I love news posts like this. It’s fun as hell and dope as hell!
In the blog, Mono goes over how he began collecting, horror culture fandom, the hunt for Pops, being an artist, video games, and more! You can check out that entire interview over at Funko.com by CLICKING HERE or check that out below.
Funatic of the Week: Paul Methric
How did you first discover Funko products?
I discovered Funko through my love for The Walking Dead. I bought everything The Walking Dead came out with, be it Wall of Heads Box Set or an autographed sweat patch of Michonne. OK, not the sweat patch but I would’ve if the chance arose!
Out on tour in 2012-13 Jamie Madrox (@pops_and_vintage) and I walked into a Hot Topic and they had these Walking Dead vinyl figures on a shelf. Not knowing anything about the Pop! world yet I grabbed them all! They were all SDCC exclusives! We loved them!
When and why did you start collecting Funko products? What do you like about Funko?
I started seriously collecting in 2013. Jamie told me they had other licenses besides The Walking Dead. With that information, a Funko Funatic was created! I grabbed every Funko Pop I could, grabbed the Beatles Yellow Submarine Box Set out of Barnes & Noble on clearance for $19.99 , HMV White Walker on clearance for $5. The good ol’ days! I had no clue it would ever become so sought after; I just really liked the figures.
What are your favorite pop culture fandoms and why?
Funko Pops! are hands down my most passionately loved of all fandoms! Whoever is in the licensing department deserves to be celebrated daily! I know the hoops it can take you through in trying to acquire a license so bravo to them!
What are some of your favorite horror movies? What do you like about the genre?
I absolutely LOVE horror! I’m especially a fan of the paranormal/possession stuff. Amityville II: The Possession is my favorite, along with Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and a bunch of others. We watch horror movies constantly on the road. Our collection is intense! We’re huge fans of Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees most of all though!
Do you have a favorite Funko line?
Hands down Funko Pop! is my favorite! I dabble in Dorbz and the mystery minis a tad as well but I’m at about 2,000 Pops!
Does the fact that you are yourself a musician and pop culture icon shape the way you collect, or the way you approach being a fan?
When we’re on tour it’s a Pop! hunt in a different city every day! Be it Walgreens, Hot Topic or whatever independent stores may carry them. Being a part of Twiztid, we get that opportunity that probably wouldn’t come with a lot of other forms of employment. Also, the amount of collectors we can reach through social media gives us a vast advantage at finding what Jamie and I are looking for. We have secret ninjas everywhere that go above and beyond for us!
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it?
If you’ve never heard us before I’d say we are exactly what you never knew you were missing. We are one thing that there is nothing else like in existence. We are everything from hard rock to hip hop. We put a bit of a dark spin on what we do and that’s what makes it Twiztid. Not devil worshiping dark but we definitely dwell in the uncommon.
Why do you think some people connect so intensely with a particular musician or movie or style of music? And why is that so important to people?
I think at the end of the day regardless of race, gender, preference of a partner, or whatever makes a person who they are they just want to know there is someone else out there that feels, thinks, looks or dresses like they do. I think entertainment provides a vast blanket of acceptance and individuality so the connection between the two goes deeper than just music or movies.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of music and horror movies?
I love pinball and video games. Xbox is my favorite console for gaming though! Call of Duty, Robotron 2084, Madden, and Geo Wars are some of my go-to games. I love the Rob Zombie pinball game! Our label president has one but I have the high score!!!
Is there anything about you that would surprise your fans if they knew it?
I’m pretty open with the family. There’s not a lot they don’t know about me but If I had to really dig for something I’d say it’s my hatred for drinking water. It’s plain, it’s boring, and it’s no fun! Bring on the sweet tea!
Is there anything you’d like to add?
No one wants to hear about my tiny ear canals or fear of buttons so I’ll wrap this up by saying thank you to Funko for making me the Funatic of the week! Truly honored! Thanks to the entire staff for making this hobby the funnest thing to be a part of!
