci-fi shelf, you've likely run into the fantastic voyage funko more than once and wondered if it's worth the price tag. For those of us who grew up watching classic cinema—or maybe just caught it on a late-night TCM marathon—the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage is a total trip. It's got that perfect blend of mid-century optimism and weird, psychedelic science. So, when Funko decided to shrink down the iconic Proteus submarine into a Pop! Ride, collectors basically lost their minds.
It's honestly one of those releases that shows exactly why Funko is so successful. They don't just stick to the newest Marvel or Star Wars hits; they dig deep into the archives. Let's be real, most kids today have no idea what Fantastic Voyage even is, but for the seasoned collector, this piece is a pure hit of nostalgia.
What Makes the Proteus Pop! Ride So Cool?
Most Funko figures are just people with big heads, right? But the fantastic voyage funko is part of the "Pop! Rides" line, which is a whole different ball game. This one features the Proteus—the tiny submarine that gets injected into a scientist's bloodstream.
The design is actually pretty detailed for something made of vinyl. It has that distinct, rounded bubble canopy that defines 60s sci-fi. When you look closely, you can see the tiny figures of the crew inside. It's numbered #32 in the Rides series, and it captures that "high-tech" look from 1966 perfectly. It's not just a toy; it's like a little piece of cinematic history sitting on your desk.
The colors are spot on, too. It's got those crisp whites and blues that make it pop (pun intended) against other, darker figures. If you have a collection of vehicles—like the Delorean or the Batmobile—the Proteus adds a really unique silhouette. It doesn't look like a car or a traditional spaceship; it looks like a biological explorer, which is exactly what it is.
The San Diego Comic-Con Factor
Here is where things get a bit tricky for collectors. The fantastic voyage funko wasn't just a common release you could walk into a Target and buy. It was a 2017 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) exclusive. For anyone who's been in the hobby for more than five minutes, you know that "SDCC Exclusive" usually translates to "get ready to pay up."
Back in 2017, the hype was real. Funko was hitting a massive peak in popularity, and they were leaning hard into retro licenses. Because it was an exclusive, it came with that special limited-edition sticker. For some people, the sticker is everything. If you find one with the "Official Convention" sticker versus the "Summer Convention" shared sticker, the price can fluctuate quite a bit.
Because it was limited, you don't see these just sitting around in local hobby shops very often. You usually have to go to the secondary market—places like eBay, Mercari, or specialized Facebook groups. And since it's been several years since it dropped, the number of "Mint Condition" boxes out there is slowly shrinking.
The Struggle of the Box Condition
Speaking of boxes, the fantastic voyage funko box is huge. Since it's a "Ride," the packaging is much wider than your standard Pop. This makes it a nightmare to ship and a magnet for corner dings. If you're a "New in Box" (NIB) collector, finding one of these without a crease or a crushed corner is like finding a needle in a haystack—or, I guess, a tiny sub in a bloodstream.
I've talked to collectors who have bought three different versions of this just trying to find one with a perfect window. The clear plastic on these larger boxes tends to scuff easily. But hey, that's part of the fun (and the frustration) of the hobby, isn't it?
Why 1960s Sci-Fi Works So Well for Funko
There's something about the aesthetic of the 1960s that just fits the Funko "chibi" style. If you look at the fantastic voyage funko, the clean lines and geometric shapes of the Proteus match the simplified design of a Funko Pop perfectly.
The movie itself was groundbreaking for its time. It won Oscars for Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects. When you translate those award-winning designs into a 4-inch plastic figure, a lot of that charm carries over. It's a bit kitschy, a bit retro, and 100% iconic.
Funko has done this with other classics too—think Forbidden Planet or The Twilight Zone. These figures tend to hold their value better than the "flavor of the week" movie characters because they appeal to a more dedicated, older fan base. People who love Fantastic Voyage tend to love it for life; they aren't just jumping on a trend.
Tips for Buying One Today
If you're looking to add the fantastic voyage funko to your collection now, you've got to be a bit savvy. Since it's a vaulted exclusive, you aren't getting it for retail price.
- Check the Sticker: Decide if you care about the "SDCC" vs "Summer Convention" sticker. If you just want the toy, the shared sticker is usually cheaper.
- Look at the Bubbles: On the Proteus, the clear plastic "dome" is the most important part. Check photos for scratches or cloudiness.
- Don't Rush: These pop up on eBay fairly regularly. Don't jump on the first one you see if it's overpriced. Set a "saved search" and wait for a fair deal.
- Beware of Fakes: While Pop! Rides are harder to bootleg than standard figures, it's always worth checking the serial numbers on the bottom of the box and the figure itself.
Honestly, even if you aren't a hardcore fan of the movie, this piece is just cool to look at. It's a conversation starter. People will see it on your shelf and ask, "Wait, is that the submarine from that movie where they go inside the guy?" It's a great way to introduce people to the classics.
Displaying Your Proteus
If you're an "Out of Box" (OOB) collector, the fantastic voyage funko really shines. Because it's a vehicle, it doesn't need a stand to stay upright, and the light reflects off the canopy beautifully. Some people even go the extra mile and put it in a custom display case with some red LED lights to simulate being inside a human artery. It sounds a bit macabre when you say it out loud, but it looks incredible on a shelf.
Even just sitting next to a computer monitor, it has this great "scientific" vibe. It reminds you of a time when we thought the future was going to be all about shrinking technology and exploring the "inner space" rather than just scrolling through apps on a phone.
Final Thoughts on This Classic Piece
At the end of the day, the fantastic voyage funko is a testament to why we collect these things in the first place. It's not just about the plastic; it's about the stories that the plastic represents. Fantastic Voyage was a movie about wonder, exploration, and the incredible complexity of the human body.
Sure, it's a bit of a hunt to find one these days, and your wallet might feel a little lighter afterward. But every time you look at that little white sub with its tiny crew, you'll be reminded of a classic era of filmmaking. Whether you're a completionist or just someone who loves unique sci-fi memorabilia, the Proteus is a must-have. It's a small piece of a big story, and it looks pretty dang good on a shelf, too. Happy hunting!