The $560 Funko Pop: Why The Super Shadow #285 Is The Ultimate Sonic Collector's Grail

As of December 17, 2025, the Super Shadow Funko Pop remains one of the most coveted, valuable, and challenging figures to acquire in the entire Sonic the Hedgehog line. The figure represents Shadow's ultimate, Chaos Emerald-fueled transformation, and its rarity has driven its market price into the stratosphere, establishing it as a true "grail" for dedicated Funko collectors and Sonic enthusiasts alike. This is not a single Funko Pop, but rather two distinct, highly-sought-after variants that define the peak of Sonic collecting.

The original release, the limited-edition E3 2018 Exclusive, is a legendary item that commands a premium price, often exceeding $500 on the secondary market. However, for those seeking a more accessible piece of the Ultimate Life Form’s power, a more recent Glow-in-the-Dark (GITD) 2-Pack offers a stunning modern alternative. Understanding the differences between these two figures is crucial for anyone looking to complete their definitive Sonic Funko Pop collection.

The Ultimate Funko Grail: Super Shadow's Rarest Variants

The Super Shadow Funko Pop is a unique case in the Funko world because its two main releases cater to two very different types of collectors: the high-stakes investor and the dedicated enthusiast. Both figures capture the iconic golden-yellow energy of Shadow's Super State, but their scarcity and value are worlds apart.

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The E3 2018 Exclusive (#285): The $500+ Legend

The Funko Pop! Games: Sonic the Hedgehog—Super Shadow #285 is the figure that launched a thousand collector hunts. Released exclusively at the E3 2018 convention, this particular Pop! Vinyl figure was severely limited, with only an estimated 1,500 pieces ever produced.

Its extreme scarcity immediately placed it among the rarest and most expensive Funko Pops in the entire Sonic franchise, often rivaled only by the Super Sonic SDCC 2018 Exclusive.

• Figure Number: #285
• Exclusivity: E3 2018 Convention Exclusive
• Estimated Production Run: 1,500 pieces
• Current Market Value (2025): Routinely listed and sold for over $500, with some sales reaching $560 or more, depending on box condition.

The desirability of the #285 Super Shadow is a perfect storm of factors: low production numbers, a highly popular character (Shadow the Hedgehog), and the vibrant, metallic-looking Super State design. For many serious Funko collectors, owning the E3 2018 Super Shadow is the pinnacle of their collection.

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The Glow-in-the-Dark (GITD) 2-Pack: The Modern Alternative

Recognizing the massive demand for the Super Shadow character, Funko later released a more accessible, yet still exclusive, variant. This figure is part of the Shadow & Super Shadow 2-Pack, which was an exclusive release for GameStop and the Funko Shop.

This 2-Pack provides a fantastic opportunity for fans to own a Super Shadow Pop without spending hundreds of dollars. The Super Shadow figure in this pack is a Glow-in-the-Dark (GITD) variant, giving it a unique visual appeal that mimics the powerful Chaos energy radiating from the transformation.

The 2-Pack also includes a standard Shadow the Hedgehog figure, making it an excellent value proposition for collectors. While it is not as rare as the E3 2018 single Pop, its exclusivity and the desirable GITD feature ensure it remains a sought-after item in the modern Funko landscape.

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Super Shadow's Lore: The Ultimate Life Form Unleashed

The intense demand for the Super Shadow Funko Pop is rooted deeply in the character's lore within the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. Shadow the Hedgehog, the "Ultimate Life Form" created by Professor Gerald Robotnik, is already one of the franchise's most popular and complex characters.

His Super State is the culmination of his power, a transformation achieved by harnessing the immense energy of the seven Chaos Emeralds—the same powerful artifacts used by Sonic to become Super Sonic.

The Power of the Seven Chaos Emeralds

In the games and media, the Super Shadow transformation grants Shadow a massive boost to all his natural abilities. His fur turns a vibrant golden yellow, and his power levels become virtually limitless. This form is often required to defeat the most powerful cosmic threats, such as the Biolizard or Black Doom.

Key abilities enhanced in the Super Shadow State include:

• Invincibility: Super Shadow is impervious to most forms of attack.
• Enhanced Speed and Strength: His already formidable speed and physical power are exponentially increased.
• Mastery of Chaos Control: He can utilize his signature ability, Chaos Control, to a degree far beyond his base form, allowing for instantaneous teleportation and even time manipulation.
• Chaos Spear: His energy-based attacks, such as the Chaos Spear, become significantly more potent.

The Funko Pop perfectly captures this moment of maximum power, which is why collectors are so eager to secure a piece of this iconic transformation. It is a representation of Shadow at his most powerful and heroic, a stark contrast to his often brooding and complex personality.

Beyond Super Shadow: A Collector’s Guide to Rare Sonic Funko Pops

The Super Shadow figure is only one piece of a thriving and valuable Funko Pop! Games: Sonic the Hedgehog collection. To build a comprehensive collection and establish true topical authority, collectors must be aware of the other rare and key entities in the line.

The collecting market for the Sonic franchise is heavily focused on limited-edition variants and convention exclusives, making the hunt for these figures a true challenge.

Other High-Value Sonic Funko Pops

If you have Super Shadow, your next targets should be these equally rare and valuable figures:

• Super Sonic (#287 SDCC 2018 Exclusive): Released alongside the E3 Super Shadow, this San Diego Comic-Con exclusive is another highly valued, metallic-finish figure that represents Sonic’s ultimate form.
• Super Sonic (#923 AAA Anime Exclusive): A more recent, but still limited, version of Super Sonic, often sought after for its vibrant finish.
• Flocked Shadow (Various): Flocked variants, which feature a fuzzy texture, are often limited and highly desirable, including the Flocked Shadow figure.
• Dr. Eggman (#286): The original release of the main antagonist, Dr. Eggman, is a classic piece that holds significant value as a foundational figure in the collection.
• Metal Sonic (#916): A fan-favorite villain, the Metal Sonic Pop is a staple for any collector focusing on the franchise's antagonists.
• Buccaneer Shadow (Funko Exclusive): A unique, stylized variant that shows Shadow in a pirate outfit, demonstrating Funko's willingness to explore different themes within the Sonic universe.

The pursuit of these rare Funko Pop Vinyl figures, from the original Super Shadow #285 to the various Super Sonic and villain variants, highlights the enduring global appeal of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. The thrill of the chase, combined with the nostalgia for the classic video games, makes this line one of the most exciting and rewarding to collect in the entire Funko catalogue.