This article helps our Volunteer Squad keep the database clean and consistent! It pertains to members who have Creator access and above. If you're interested in getting involved, read more about joining the Squad here. We'd love to have you aboard!
Funko prototypes, or protos, have some unique characteristics compared to Funko's production figures. To help us maintain consistent and relevant data on each item, we've established a list of conventions for Funko proto data entry. If you add a Funko proto to the database, please read and follow these conventions.
Since there are a lot of fake Funko Prototypes in circulation, prototypes added to the database will be carefully vetted by a number of experienced Squad members. We have a strict policy against fake Funko items on hobbyDB, so if a prototype's authenticity is in doubt it will be removed from the database.
How to add a Funko Prototype to the Database
To add a Funko prototype, find its production version in the database and click New, then Add Variant. Fill out the fields as explained below. Some information carried over from the production version will need to be removed or replaced.
Name: Always use the name from the box of the production version. An Alternative Name may also be appropriate. See Names & Alternative Names for more details.
Note: There is no need to add "Proto" or "Prototype" anywhere in the Item Name or Alternative Name since the Production Status (Prototype) is shown on the Database Item page and in search results.
Brand: This should always be Funko.
Series: Remove production series (like POP! Vinyl and others). The Series field should be empty for most Funko protos.
Related Subjects: Add the “Funko Prototypes” List Subject here, plus the character's Subject and other Subjects that are directly related. See What Subjects to add to Database Items for more information.
Released: The year the proto was made, if known, or the mold date from the bottom of the figure.
Discontinued: Should be blank for protos.
# Produced: Production numbers are not published. Experience shows that they generally vary from 1 to 15. If you are not certain, use the Estimated checkbox or leave the field empty.
Ratio: Leave empty.
Made in: Leave empty, or select the country where the production version was made.
Material: The default of PVC/Vinyl should be correct.
Production Status: Always set to Prototype only. Remove all other Production Statuses.
Scale: Leave empty.
Gender: Set as appropriate or leave blank.
Color: Enter the color(s) of the unpainted figure. Don't use "ZAMAC (Unpainted)" — Funko protos are typically made of vinyl, while ZAMAC is a zinc alloy used to make model cars.
Features: Select any that apply. Multiple features can be selected or deselected by holding the Control key (PC) or Command key (Mac) while clicking.
Number of Points of Articulation: Generally leave empty unless applicable.
Accessories: Select any that apply.
Packaging: Select Loose.
Blind Packaging: Select No.
Packaging Language: Should be blank for protos.
Dimensions: Enter the figure's height, if known. The other dimension fields can be left blank.
Reference #: Should be blank (the production model has a reference but not the proto).
UPC code: Should be blank for protos.
Description: Add any other interesting information such as any known distribution of the item such as “was handed out on Fundays 2018 and 3 more were given away on give-aways on Funko’s Facebook page in October 2018” or “Initially sold by Galaxy Toys on February 2019”. After saving the database item, please add sources to the external links section.
Note: It can be helpful to add the prototype's provenance to the Description, but please respect individuals' privacy and only publish names with permission.
Photos: The Main Image should ideally be the prototype against a white or transparent background (or if the figure is a very light color, a dark background for contrast). Add as many images as you can, the more the better. See Database Item Photos for more information.