Labubu, a mischievous yet endearing character, has captured the hearts of collectors worldwide. Created by the talented illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu is now an iconic figure in the world of designer toys, especially through collaborations with Pop Mart. From its unique origins to its wide range of designs, Labubu is much more than just a toy—it’s a collector’s dream. Here are eight fun facts that every Labubu fan should know, and why this character should be the next addition to your collection.
1. The Origins of Labubu: Born from Nordic Mythology
Labubu first appeared in 2015 as part of Kasing Lung’s story series The Monsters, which drew inspiration from Nordic mythology. The “monster tribe” consists of several quirky characters, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato. However, Labubu, with its pointy ears, cheeky grin, and serrated teeth, quickly became the standout favorite among collectors. Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed even more after Blackpink’s Lisa was seen accessorizing her bags with Labubu charms, cementing its place in pop culture.
2. What Exactly is Labubu?
Labubu is an elf character with a mischievous demeanor. According to Kasing Lung’s original stories, Labubu is actually a girl! She’s easily recognizable by her high, pointed ears, her iconic nine serrated teeth, and her playful expression. Unlike many other fictional creatures, Labubu doesn’t have a tail, making her a truly unique creation. Over the years, Labubu has been released in over 300 variations, each with different colors, sizes, and themes, keeping collectors engaged and excited with every new release.
3. The Exclusive Pop Mart Collaboration
In 2019, Kasing Lung partnered with Pop Mart, a leading global toy company known for its blind-box collectibles. This collaboration led to the Labubu Pop Mart series, which has since become a must-have for collectors. Pop Mart’s blind-box format means that fans don’t know which version of Labubu they’ll receive until they open the box, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the collecting experience. This partnership has made Labubu a global sensation and expanded its fan base significantly.
4. Labubu Plush Pendants: A Collector’s Favorite
Labubu’s popularity isn’t just limited to figurines. The character has also been released as plush pendants, which are frequently used as bag charms by fans worldwide. The Monsters – Tasty Macarons Vinyl Face Blind Box, also known as Version 1 (V1), was the first release of Labubu plush pendants. These adorable charms, which come in various dessert-themed colors, have adjustable heads, arms, and feet, making them perfect for accessorizing bags or simply displaying at home.
5. What Makes Labubu So Special?
Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s a character packed with charm, personality, and a touch of whimsy. Here’s why it has captured the hearts of fans worldwide:
Key Features of Labubu:
- Pointy Ears: Perky and alert, Labubu’s elfish ears give it an endearing yet mischievous look, as if it’s always up to something fun.
- Sharp Teeth: Those little pointy teeth might seem fierce at first, but they add to Labubu’s quirky charm, making it more lovable than intimidating.
- Big, Expressive Eyes: With its soulful and expressive eyes, Labubu can convey a range of emotions, from curiosity to mischief, resonating deeply with fans.
- Compact Size: At just a few inches tall, Labubu is a pocket-sized companion you can take anywhere, adding joy and personality to any setting.
- Varied Designs: From timeless classics to themed costumes and limited-edition collaborations, there’s a Labubu to match every mood, occasion, and collector’s preference.
6. Why Fans Love Labubu
Labubu has become a cultural icon among toy collectors and art enthusiasts, symbolizing joy, mischief, and endless creativity. Whether you’re drawn to its whimsical design, expressive personality, or the stories it inspires, Labubu has something for everyone.
Labubu isn’t just a figure—it’s a feeling, a memory, and a celebration of the childlike wonder in all of us.
7. Blind Box Rarity and Chance: The Thrill of the Hunt
One of the most exciting aspects of Labubu collecting is the thrill of the blind box. Each Labubu plush pendant comes in a sealed blind box, which means you won’t know which version you’ve got until you open it. In both V1 and V2 series, there are six regular versions and one rare “secret” edition. In the V2 series, the secret Labubu (DuoDuo) comes with an extra twinkle in her eyes and a cute red nose, adding an extra layer of charm and collectibility to the set.
8. Labubu’s Popularity Boost: Thanks to Blackpink’s Lisa
Labubu gained widespread recognition in April 2024 when Blackpink’s Lisa posted an Instagram story featuring a giant Labubu plush toy, followed by another story of her accessorizing her bag with a Labubu charm. This exposure brought Labubu into the mainstream, especially among K-pop fans and designer toy collectors. Since then, Labubu has become a must-have for fans of both Lisa and designer toys, driving up demand for rare and exclusive versions of the character.
Conclusion: Why You Should Add Labubu to Your Collection
Labubu is more than just a cute designer toy—it’s a piece of art, a collectible, and a cultural icon. With hundreds of designs, blind-box surprises, and limited-edition releases, Labubu keeps fans excited and engaged. Whether you’re a new collector or a long-time fan, there’s always a new Labubu waiting to be discovered.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Labubu’s popularity stems from its quirky design, playful expressions, and endless variations. As a character in Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series, Labubu’s mischievous personality resonates with collectors. Labubu’s fame was further boosted when Blackpink’s Lisa was seen with Labubu charms, making the character a sought-after collectible in both the toy and fashion worlds.
Labubu’s collaboration with Pop Mart, a renowned collectible toy brand, started in 2019. Pop Mart is known for its blind-box format, where buyers don’t know which figure they’re getting until they open the box. Labubu Pop Mart figurines have become collector favorites due to their mystery element and limited-edition releases, with hundreds of variations available.
Labubu Lisa refers to the association between Blackpink’s Lisa and the Labubu character. In April 2024, Lisa posted Instagram stories featuring Labubu plush toys and charms, which increased the character’s visibility and demand. This endorsement by a global superstar has made Labubu even more appealing to fans of both Blackpink and designer toys.
Blind-box toys are collectibles that come in sealed packaging, so you don’t know which version you’re getting until you open the box. Labubu is one of Pop Mart’s most popular blind-box toys, with numerous versions featuring different colors, outfits, and poses. This mystery element adds excitement for collectors as they try to complete their Labubu collection.
As of 2024, Labubu has been released in more than 300 variations, including different colors, sizes, and poses. Some versions are rare or exclusive, making them highly coveted by collectors. New designs are regularly introduced, keeping fans engaged with the latest releases.
Labubu stands out from other Pop Mart toys due to her unique design, featuring pointy ears and nine serrated teeth. Her expressions are playful and mischievous, making her both cute and quirky. Labubu also comes in a wide range of styles, from plush pendants to vinyl figures, ensuring there’s a version for every type of collector.
In Labubu blind boxes, most figures are “regular” editions, but there is often one “secret” edition per series. For example, in the V1 series, regular versions like Soymilk and Lychee Berry are more common, while the secret Chestnut Cocoa figure is much rarer, with a 1:72 chance of being found. This rarity makes secret editions highly desirable.
Some popular Labubu figures include Soymilk, Lychee Berry, and Green Grape from the V1 series, and SiSi, HeHe, and BaBa from the V2 series. Collectors also seek out rare secret editions, like Chestnut Cocoa and DuoDuo, which feature unique designs and limited availability.
Kasing Lung is a Hong Kong-based illustrator and artist known for his whimsical characters. He created Labubu as part of his The Monsters series, which was inspired by Nordic mythology. Labubu quickly became the most popular character in the series due to her mischievous yet lovable personality, and she has since become a global icon through collaborations with Pop Mart.
Yes, Labubu figures, especially rare and limited-edition versions, are highly valuable for collectors. The rarity of secret editions, combined with the excitement of blind-box purchases, makes Labubu figures sought after in the designer toy market. The association with celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa also increases their value and appeal.