You’ve seen them. Even if you don't know the name, you’ve seen that wide, jagged grin and those mischievous eyes staring back at you from a backpack or a shelf. Honestly, The Monsters Pop Mart collection has basically taken over the designer toy world, and it isn't just because they look "cute." In fact, they aren’t even traditionally cute. They’re kind of weird. Maybe even a little bit ugly-cute. But that’s exactly why people are losing their minds over them.
Labubu is the star here. Created by artist Kasing Lung, this character belongs to a group of mystical Nordic-inspired creatures known as The Monsters. They live in a forest where things are a bit chaotic. Labubu has these nine sharp teeth and a serrated tail, which should be scary, but somehow, it just works. People are lining up for hours. Resale prices are hitting numbers that would make a sneakerhead blush.
The Weird Origin of Labubu and His Crew
Kasing Lung didn't just wake up and decide to make a plastic toy. He spent years in Belgium working on children's book illustrations. You can see that European folk influence in every curve of The Monsters. He signed with Pop Mart in 2019, and that changed everything. Suddenly, his "monsters" weren't just characters in a book; they were tangible, collectible art.
It's a weird transition. Going from a 2D drawing to a 3D vinyl figure usually loses some soul. Not here. The Pop Mart partnership allowed for crazy variations in texture—flocked, metallic, transparent, you name it. Zimomo is another one you’ll see often. He’s the leader of the pack, bigger than Labubu, and usually sports a more "wild" look with a tail that looks like it could actually do some damage. Then there’s Tycoco, the skull-headed character who is supposedly Labubu’s boyfriend. It’s a whole ecosystem of lore that most casual buyers don't even realize they're buying into.
The "blind box" culture is the engine driving this madness. You don't know what you're getting. You pay your twenty bucks, you shake the box (which everyone does, though it rarely helps), and you hope you don't get a duplicate. It’s gambling for the aesthetic-obsessed.
Why the Hype Exploded Recently
If you’re wondering why your social media feed is suddenly full of these plush charms, you can thank Lisa from Blackpink. It sounds like a joke, but it’s 100% true. When she posted a photo holding a Labubu "Macaron" series plush, the market essentially broke. Prices for that specific series on secondary markets like StockX or Xianyu tripled overnight.
It’s the "Lisa Effect." But it’s more than just celebrity endorsement. The Monsters Pop Mart figures represent a shift in how adults view toys. We aren't calling them toys anymore; they're "art toys" or "designer collectibles." It’s a way for people in their 20s and 30s to reclaim a bit of childhood without feeling like they’re living in the past. These monsters have edge. They have personality. They look like they might bite you if you turn your back on them.
The scarcity is real, too. Pop Mart is brilliant at managing supply. They’ll release a "Limited Edition" colorway that only drops in certain flagship stores or during specific conventions like PTS (Pop Toy Show). This creates a frenzy. If you aren't there at 10:00 AM, you're paying a 400% markup to a reseller on Instagram. It’s brutal.
🔗 Read more: White and Rhinestone Nails: Why This Combo Still Rules Every Salon Visit
Identifying the Real Deal vs. The Fakes
Because the demand for Labubu is so high, the market is flooded with fakes. It’s actually a huge problem. If you’re buying from a random vendor on a street corner in Bangkok or a shady eBay listing, you’re probably getting a "Lababa" instead of a Labubu.
Real Pop Mart items have very specific markers. Check the feet. The "Pop Mart" and "Kasing Lung" branding should be crisp, not blurry. The box should have a holographic scratch-off sticker with a QR code that you can verify on the official website. If the fur on a plush looks like it was made from an old carpet, it’s a fake. The genuine Macaron series has a very specific softness and a "weighted" feel that's hard for counterfeiters to replicate perfectly.
Also, look at the eyes. The authentic ones have a certain depth and placement. On the fakes, the eyes often look "dead" or are slightly misaligned, making the monster look more "derpy" than "mischievous." It’s a subtle difference, but to a collector, it’s everything.
How to Actually Start Your Collection
Don't just go out and buy the first thing you see. You'll overspend and regret it. Start by visiting an official Pop Mart store if you have one nearby. The experience of picking a box off the shelf is half the fun.
- Research the Series: There are dozens. The "Exciting Macaron" vinyl plush series is the most popular right now, but the "Forest Concert" or "Candy Monster Town" series are great for those who prefer solid vinyl figures.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to spend $200 in ten minutes. Blind boxes are addictive.
- Join the Community: Groups on Facebook or Discord are great for trading duplicates. Since everyone gets "doubles," the community thrives on "UP" (unopened) trades or "confirmed" trades where people swap characters they don't want for ones they do.
- Check the "Secret" Odds: Every set has a "Chase" or "Secret" figure. The odds are usually 1:72 or 1:144. If you pull one, don't sell it immediately. The value usually peaks a few months after the series launch.
The Cultural Impact of the Monster Aesthetic
There is something deeply relatable about a monster that looks a bit frustrated but still tries to be cute. Maybe that’s why The Monsters Pop Mart resonates so much with the current generation. Life is messy. We’re all a little bit "monstrous" sometimes.
Kasing Lung has tapped into a "flawed" beauty. In a world of perfect filters and curated Instagram lives, a toy with jagged teeth and messy fur feels honest. It’s a rebellion against the "Sanrio-style" perfection of Hello Kitty. Labubu doesn't want to be your best friend; Labubu wants to go on a chaotic adventure and maybe steal your snacks.
The business side of this is equally fascinating. Pop Mart has turned the hobby into a high-stakes investment game. People aren't just buying toys; they're diversifying their "portfolios." While that sounds a bit ridiculous for a piece of PVC, the secondary market data doesn't lie. Some rare Labubu figures from early 2020 are now worth ten times their original retail price.
Practical Steps for New Collectors
If you're ready to dive in, do it smartly. The "Macaron" plush craze has made it hard to find stock at retail price ($15–$20). If a seller is asking for $60 for a standard blind box, walk away. Wait for the restock. Pop Mart usually announces restocks on their global Instagram or through their app.
📖 Related: Why a Blue Orchid Bridal Bouquet Is the Boldest Choice You Can Make
- Download the Pop Mart Global App: This is the most reliable way to get drops at MSRP.
- Verify your figures: Use the QR code on the box immediately. If it doesn't scan or leads to a dead link, request a refund from the platform you used.
- Display with care: Vinyl figures can fade in direct sunlight. If you're spending good money, keep them in a cool, shaded area.
- Don't ignore the "Commons": Everyone wants the Secret, but the common figures are often the most artistically interesting. The "Labubu The Monsters" series has some incredible sculpts that aren't even rare.
Ultimately, this isn't just a trend that's going to vanish next month. Kasing Lung’s world-building has legs. The Monsters have been around in some form for nearly a decade, and with the backing of a global powerhouse like Pop Mart, they’re becoming the Mickey Mouse of the "designer toy" era. Whether you’re in it for the art, the community, or the thrill of the "pull," there’s no denying the grip these sharp-toothed creatures have on global pop culture. Keep your eyes peeled for the next drop, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find a Secret hidden in your next box.