Sharaku

Released as part of the Pop! Asia line, this figure depicts Sharaku Hosuke, the enigmatic and telekinetic protagonist from Osamu Tezuka's seminal manga series, The Three-Eyed One. Created by the legendary mangaka Tezuka, known as the father of manga, the character is defined by the third eye on his forehead which, when uncovered, grants him immense intelligence and psychic powers. The Funko figure captures his classic look, including his signature bandages covering that third eye, honoring the distinct aesthetic Tezuka cultivated during his mid-century peak.

The design of this piece reflects Funko's strategy to expand its reach into international markets by highlighting iconic cultural figures from Japanese animation and literature. By translating Tezuka’s minimalist, expressive art style into the standardized, vinyl-chibi form factor, the collectible aims to bridge the gap between contemporary Western toy culture and historical Japanese storytelling. Upon release, it was received primarily as a niche item for enthusiasts of classic manga and collectors focused on the expansive, regionally specific Asia series.