Honestly, if you missed out on the early waves of Stranger Things merch, your wallet is probably feeling the sting today. Specifically, the Max Funko Pop Stranger Things lineup has become this weird, high-stakes market that nobody really saw coming back in 2017. When Sadie Sink first rolled into Hawkins on her skateboard as Maxine "Mad Max" Mayfield, she was the "new kid." Fast forward to the aftermath of Season 4, and she’s arguably the emotional heartbeat of the entire show. That shift—from a supporting skater girl to the girl floating in the air against Vecna—is exactly why her vinyl figures are some of the most hunted items in the Funko universe.
Collectors are picky. They don't just want any Max. They want the Max that represents a specific vibe or a specific trauma from the show. It’s kinda wild how a 3.75-inch piece of plastic can capture a character’s entire arc, but Funko managed to do it across several different releases.
The Evolution of Max Mayfield in Vinyl
The very first Max Funko Pop (number 551) was pretty basic but charming. She had her signature skateboard and that "don't mess with me" look. It wasn't an instant sell-out. In fact, you could find her sitting on shelves at Target or Hot Topic for months. But try finding an original, mint-condition 2017 Max today for retail price. You can't. You're looking at a secondary market where prices have tripled or quadrupled because that "OG" status matters to completionists.
Then things got interesting. We got Max in her Michael Myers Halloween mask, which is a deep cut for fans of the "Trick or Treat, Freak" episode. It’s a great example of how Funko uses specific costume moments to drive scarcity. But the real game-changer arrived with Season 4.
The Kate Bush Effect
We have to talk about the "Max at the Cemetery" figure. This is the one. If you’ve seen the "Dear Billy" episode, you know why this specific Max Funko Pop Stranger Things variant is the crown jewel for many. It depicts Max in her blue jacket, wearing her headphones—likely blasting Running Up That Hill—and it captures that moment of isolation and grief.
When Season 4 dropped, the demand for this specific Pop exploded. It wasn't just toy collectors buying it; it was everyone who felt a connection to her struggle with Vecna. Funko even released a "floating" version as a retail exclusive that visualizes the moment she’s being possessed. The physics of these figures are actually pretty cool, using clear plastic stands to give the illusion of levitation. It’s a far cry from the static poses of the early 2010s.
Scarcity and the Retailer Exclusive Trap
If you're hunting for a Max Funko Pop Stranger Things figure, you’ve likely realized that not all boxes are created equal. Some have a silver "Exclusive" sticker. Others have the "Summer Convention" or "Target" or "Walmart" branding.
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- The Mall Outfit Max: Remember the Season 3 makeover at Starcourt Mall? That figure, with the colorful shirt and the ice cream, is a fan favorite because it represents a rare moment of joy for the character.
- The Costume Variants: Max as a lifeguard or Max in her "Punk" look from the brief stint in Chicago (though that was more of an Eleven thing, the aesthetic bled over into the merchandise lines).
- The Glow-in-the-Dark Factor: Some of the Vecna-related Max pops have GITD features that actually make sense for the Upside Down aesthetic.
The problem? Flippers. As soon as a new Max variant is announced, bots often scoop up the pre-orders. This leads to a lot of frustration in the community. You shouldn't have to pay $80 for a piece of plastic that was $12 last Tuesday. But that's the reality of the Stranger Things hype machine.
How to Spot a Fake Max Pop
Because the value of the Max Funko Pop Stranger Things collection has shot up, the market is unfortunately flooded with fakes. Especially the older ones. If you're buying from a third-party seller on a site that rhymes with "e-Lay," you have to be careful.
Check the feet. Real Funko Pops have tiny serial numbers printed on the bottom of the feet or the neck that should match the number on the box. Also, look at the paint job. Max’s red hair is a very specific shade. Knock-offs often get the "red" wrong—it’ll look too orange or too muddy. The box art is another giveaway. If the white border around the character image on the box is uneven or blurry, walk away. It's a fake.
Why Max Matters More Than Eleven to Some Collectors
This is a hot take, but Max has a groundedness that Eleven lacks. Eleven is a superhero. Max is just a kid with a messy family and a lot of trauma who happens to be incredibly brave. That relatability translates to the merch. When you put a Max Funko Pop on your desk, it feels a bit more "human."
Plus, Sadie Sink's performance really elevated the character's status. Collectors aren't just buying a toy; they're buying a piece of what many consider the best character development in modern sci-fi television. There’s a certain grit to the Max figures—especially the ones where she’s wearing the headphones—that just hits different.
The Investment Angle
Is buying a Max Funko Pop a good investment? Honestly, it depends. If you're buying it because you love the show, the "value" is already there. If you're trying to flip it for a profit, you're playing a dangerous game. The Funko market can be volatile. However, "Vaulted" figures—those that Funko has officially stopped producing—tend to hold their value well. Max’s original Season 2 figures are mostly vaulted now, which explains the price climb.
Practical Steps for Your Collection
If you're serious about grabbing a Max Funko Pop Stranger Things edition without getting ripped off, here is the roadmap.
First, track the "Vault" status. Use the official Funko app or sites like Pop Price Guide (PPG) to see if the version you want is still being made. If it’s not, the price will only go up, so buy sooner rather than later.
Second, prioritize the Season 4 "Floating Max." It is the definitive version of the character. Even if you have to pay a slight premium, it’s the piece that will define the Stranger Things collection for years.
Third, inspect the box corners. For Funko collectors, the box is 50% of the value. A "mint" box has no creases. If you're buying online, ask for "corner shots." If the seller gets annoyed, they aren't the right seller for you.
Lastly, check local comic shops. Everyone checks Amazon and eBay. But that dusty comic shop in the suburbs? They might still have a Max sitting at MSRP because their clientele is looking for vintage Marvel issues instead of vinyl figures.
The hunt is half the fun. Just don't let Vecna (or the scalpers) get to you first.