Wikipedia: A bobblehead, also known as a nodder or wobbler, is a type of collectible toy. Its head is often oversized compared to its body. Instead of a solid connection, its head is connected to the body by a spring or hook, in such a way that a light tap will cause the head to bobble, hence the name.
I don’t collect bobbleheads. That’s what I tell people. They just never end. They’re a land unto themselves. I don’t collect them. In fact, I think they’re kind of stupid. But here’s a few I do have…
San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Mascot
My first and most important “springy-bouncy” thingy: a little guy on a surfboard with a guitar strapped to his back. A gift included in the “goodie bag” for being a participant in San Diego’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. A remnant of my young, slim athletic days. I’ve glued his guitar back onto him at least twice after him shelf-diving. I earned this by running through the streets of San Diego for 26.2 miles. I earned this one!
Minute Maid’s ‘Tiki’ Scooby-Doo
I grew up watching Scooby-Doo. And while this little guy is not based on the cartoons of my childhood, but rather the more recent live action films in which Scooby-Doo merely has a digital presence, I swooped it up nonetheless. He was $5.99 at Goodwill. He must have been part of some marketing campaign in conjunction with Minute Maid (Coca-Cola), hence the Minute Maid branding. Or was there a Minute Maid reference in the Scooby-Doo movies? I can’t recall. And tiki? Were they in Hawaii? I have no clue. But I’ve always loved Scooby-Doo, that’s why I got him.
Marvel’s Venom Funko Pop!
I ran around like an idiot looking for this Walgreens Exclusive. I only saw him on the shelf once and that was the time I bought him. He’s a regular Funko Pop! but with springy neck action. What drew me to him, and the other Pop! figures in my collection, is the fact that he has a mouth. A lot of Funko Pop! figures don’t have mouths. I want mouths! And not only does he have a mouth but he also has teeth and a tongue. Right out of the box his head tilted slightly to the left, but whatever. I paid $9.99.
G.I. Joe’s Neo Viper by Funko
Not a Pop!, but in the same family. (I believe) he’s based on his appearance in the 2009 live action G.I. Joe movie starring Channing Tatum and Dennis Quaid. He stands taller than most Pop! figures and unlike most of them he has articulation at the shoulder! He also includes a stand to which he seems permanently affixed. I prefer my stands removable because I consider them space hogs. He was another Goodwill find. I paid $4.99 for him. There’s also a silver headed version that I’d like to have.
Star Trek Borg Cube by Bif Bang Pow!
I don’t watch Star Trek. But this was another Goodwill find at $3.99, (nearly) new in package. It reminds me of Hellraiser’s Puzzle Box or Lament Configuration. It’s called a “Monitor Mate” because its meant to sit on the top edge of your computer monitor but he won’t fit on mine. Pro-tip: place bobbleheads on your printer and watch them do their thing when you print. Shake-shake-shake, shake-shake-shake, shake your bobble!
Twilight Zone Doorway by Bif Bang Pow!
I paid $13.99 for this. There are at least three variants. Mine features a clock, a window frame, an eyeball, an artist’s mannequin and Einstein’s E=MC². All the little decorations are on springs, except for the eye and mannequin. Why not them too?! And how I wish the door would open but it doesn’t. I’m just a sucker for all things Twilight Zone. Maybe it’s good the door doesn’t open. I might try to go inside! And good thing the life-sized (devil-head) Mystic Seer collectible from the “Nick of Time” episode with William Shatner is out of my price range otherwise I’d own it. I mean, I'd own it if I collected bobbleheads.
Sal Rodriguez began collecting figures upon discovering UFC and WWE figures by Jakks Pacific. He lives with his two cats, Fluff Daddy and Little Mister, and over 2,000 action figures. Subscribe to his YouTube channel.