You’ve probably seen it. Maybe on a backpack in a crowded subway, or dangling from a celebrity’s handbag on Instagram. It’s got these jagged, serrated teeth that look like they belong in a horror movie, yet the eyes are wide, mischievous, and somehow... cute? It’s called a Labubu. If you’re confused, don't worry. Most people are when they first encounter this rabbit-eared creature that seems to be taking over the global toy market.
Labubu isn't just a toy. It’s a phenomenon. It’s a tiny, furry (sometimes plastic) agent of chaos created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Honestly, if you told someone five years ago that adults would be lining up for hours and paying hundreds of dollars for a small monster keychain, they’d have laughed. But here we are. The world of "art toys" has exploded, and Labubu is the undisputed king of the mountain right now.
It’s weird. It’s expensive. And it’s everywhere.
The Origin Story: Who is Kasing Lung?
To understand what is a Labubu, you have to go back to 2015. Kasing Lung, an illustrator who spent a huge chunk of his life in the Netherlands, was inspired by Nordic folklore. He didn't just wake up and draw a rabbit. He created an entire universe called "The Monsters." In this world, there are good guys and bad guys, but most of them fall into that messy middle ground we call "mischievous."
Labubu is part of this group. It’s a female elf. Yeah, a lot of people think it’s a boy or just a "thing," but Kasing has identified the character as a girl. She’s got a distinct look: pointed ears, those iconic nine teeth, and a lean, almost lanky body. She’s joined by other characters like Zimomo (the one with the tail), Tycoco (the skeleton), and Spooky. But Labubu? She’s the breakout star.
Lung originally released these characters through traditional art toy channels—think small batches, high prices, and gallery vibes. But everything changed when he partnered with Pop Mart.
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The Pop Mart Explosion
Pop Mart is the Beijing-based giant that turned the "blind box" into a global obsession. Before this partnership, a Labubu might cost you a fortune at a specialized toy fair. After the partnership? You could walk into a mall, spend $12 to $15, and have a chance at getting one. This accessibility shifted the character from a niche collectible to a pop-culture icon.
The "blind box" element is psychological warfare, basically. You see a series—maybe "The Monsters Forest Series"—and you want the specific one holding a mushroom. But you don't know what's inside the box. So you buy two. Then three. Then you're hooked. It’s gambling for people who like cute aesthetics.
Why is Labubu Suddenly Viral? (The Lisa Effect)
If you've noticed the hype reaching a fever pitch in the last year, there is one very specific reason: Lisa from BLACKPINK.
Celebrity endorsements are one thing, but Lisa is a different beast entirely. In early 2024, she started posting photos on her Instagram stories featuring Labubu pendants. She had them attached to her Birkin bags and her Louis Vuitton luggage. In the world of fashion and collectibles, that’s the equivalent of dropping a nuclear bomb of influence.
Almost overnight, the "Macaron" series—a set of pastel-colored, plush Labubu keychains—sold out globally. Resale prices tripled. In Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, the craze went so far that the government actually had to issue warnings about scams and counterfeit toys. People were desperate. When a global icon like Lisa treats a $20 toy like a high-fashion accessory, the barrier between "kid's hobby" and "luxury lifestyle" disappears.
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What Makes Labubu Different From Other Toys?
It’s the "ugly-cute" factor.
We’ve seen "kawaii" culture dominate for decades. Hello Kitty is perfect. She has no mouth, she’s symmetrical, and she’s safe. Labubu is the opposite. Those teeth are aggressive. The expression is a bit devious. It feels like the toy might pull a prank on you when you leave the room.
- Tactile Variety: Unlike many vinyl toys that are just hard plastic, many Labubu releases are plush. They’re soft. You can brush their fur.
- Artistic Pedigree: Because it started in the art world, there's a sense of "cool" that a standard Disney toy doesn't have.
- Customization: People "dress up" their Labubus. They buy tiny outfits, crochet sweaters for them, and even take them on "dates" to cafes. It’s a community-driven hobby.
The Economics of the Monster
Let’s talk money. If you think this is just about $15 boxes, you’re only seeing the surface. The secondary market for Labubu is massive.
There are "Secret" figures—rare pulls with odds like 1:72 or 1:144. If you find one of these, you can flip it on sites like StockX or eBay for five to ten times its original price instantly. Then there are the "mega" sizes. Pop Mart’s "MEGA SPACE MOLLY" crossover with Labubu can retail for hundreds and resell for thousands.
It’s an asset class now. Some people buy these not because they like the art, but because they see the price charts moving up. It’s "hypebeast" culture applied to figurines. It’s not much different from collecting sneakers or Bored Ape NFTs, except you actually get a physical object you can hold.
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Addressing the Skepticism: Is it a Scam?
Look, if you ask a minimalist, they’ll tell you it’s plastic junk. And from a purely functional standpoint, they aren't wrong. It doesn't do anything. It’s not an action figure with 30 points of articulation. It doesn't light up or play music.
But the value isn't in function. It's in the emotional connection and the "thrill of the hunt." The criticism that it's a "waste of money" ignores the fact that humans have been collecting useless, beautiful things since we were living in caves. Whether it’s stamps, coins, or monsters with serrated teeth, the impulse is the same.
The real danger isn't the toy itself; it's the predatory resale market. Fakes are everywhere. If you see a Labubu on a random website for $5, it is 100% a bootleg. The real ones have specific holographic stickers and QR codes on the box that you can scan to verify authenticity through Pop Mart’s system.
How to Get Started (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you're looking to jump into the world of The Monsters, don't start by chasing the $500 rare plushies. You’ll just get burned.
- Check official sources first. Go to a Pop Mart store or their official online shop. Don't buy from random "dropshipping" sites.
- Understand the series. Each release has a theme. Some are vinyl, some are plush, some are "blind" and some are "open" (where you know what you're getting).
- Join the community. There are massive Facebook groups and Discord servers dedicated to trading. If you get a duplicate, you can usually swap it with someone else rather than buying a whole new case.
- Set a budget. Seriously. The blind box rush is a real dopamine hit, and it’s easy to spend $200 in ten minutes without realizing it.
The Future of the Monster Forest
Is Labubu a fad? Maybe. Most things are. But Kasing Lung’s creation has survived for nearly a decade already. It has successfully transitioned from the high-brow art galleries of Europe and Hong Kong to the mainstream malls of America and Southeast Asia.
The character is evolving. We're seeing collaborations with fashion brands and more experimental designs. As long as people crave a mix of the "edgy" and the "adorable," Labubu will likely have a spot on their shelves. It taps into a very specific modern vibe: life is a bit chaotic and scary (the teeth), but we can still be cute and have fun (the ears).
Actionable Insights for New Collectors
- Verify Authenticity: Always scan the QR code on the box. If the seller refuses to show the box or the packaging looks "off," walk away. Genuine Labubus have high-quality paint jobs; if you see bleeding colors or rough plastic seams, it’s a fake.
- Storage Matters: If you’re buying these as an investment, keep the box. A "loose" figure (without its original packaging and card) loses about 40-50% of its resale value immediately.
- Focus on the "V1" and "V2" Plush: These are currently the most sought-after items. The "Have a Seat" series and the "Macaron" series are the gold standard for keychains right now.
- Follow the Artist: Keep an eye on Kasing Lung’s personal social media. He often teases new sketches that eventually become the next "must-have" figure six months down the line.