One of my most anticipated releases all summer, here we finally have the Funko Shop exclusive Bao Vinyl Figure! This adorable dumpling released last Wednesday the 22nd (which happened to also be our country's "National Bao Day"; yes, that's a thing now, in honor of the delicious Chinese steamed bun) exclusively on the Funko Shop website. "Pop Up Shop" Funko products are usually a surprise release every Wednesday, are limited in quantity and sell out VERY FAST (sometimes in just several minutes). This Bao figure sold out in about 12 minutes, which was a bit longer than usual.
Unfortunately I had no idea this was dropping on the site that morning and missed it by just a couple minutes! By the time I saw the page was live, he was sold out. After waiting all summer and wondering when it would hit the site, you can see how I'd be super bummed (especially since resellers on eBay charge an arm and a leg for these types of releases). This story ends well though as that very same night I was contacted by a representative from Funko who had set a few aside and wanted to send me one! A HUGE thank you to that Funko rep for this amazing gift. I feel so lucky and grateful! This figure is everything I was hoping it'd be.
First I need to talk about the collectible packaging, modeled directly after the bamboo steamer basket (the traditional way of cooking bao) seen in the short film! From the window in the front (totally cute to see him peeking out), to the printed basket textures, to the film's logo— everything with the box is just perfect. Funko certainly kept serious collectors in mind as they designed all this.
OK, lets open this guy up and take a look at him out of the "basket" and all his plastic protection.
And I have to note, even a graphic of a piece of lettuce can be found inside at the bottom of the box (again, just like in the film)! Lettuce is traditionally used at the bottom of the steamer basket when cooking bao to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Such a great detail.
Now that he's fully removed from the packaging, just look at how cute and realistic he is. It's literally like he jumped out of the screen and into my hand! Compare with THIS screenshot from Bao. I'm glad Funko realized that there was no need for additional stylization since his design was already this chub and adorable in the film. I cannot picture Funko (or any company) doing a better job. Both the sculpt and the paint job are exquisite.
Even his back...look at that little baby dumpling bum. It just cracks me up (wink;) and melts my heart at the same time!
This figure measures just 3" tall x 2.5" wide and is very lightweight. The basket box is 5" tall with a 5" diameter. Original retail price was $15.
If you're a fan of this ambitious short film, I cannot recommend this figure enough if you're able to get your hands on it. Such a unique little treasure. If you weren't able to snag it on the Funko Shop website, be sure to check out THIS DIRECT LINK to current eBay listings. (it looks like they're selling between $60 and $70 right now).
Let me know all your thoughts down below! Were you able to pick one of these up for your collection? Looking forward to hearing your own review in the comments.
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