Title of the work
Country of the First Edition
Country/countries of popularity
Original Language
First Edition Date
Official Website
Funko.com (accessed: October 29, 2021)
Genre
Collectables*
Figurines*
Target Audience
Crossover (ages 3 and up)
Cover
We are still trying to obtain permission for posting the original cover.
Author of the Entry:
Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@biu.ac.il
Peer-reviewer of the Entry:
Lisa Maurice, Bar-Ilan University, Lisa.maurice@biu.ac.il
Elizabeth Hale, University of New England, ehale@une.edu.au
Logo retrieved from Wikipedia, public domain (accessed: February 2, 2022).
Funko LLC. (Company)
Funko is an American company located in Everett, WA. The company designs, sources and distributes collectable products, including vinyl figures, actions toys, plush, apparel, housewares and accessories.
Source:
funko.com (accessed: January 13, 2021).
Prepared by Ayelet Peer, Bar-Ilan University, ayelet.peer@gmail.com
Summary
This is a "Funko Pop!" vinyl collectable figurine of the satyr Phil from the Disney movie Hercules (1997). This figure is part of the Disney Hercules collection, which includes Hercules (no. 378), Meg (no. 379), Hades (no. 381), Baby Hercules (no. 382) and Baby Pegasus (no. 383). The figure shows a serious Phil, his mouth only slightly smiling although he appears to be frowning more than smiling. He appears determined, pointing his finger straight ahead. His other hand is clutched to a fist. Phil does not wear any clothes. He has two big brown straight horns on his head and goat beard and also two goat legs. His legs are covered with brown fur. His ears are pointy and he has a couple of hairs sticking out from his head, between his horns. His chin is coloured light brown to signify his bristles.
Analysis
This figure represents the character from the Disney movie and not a mythological satyr. Hence it appears as he does in the movie, with the familiar "Pop!" attributes (round head and less pointy features than in the animation). The figure shows Phil not as a loser and bitter as we meet him first in the movie, but as a determined mentor who seems to be giving his protégé the encouragement he needs (as if he is pointing to Hercules and telling him ‘you can do it’). Phil appears to be tough. His look is stern and his kindness is presented by his very subtle smile.
On a side note, Phil’s full name is Philoctetes based on the Greek hero. The mythological Philoctetes lit Heracles’ funeral pyre for him and gained his favour and weapons (as is told by Sophocles’ play). In our story, it is Hercules who relies on Phil to make him a hero; yet their mutual devotion is reminiscent of the myth. Furthermore, Philoctetes resents the Greek for forsaking him on the island of Lemnos during the Trojan War; we may sense a bit of bitterness in Phil’s’ attitude towards the heroes who turn out to be false and disappointing.
The "Pop!" figure does not represent Danny DeVito who voiced the animated Phil in the movie and only takes after the animated figure. His goat elements seem to be quite subtle, he is not scary looking, but appears like a hybrid positive character.
Further Reading
Reyan, Ali, "Pop" Culture: The Incredible Rise of Funko Pop! available at Rolling Stone website (accessed: October 29, 2021).
