Funko Pop Kingdom Hearts Figures of Kairi, Riku, Sora, and a Heartless Get Release Date

A New Wave of Figures

Funko expanded its Pop! vinyl figure line for the Kingdom Hearts series with a second wave of characters, with retail listings in October 2017 confirming the new set. The announcement revealed a planned North American release date of December 15, 2017. This new collection shifted focus from the Disney-centric characters of the first wave to the original protagonists at the heart of the game’s story. The four new figures announced were Kairi, Riku, Sora, and one of the franchise’s iconic Heartless enemies.

This release was significant for collectors who had been waiting for the main human characters to be immortalized in Funko’s signature style. The initial wave featured King Mickey, Donald Duck, and Goofy, but the addition of Sora and his friends provided a more complete representation of the game’s core cast. The information appeared on Amazon, where product pages for each of the four new figures went live, detailing the release schedule and making them available for preorder at the time.

The Characters in Detail

Each figure in the collection is a stylized vinyl collectible standing approximately 3 and 3/4 inches tall, consistent with the standard Funko Pop! design. The selection represents a balanced look at the heroes and villains central to the Kingdom Hearts narrative, offering something for every type of fan.

• Sora: As the main protagonist of the entire series, Sora’s inclusion was the most anticipated. The figure depicts him in his classic attire, ready for adventure. His design captures the character’s blend of youthful optimism and determination, which has made him a fan favorite since the first game’s release on the PlayStation 2.
• Riku: Sora’s childhood friend and long-time rival, Riku is a character defined by his complex journey between light and darkness. His figure reflects his more serious demeanor and represents a crucial part of the central trio’s dynamic. For many players, Riku’s story of redemption is as compelling as Sora’s heroism, making his figure an essential part of the set.
• Kairi: The third member of the Destiny Islands trio, Kairi is a pivotal character in the overarching plot and one of the seven Princesses of Heart. Her figure was a key addition, completing the group of friends whose bond drives much of the series’ emotional core. Her absence from the first wave was noted by fans, so her appearance here was met with enthusiasm.
• Heartless: The figure represents the common “Shadow” type of Heartless, the foot soldiers of darkness that players fight throughout the games. These creatures are born from the darkness within people’s hearts and are the most recognizable enemies in the franchise. Including a generic enemy is a common practice for Funko, as it allows dedicated collectors to purchase multiples to create dioramas and army displays.

Expanding the Kingdom Hearts Collection

This second set of figures built upon the foundation laid by the first wave. While the initial release celebrated the unique crossover by focusing on the Disney icons who join Sora on his quest, the second wave catered directly to fans invested in the original lore and characters created by Square Enix. This provided a more comprehensive representation of the game’s unique blend of worlds.

The timing of the announcement in late 2017 placed it in a period of high anticipation for the franchise, as fans were eagerly awaiting news on the upcoming Kingdom Hearts III. Merchandise like the Funko Pop! line served to keep the series in the minds of players. The release of the main trio in vinyl form was a welcome development for a passionate fanbase known for its dedication to the characters and their intricate story.