Fantasy Novel Merch: New Funko Pop! Sets for 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' Hit Target

Funko Pop! figurines based on Sarah J. Maas' 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' are now available at Target stores and online. The release, which began on Nov. 4, introduces characters Cassian, Azriel, Morrigan, and Amren to the collectible line. This launch also introduces a new product category for the company called Bitty POP! Books, which pairs miniature figures with detailed, book-inspired packaging.

The first two sets in the Bitty POP! Books collection are based on 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' and its sequel, 'A Court of Mist and Fury.' Funko collaborated with Maas' licensing agency, IMG Licensing, to create these items. The 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' set includes a miniature Town Spring Court Manor and figures of Feyre, Rhysand, Tamlin, and Lucien. The 'A Court of Mist and Fury' set features a Town Moonstone Palace and figures of Cassian, Azriel, Morrigan, and Amren. Each set includes a book-themed box and a figural bookmark shaped like the fictional continent of Prythian.

This release follows a strong initial performance for the franchise's first round of products. Those items debuted in September, ahead of the Oct. 27 release of Maas' sixth book, 'A Court of Splintered Harmony.' That novel sold 1.7 million copies in its first 24 hours. The success of the initial merchandise has driven new customers to Funko's direct-to-consumer site.

Josh Simon, CEO of Funko, stated that 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' is the number one license for first-time customer purchases on the company's website. Since the line launched in September, it has led in acquiring new fans. Simon noted that three out of four customers purchasing from this line are women.

The success of this book-based merchandise is unusual for the industry. Historically, collectibles based on books have not gained traction until a film or television adaptation brings the characters to a wider audience. Simon pointed out that even 'Harry Potter' merchandise did not become a major line for Funko until the Warner Bros. films were released. 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' currently does not have a TV or film adaptation in development.

Simon attributed the success to Maas' willingness to allow Funko to create stylized versions of characters that previously existed only in readers' imaginations. The company worked directly with Maas and her team to determine how characters would look. Simon said the design process involved multiple rounds of revisions and feedback. His team aimed to respect the source material while creating recognizable figures.

The design process involved specific choices, such as the appearance of the protagonist Feyre Archeron. Simon acknowledged that fans often debate design choices, comparing the process to debates over plot points in the novels. He stated that this engagement is part of the fun of creating merchandise for dedicated fanbases.

The 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series currently consists of six books. The seventh book, 'A Court of Fractured Melody,' is scheduled for release in January 2027. Simon confirmed that Funko has more products planned based on Books 6 and 7. The company maintains strict confidentiality regarding upcoming designs to prevent spoilers for the novel's plot.

Funko stated that it works with entertainment studios and publishers years in advance to manage this level of secrecy. The company uses internal systems to protect plot details, a practice that has built trust in the entertainment community. The new sets are available immediately at Target.