News Summary
Thrilljoy, a new vinyl collectibles company, made its debut at San Diego Comic-Con by hosting the Block Party Boardwalk Bash. This event comes after former Funko executive Brian Mariotti leads the venture following Funko’s relocation of its annual event. Though reviews have been mixed regarding ticket value and organization, there’s a shared hope for both Thrilljoy and another newcomer, Rokimoto, to become a staple at future SDCC events.
San Diego – A new vinyl collectibles company, Thrilljoy, has made headlines during the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2025 by hosting its inaugural event, the Block Party Boardwalk Bash, on Friday, July 25, 2025. This debut comes shortly after former Funko executive, Brian Mariotti, left the company to spearhead this new venture. The timing of Thrilljoy’s launch coincides with Funko’s relocation of its annual Funko Fundays event to Los Angeles, leaving a significant gap in SDCC’s event lineup that Thrilljoy and another newcomer, Rokimoto, aim to fill.
The Block Party Boardwalk Bash took place at Lane Field Park, situated behind the InterContinental Hotel. On the following day, July 26, Rokimoto hosted a separate event called Dreams in the Pacific Ballroom of the same hotel. Both events charged attendees a premium, with Thrilljoy’s tickets priced at $150 plus additional fees, while Rokimoto’s tickets were priced at $100 plus fees.
Initial feedback regarding the experiences at both events has been mixed. Attendees expressed that their enjoyment was largely linked to the quantity and quality of merchandise received during the events. Several participants, who had previously attended Funko Fundays, noted that they did not feel the same value for their ticket prices at Thrilljoy and Rokimoto’s events. Complaints also emerged regarding the overall organization of the new events, especially in terms of communication and logistics, which many believed fell short compared to the well-established Funko Fundays.
Despite the criticisms, there remains a communal desire among attendees to see both Thrilljoy and Rokimoto thrive, hoping these companies will become integral to future SDCC events in a manner reminiscent of Funko’s past contributions. Plans are already in discussion for both companies to return and enhance the offerings for the next SDCC in 2026.
The SDCC 2025 event itself proved a haven for collectors, featuring exclusive merchandise from top brands like Marvel and Star Wars. Among the standout offerings was a Spider-Man mask from Hasbro that emulated the screen-used suit, along with a gigantic 1/20 scale Galactus statue from Iron Studios. These exclusive collectibles catered to both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to the scene across various eras of popular franchises.
Other attractions included NECA’s unveiling of a limited-edition Harry Potter diorama, “Harry Potter Gryffindor Common Room: A Room With A View.” Produced in a limited run of just 3,000 pieces and priced at $299, this collectible showcased intricate details reflecting the iconic Gryffindor Common Room. With such unique offerings, SDCC 2025 bolstered a collector’s paradise filled with limited-edition items, giveaways, and event-specific exclusives, enriching the overall convention experience.
As Thrilljoy and Rokimoto evaluate their first events and seek to improve in anticipation of future conventions, collectors and fans remain optimistic about the evolution of vinyl collectible events at SDCC. The future holds promise for the nascent companies as they aim to carve their niche in a landscape once dominated by Funko.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News: Marvel & Star Wars Exclusives
- SDCC Blog: Mattel Exclusives
- StarWars.com: Star Wars SDCC Exclusives
- Wikipedia: San Diego Comic-Con
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Comic Book
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
