Once upon a time, toys were just for kids. Fast forward to today: designer collectibles are for everyone, especially if they’re from Pop Mart. These small-batch vinyl figures have exploded in popularity across Asia and beyond—thanks to their unpredictable drop formats, stunning designs, and cult-status characters.
Whether you’re just getting into art toys or you’re already refreshing blind box restocks like it’s sneaker season, it’s time to meet the heavy-hitters of Pop Mart: Labubu, Crybaby, Molly, Skullpanda and Dimoo. Each has a backstory, a fanbase, and a reason why they’ve taken over desks, bookshelves, and Instagram feeds across the world.
1. Labubu The Monsters: The Mischief from Monster Forest
Backstory:
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is the most famous character from Kasing Lung’s original story series, The Monsters. Labubu is characterized as a mischievous but kind-hearted elf/monster known for their signature look: a furry body, long pointed ears, wide eyes, and a cheeky, serrated grin featuring nine sharp teeth.
The character is an explorer and a playful prankster. Labubu’s core personality involves a desire to help others, though this often results in accidental chaos or trouble due to their impulsive, monstrous nature. Labubu’s universe is populated by a tribe of creatures, including Zimomo, Tycoco, and Pato, who navigate their magical world inspired by the wild and whimsical elements of Northern European myth.
Key Features:
Expressive eyes and toothy grin
Gothic-fairy-tale aesthetic
Wild reinterpretations in each series
Why it’s popular:
Labubu’s chaotic-neutral energy resonates with fans. He’s not evil, just misunderstood. His wide range of costume themes—from Halloween haunts to dreamy fantasy—makes each series unpredictable and collectible. Labubu is also one of the most frequently released characters in the Pop Mart universe, meaning collectors can chase dozens of variants across yearly drops.
Popular Labubu series:
1) Labubu – Big into Energy : This vibrant collection captures Labubu figures brimming with excitement.
2) Labubu – Let’s Have Fun Together : These charming Labubu figures showcase friendship and good times.
3) Labubu – Tasty Macarons : These delightful Labubu figures are paired with colorful, tempting macarons.
4) Labubu – Have a Seat : Featuring Labubu figurines in various comfortable seating arrangements.
5) Labubu – Coca-Cola : This collab features Labubu figures embracing the classic Coke branding and style.
2. Crybaby: Tears, Tiaras, and Tenderness
Backstory:
Created by Thai artist Molly Yllom, Crybaby is a deeply emotional and symbolic character. The artist created Crybaby to represent the universal complexity of human feelings and the importance of emotional honesty. The character’s constant, glistening tears are not purely about sorrow; they symbolize vulnerability, resilience, and the therapeutic power of crying.
Crybaby is intentionally non-binary and not limited to being human—it embodies a pure emotional state. The central message of the character is that in a society that often encourages suppressing feelings, it is okay to cry. Tears are a natural release, a way to wash away sadness, and the first step toward healing and reconnecting with one’s authentic self.
Key Features:
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Detailed outfits and elegant silhouettes
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Moody but comforting vibe
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Themes around introspection, sadness, and magic
Why it’s popular:
Crybaby strikes a unique chord in the art toy space. While most collectibles are bold or quirky, Crybaby is delicate, sad, and soft. Her designs often blend vintage elements like porcelain dolls or antique lace with pastel, dreamy palettes. Fans love her emotional depth and fashion-forward styling.
Popular Crybaby series:
1) Crybaby – Crying For Love : This collection doubles down on the charming tears, featuring Crybaby in various moments of sweet melancholy.
2) Crybaby – Crying For Love : These touching Crybaby figures express vulnerability and the universal search for connection.
3) Crybaby – Powerpuff Girls : The Crybaby – Powerpuff Girls Series from Pop Mart pairs Crybaby with Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup
4) Crybaby – Sunset Concert : These Crybaby figures capture the magic of a live music event under the evening sky.
3. Molly: The OG Fashion Icon of Pop Mart
Backstory:
Created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong, Molly is one of the foundational characters in the designer toy world, helping launch Pop Mart’s blind box success. Her inspiration came when artist Kenny Wong observed a young girl at a charity art event. The girl was completely focused on her painting, sporting a characteristic pouting mouth, striking lake-blue (or lake-green) eyes, and a determined demeanor.
Molly is known as a proud and talented little painter with a rich imagination. Her signature pout and somewhat neutral, doll-like expression were intentionally designed to allow collectors to project their own emotions onto her. Molly doesn’t have an extensive fixed story background, making her highly adaptable across various series—from astronauts to mythological figures—allowing her to be whatever the collector imagines.
Key Features:
Iconic lips and wide-eyed stare
Huge number of themed series (200+ versions!)
Fashion and pop culture inspired
Why it’s popular:
Molly is the Meryl Streep of the Pop Mart world—chameleonic, timeless, and always turning a look. Because she’s been around so long, collectors enjoy the nostalgia and variety. There’s a Molly for every occasion, mood, or shelf aesthetic.
Popular Molly series:
1) Mega Space Molly : These oversized, astronaut-themed Molly figures are great centerpiece collectibles.
2) Mega Royal Molly : These majestic, regal-themed giant Molly figures exude luxury and high-end design.
4. Skullpanda: Elegant, Dark, and Mysteriously Addictive
Backstory:
Created by Chinese artist Xiong Miao, Skullpanda is an enigmatic character that blends cute aesthetics with an edgy, mysterious, and even slightly gothic style. The design philosophy behind Skullpanda is the concept of “non-absoluteness”—embracing uncertainty and transformation without adhering to fixed definitions.
Skullpanda is conceptualized as an explorer who journeys through different worlds, time, and space, taking on a myriad of personas in a quest to find its truest, ever-evolving self. Each series (like Ancient Castle, The Warmth, or Image of Reality) represents a new identity or form that Skullpanda adopts on this grand adventure. The distinct skull-like helmet and dreamy, often ethereal styling reflect a balance between life and death, reality and fantasy, constantly contemplating “the shape of infinity.”
Key Features:
Edgy skull-mask look
Avant-garde fashion and props
Deep narrative themes in every series
Why it’s popular:
Skullpanda series sell out fast, thanks to their stunning level of detail and almost fashion-editorial vibe. The designs often channel luxury, mystery, and modern art, attracting both traditional toy fans and new-wave collectors.
Popular Skullpanda series:
1) Skullpanda – Winter Symphony : Features Skullpanda figures themed around icy, musical winter scenes.
2) Skullpanda – The Sound : Each Skullpanda figure represents a different element of music and audio.
Key Features:
Edgy skull-mask look
Avant-garde fashion and props
Deep narrative themes in every series
Why it’s popular:
Skullpanda series sell out fast, thanks to their stunning level of detail and almost fashion-editorial vibe. The designs often channel luxury, mystery, and modern art, attracting both traditional toy fans and new-wave collectors.
Popular Skullpanda series:
1) Skullpanda – Winter Symphony : Features Skullpanda figures themed around icy, musical winter scenes.
2) Skullpanda – The Sound : Each Skullpanda figure represents a different element of music and audio.
5. Dimoo: The Dream World Explorer
Backstory:
Created by Chinese artist Ayan Deng, Dimoo’s story revolves around a shy, introverted little boy who struggles with feelings of confusion and being lost in the real world. His true self and adventures emerge when he falls asleep and enters the magical realm of “DIMOO WORLD,” a mysterious dream dimension. In his dreams, Dimoo transforms into a brave and curious adventurer, exploring a fantastical universe.
The part that looks like hair on Dimoo’s head is actually his devoted friend, Baby Cloud. Baby Cloud’s mother, Mother Cloud, placed a small cloud on Dimoo’s head so the two could always be together. Baby Cloud often reflects Dimoo’s emotions, changing colors and shapes to show whether Dimoo is calm, sad, or confused. Dimoo’s journey in the dream world is one of emotional growth, self-discovery, and forming connections, reflecting the artist’s desire to recapture childhood wonder.
Key Features:
Signature “Cloud Hair”
Simple, Child-like Body with an Oversized, Starry Eyes
High-Quality & Artistic Detail
Why it’s popular:
Dimoo’s story of a shy boy finding courage and connection in his dreams taps into themes of nostalgia, imagination, and emotional growth. Many collectors relate to the figure as a symbol of their “inner child” or their own introspective moments.
Why Pop Mart Collectibles are flying off the shelves?
Pop Mart taps into every collector’s dream:
Blind box thrill: Opening a random figure adds excitement and suspense.
Rarity and chase variants: Some drops have secret or ultra-rare versions, increasing hunt value.
Art-meets-toy appeal: It’s more than plastic—it’s mini sculpture.
Display culture: Every unboxing is Instagram-ready. Shelves become art installations.
Combine all of that with constant collaborations, limited runs, and high-quality production, and it’s no wonder Pop Mart collectibles are flying off the shelves.
Conclusion:
Pop Mart isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-blown collectible culture. From Labubu’s chaotic cuteness to Skullpanda’s fashion-forward mystery, each figure is a tiny portal into an artist’s imagination. Whether you’re in it for the art, the thrill of the blind box, or the flex of owning rare grails, Pop Mart hits that sweet spot between toy and treasure.
Discover, collect and shop all your favourite Pop Mart characters on Novelship today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pop Mart is a designer toy company known for collectible vinyl figures, typically sold in blind box format. They collaborate with independent artists to bring unique characters to life.
Due to limited releases, artist collaborations, and high-quality production, many figures become rare and collectible—driving up resale value.
A sealed box that contains a random figure from a series—meaning you won’t know which one you got until you open it.
Yes, full sets (without duplicates) are available from select sellers, including on Novelship.
Monthly or seasonal, depending on the character. Some characters have multiple series per year.
An ultra-rare design hidden in a blind box series with low pull rates—making them highly collectible.
Display cases, tiered risers, and backlit shelves are popular. Many collectors group by series or color themes.