You’ve seen them. Those mischievous, serrated-teeth monsters dangling from the backpacks of K-pop idols and taking over your social media feed. Labubu isn't just a toy anymore; it’s a full-blown cultural fever. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung in 2015, this character—part of "The Monsters" collective—has transformed from a niche designer collectible into a global powerhouse, thanks largely to the Labubu blind box series produced by Pop Mart.
It's chaotic. It's expensive. Honestly, it’s a bit addictive.
If you’re wondering why grown adults are lining up at 6:00 AM for a 4-inch tall PVC figure, you aren't alone. The psychology behind the blind box is a mix of gambling-lite dopamine hits and the genuine "art toy" movement. Unlike the mass-produced junk you might find at a big-box retailer, these series are limited, curated, and high-quality. But there's a lot of noise out there. Let’s cut through it.
What Most People Get Wrong About Labubu
People look at Labubu and think "scary monster." Kasing Lung actually drew inspiration from Nordic folklore. Those sharp teeth? That’s not malice; it’s mischief. Labubu is a girl, by the way—a detail that surprises a lot of newcomers who assume the character is gender-neutral or male. She’s the leader of a group called The Monsters, which includes other characters like Tycoco (the skeleton boyfriend), Zimomo, and Spooky.
The big misconception is that the Labubu blind box series is just one thing. In reality, Pop Mart releases distinct collections with completely different aesthetics. One month she’s a fruit, the next she’s a forest elf, and the next she’s a plushie that everyone is losing their minds over.
If you buy a box, you’re usually getting one of twelve figures. But the "Secret" or "Chase" figure is the real reason people go broke. These are seeded at odds like 1:72 or 1:144. Finding one is like hitting a mini-jackpot. It’s not just a toy at that point; it’s a liquid asset.
The Lisa Effect and the Explosion of Demand
Let’s be real. Labubu was doing well in the art toy world for years, but things went nuclear in early 2024. Why? Lisa from BLACKPINK.
She posted a photo of herself holding a Labubu "The Monsters - Fall in Wild" vinyl plush. The internet essentially broke. Suddenly, the Labubu blind box series wasn't just for toy collectors in Shanghai or Bangkok—it was a high-fashion accessory. When a global icon with 100 million followers endorses a $15-$30 toy, supply chains can’t keep up.
This created a massive resale market. You might see a blind box that originally retailed for 550 THB (about $15 USD) selling for triple that on the secondary market within hours. It’s basically the sneakerhead culture but for cute monsters. Some people hate it. They feel the "soul" of collecting is gone, replaced by scalpers and hype-beasts. Others think the mainstream attention is a win for the artist.
Honestly, it’s a bit of both.
Exploring the Most Popular Series
If you’re looking to start a collection, you can't just buy "a Labubu." You have to know which series is currently in production. Pop Mart rotates these quickly. Once a series is "retired," prices on eBay and StockX skyrocket.
- The Monsters - Tasty Egg Series: This one is weird and wonderful. Labubu is reimagined as different types of food. It’s quirky, colorful, and highly stylized.
- The Monsters - Have a Seat Vinyl Plush: This is the current "Holy Grail" for many. These aren't the hard plastic figures; they are soft, fuzzy charms you can hang on a bag. They come in different colors like "HeHe," "Dada," and "Ququ."
- The Monsters - Forest Concert: This is a classic. It leans heavily into the original Nordic forest lore. The colors are muted, earth-toned, and very "cottagecore."
- Exciting Macaron: This series is what you see on most celebrity bags. The pastel colors are incredibly hard to find in stock at official Pop Mart stores.
Spotting a Fake: The Dark Side of the Labubu Blind Box Series
Because the demand is so high, the market is flooded with "reps" or counterfeits. If you find a Labubu blind box series on a random website for $8, it is 100% fake. Real Pop Mart figures have a very specific weight and feel.
The box should have a holographic scratch-off sticker with a QR code. You scan that code, and it takes you to a Pop Mart verification page. If the QR code takes you to a dead link or doesn't exist, you've been scammed. Also, look at the feet. Authentic Labubus have "POP MART" and "Kasing Lung" clearly embossed on the bottom. The paint job should be crisp—no bleeds or fuzzy lines on the teeth.
Fakes often smell like "cheap plastic" or chemicals. Authentic ones don't. It sounds weird to smell your toys, but in the collector community, it’s a legitimate diagnostic tool.
👉 See also: Hooters Restaurant Explained: It is More Than Just an Orange Uniform
Why Collectors Are Obsessed with the Secret Figure
It’s the thrill of the hunt. Plain and simple.
Opening a Labubu blind box series is a ritual. You shake the box (some people swear they can hear the weight difference of a Secret). You peel the tape. You look at the card first—or maybe you hide the card and feel the bag. The suspense is the product.
For the "The Monsters Forest Concert" series, the Secret is a glow-in-the-dark figure. For others, it might be a metallic finish or a completely different character sculpt. These Secrets can sell for $200, $500, or even $1,000 depending on the rarity and the series popularity. It’s a gamble, but one that comes with a physical piece of art you can keep even if you don't "win."
Is the Hype Sustainable or Just a Bubble?
Trends like this usually have a shelf life. Beanie Babies, Funko Pops, even certain sneaker lines—they all have peaks and valleys. However, Labubu has the "Artist" factor. Kasing Lung is a respected creator who was making art long before Pop Mart became a billion-dollar company.
The Labubu blind box series bridges the gap between affordable collectibles and high-end art. Even if the "Lisa hype" dies down, the core community of designer toy enthusiasts remains. The shift toward plush charms was a genius move. It turned the toy into jewelry. You don't just display it on a shelf; you wear it. That utility gives it more staying power than a standard figurine.
But don't buy these as an investment for your retirement. Buy them because you like the design. The market is volatile. A figure worth $300 today could be worth $50 next year if a new, cuter series drops and everyone moves on.
How to Actually Get Your Hands on a Box
The struggle is real. If you live near a Pop Mart store (New York, London, Bangkok, Seoul), you can try your luck in person. But often, they implement a lottery system or a one-box-per-person limit.
✨ Don't miss: Why Wood Pellet Costs Keep Changing and How to Actually Save Money
- Official Pop Mart Website: Check for restocks on their global site. They usually announce drops on Instagram or TikTok first. Be fast.
- Verified Resellers: Sites like Mindzai or StrangeCat Toys are reputable. You’ll pay a slight premium, but you won't get a fake.
- Community Groups: Facebook groups and Discord servers for art toy collectors are great places to trade. If you pull a "Dada" but wanted a "HeHe," someone is almost certainly looking to swap.
- The "Full Case" Strategy: If you have the cash, buy a sealed case of 12. This guarantees you get one of each regular figure with no duplicates, and it gives you a shot at the Secret. Plus, you can sell the extras to recoup your costs.
Collecting the Labubu blind box series is about the community. It’s about the "unboxing" videos and the shared frustration of pulling the same common figure three times in a row. It's quirky, it's a bit expensive, and it’s definitely a bit weird. But in a world that’s increasingly digital, having a physical, tactile piece of art that makes you smile is worth the hunt.
Actionable Steps for New Collectors
- Download the Pop Mart App: This is where the most accurate restock data lives.
- Join a Local "Le-Trade" Group: Most major cities have groups where people meet up in person to trade figures from the latest Labubu blind box series. It saves you on shipping and you meet fellow fans.
- Invest in Display Cases: PVC figures attract dust like crazy. If you're going to collect, get a tiered acrylic display case to keep them mint.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away. Decide how many boxes you’re going to buy before you walk into the store. The "just one more" mentality is how you end up with a shelf full of duplicates and an empty wallet.
- Verify Before You Buy: Use the QR code verification on the box immediately. If a seller refuses to show the sticker, walk away.