Funko POP Rides Deluxe: Spongebob Squarepants - Mermaid Man
✅ PROS
- The Invisible Boatmobile is a substantial die-cast-style vehicle with real heft — not a flimsy hollow shell
- Mermaid Man's cape, belt, and shell details are crisp and accurate to the show
- Box art and window display are collector-friendly — easy to keep mint or remove for display
❌ CONS
- Barnacle Boy is not included — the $30+ price feels steep if you expected the duo
- The 'invisible' effect is just clear plastic — no glow or special finish to justify the premium
The Verdict
Let’s be honest: when you hear “Mermaid Man,” you picture him with Barnacle Boy. That duo is the whole joke. So the first thing you need to know about this Funko POP Rides Deluxe set is that it’s Mermaid Man alone — riding the Invisible Boatmobile. No sidekick. No “Evil!” catchphrase. Just the man himself, gripping the wheel of a boat that’s mostly clear plastic.
Is that enough to justify the price? Here’s the breakdown.
What You Actually Get
The box contains one POP Rides Deluxe figure: Mermaid Man seated in the Invisible Boatmobile. The vehicle is roughly 6 inches long and 5 inches tall — bigger than a standard POP, which makes sense for the “Rides” line. Mermaid Man himself is the classic Funko style: oversized head, black dot eyes, that unmistakable superhero grimace. His cape is molded plastic, not fabric, and it’s painted with a clean matte finish that matches the show’s color palette.
The detail work is genuinely good. The belt buckle, the shell emblem on his chest, the white gloves — all crisp, no sloppy paint bleeds. The boat’s “invisible” body is a frosted clear plastic that catches light nicely on a shelf. The wheels are solid and roll smoothly if you’re the type who likes to push your collectibles around (no judgment).
Build Quality and Real-World Use
The 4.8-star average across 240 ratings isn’t inflated. This thing is built to last. The vehicle has real weight — it’s not a hollow display piece you’re afraid to touch. The figure sits securely in the seat; no wobble, no leaning. The base is sturdy enough that it won’t tip over on uneven shelves.
One note: the clear plastic of the boat is not UV-resistant. If you display this in direct sunlight for months, it will yellow. That’s true of most clear plastics in collectibles, but worth flagging since the “invisible” gimmick is the whole point.
What Buyers Praise
Scrolling through the reviews, the consistent theme is surprise at the quality. One buyer put it plainly: “I was expecting a cheap cash grab, but the detail on Mermaid Man’s cape and the boat’s finish is actually impressive.” Another noted, “It’s bigger than I thought — takes up real shelf space in the best way.” Multiple reviewers mention buying it as a gift for SpongeBob fans who specifically love the Mermaid Man episodes, which tells you the nostalgia factor is doing heavy lifting.
Where It Falls Short
The biggest complaint isn’t about quality — it’s about value. At this price point, buyers expected Barnacle Boy. The product listing shows Mermaid Man alone, so it’s not a bait-and-switch, but the expectation of a duo is baked into the character’s identity. If you’re paying premium money, you want the full joke.
Second, the “invisible” effect is just… clear plastic. No iridescent sheen, no subtle paint gradient, no glow-in-the-dark element. It’s a missed opportunity to make the gimmick feel special. The frosted finish is fine, but it reads as “unpainted” rather than “invisible” at first glance.
Who Should Buy This
- SpongeBob completionists: If you’re collecting the full SpongeBob Funko line, this is a must-have. It’s the only Mermaid Man Rides figure available.
- Nostalgia gift-givers: For a fan of the classic Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy episodes, this is a home run — even if the sidekick is missing.
- Display-focused collectors: The size and presence make it a centerpiece piece. It stands out in a cabinet of standard POPs.
Skip it if: You’re a casual fan who just wants a fun desk toy. The price is too high for that. Grab a standard POP instead.
FAQ
Q: Does this include Barnacle Boy? A: No. It’s Mermaid Man only. If you want Barnacle Boy, you’ll need to find a separate figure — and they don’t match in scale.
Q: Is the Invisible Boatmobile actually invisible? A: It’s clear frosted plastic, not a literal invisible effect. It looks like a ghost boat on a shelf, which is charming, but don’t expect magic.
Q: Can you remove Mermaid Man from the boat? A: Yes, he lifts out easily. The figure works as a standalone POP if you prefer that display option.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re a dedicated SpongeBob collector or you’re shopping for someone who quotes “Evil!” on a weekly basis. The build quality is genuinely above average for Funko, and the display presence justifies the shelf space.
Skip it if you’re on a budget, you need Barnacle Boy to complete the set, or you’re expecting the “invisible” gimmick to be more than just clear plastic.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Great figure, slight value sting.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.