In the kaleidoscopic world of designer toys, few characters have stirred as much buzz, love, and curiosity as PopMart Labubu. This furry mischief-maker with sharp teeth, big eyes, and a childlike wildness has become a pop culture phenomenon thanks to PopMart Labubu, the powerhouse behind some of Asia’s most successful collectible art toys. Whether perched on the desk of a seasoned collector or displayed behind glass in a boutique gallery, Labubu exudes a charm that’s part whimsical, part spooky, and entirely irresistible.
The Origins of Labubu
Labubu was created by artist Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-born, Belgium-based illustrator whose storytelling blends the macabre and the magical. Labubu emerged from Lung’s universe called The Monsters, a dark yet enchanting world inhabited by creatures with curious eyes and vivid personalities.
First sketched as part of Lung’s picture books, Labubu quickly captured the imagination of fans. Unlike many cute toys, Labubu isn’t sanitized or sugar-coated. With jagged teeth, unruly fur, and an impish grin, Labubu blurs the line between adorable and eerie—a visual signature that resonates with fans of gothic fantasy and contemporary design alike.
When PopMart Labubu partnered with Kasing Lung, Labubu transitioned from illustrations and vinyl figures into a mainstream collectible icon.
Who is Labubu?
Describing Labubu is like trying to explain a dream—part animal, part fairy tale sprite, part misfit. He’s a creature of contradictions: simultaneously wild and sweet, fierce and innocent.
Labubu is often depicted in various costumes and settings that reinterpret his core character through different themes. From pirates and astronauts to Halloween ghouls and forest spirits, Labubu takes on myriad forms while retaining his signature features—spiky fur, wide eyes, and that toothy grin.
Despite his feral look, Labubu is deeply endearing. He evokes the same emotional appeal as classic trickster figures in folklore—Puck from Shakespeare, the mischievous fox from Japanese legends, or even Maurice Sendak’s Wild Things. There’s a sense of emotional honesty in Labubu’s expression—a raw, unfiltered quality that invites empathy and imagination.
Pop Mart: The Engine Behind the Craze
Pop Mart, a Chinese designer toy company founded in 2010, has revolutionized the art toy industry by making designer figures accessible to a global audience. Known for blind box series, strategic collaborations, and smart retail strategies (including vending machines and concept stores), Pop Mart has elevated characters like Labubu to cult status.
With Pop Mart’s backing, Labubu has appeared in numerous series such as:
- The Monsters – Labubu Series
- The Fairy Tale Series
- The Space Adventures Series
- Labubu x Skullpanda crossovers
- Limited-edition designer drops
Each new release introduces a fresh aesthetic while keeping Labubu’s soul intact. Limited production runs, regional exclusives, and seasonal releases help drive demand and collector value.
Why is Labubu So Popular?
Labubu’s appeal goes beyond visual charm—he taps into a broader cultural movement centered around emotional expression, childhood nostalgia, and the longing for uniqueness.
1. Emotional Resonance
In an age where digital lives dominate and authenticity is increasingly rare, Labubu offers raw emotion. His wild expression isn’t just aesthetic—it’s psychological. He reminds people of their inner child: untamed, unfiltered, and unapologetically expressive.
2. Aesthetic Versatility
Labubu blends Eastern and Western design elements. His wide-eyed innocence echoes Japanese kawaii culture, while his quirky edge aligns with Western indie art. This cross-cultural appeal has made him a global figure in the art toy community.
3. The Thrill of the Blind Box
Much of PopMart Labubu success, and Labubu’s by extension, can be credited to the blind box model. Buyers don’t know which version they’re getting, which adds excitement, collectibility, and a vibrant aftermarket trading scene. It’s the modern-day answer to trading cards or capsule toys.
4. The Artist’s Story
Kasing Lung’s influence is another key driver. Unlike many mass-produced characters, Labubu carries a narrative soul. Lung is not just creating toys—he’s building a mythology. Each figure is part of a larger narrative, often accompanied by illustrations or stories that add depth to the character.
Labubu in Pop Culture
Labubu has become a symbol in street fashion, designer communities, and online fan art. Collectors proudly display their figures on social media, often organizing elaborate photo shoots or “unboxing” videos that rack up thousands of views.
Moreover, Labubu has crossed into other lifestyle products: clothing, phone cases, accessories, and even collaborations with luxury brands. These extensions signal Labubu’s evolution from a toy into a lifestyle icon.
Rarity, Value, and the Collector’s Market
Labubu’s desirability is amplified by scarcity. Rare figures—especially chase variants or limited artist editions—can fetch high prices on resale platforms. Some Labubu figures have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making them part of the art toy investment market.
Collectors often build entire displays around their Labubu figures, treating them like modern-day figurative art. Facebook groups, Discord communities, and online forums serve as hubs for trade, discussion, and appreciation.
Labubu’s Future
As PopMart Labubu continues to expand globally, Labubu is set to reach even broader audiences. Already, Pop Mart has opened stores in cities like Seoul, Tokyo, New York, and London. Each store becomes a kind of shrine, and Labubu is one of its most celebrated deities.
Future collaborations might see Labubu in animated shorts, NFTs, or interactive experiences. Kasing Lung has hinted at expanding The Monsters universe further, and Labubu will likely remain its crown jewel.
Final Thoughts: Mischief with Meaning
Labubu isn’t just a toy. He’s a reflection of a cultural moment—a time when people crave characters with edge, emotion, and story. He embodies the beautiful chaos of imagination and the wild spirit of childhood. Thanks to PopMart Labubu and Kasing Lung, Labubu is more than a figure on a shelf. He’s a tiny spark of rebellion, wrapped in fur and fangs.
In a world that often feels too polished, too filtered, and too safe, Labubu grins back at us with wild eyes and jagged teeth, reminding us to be a little untamed, a little weird, and completely ourselves.
