What Is Labubu and Why It's So Popular Among Collectors

What Is Labubu and Why Labubu Is Popular

Labubu isn’t just a vinyl figure—it’s a cult phenomenon. Born from the imagination of Kasing Lung and produced by Chinese art toy powerhouse POP MART, Labubu has exploded in popularity in recent years, driven by social media, limited releases, and strong storytelling aesthetics.

📚 The Story Behind Labubu

Labubu originated as a character in Kasing Lung’s fantasy world, The Monsters. It blends the innocence of children’s storybook characters with a slightly mischievous and dark undertone. With its big eyes, sharp smile, and unique proportions, Labubu is often compared to characters from Tim Burton’s universe or Studio Ghibli's darker moments.

It was first introduced in Hong Kong designer toy scenes before becoming a POP MART staple. In China, Labubu is often seen as a rebellious, clever, and oddly cute creature—earning it a devoted fanbase.

🚀 Why Labubu Went Viral

  • 1. Visual Uniqueness: Unlike traditional "kawaii" toys, Labubu stands out with its punk-rock vibe and expressive posture.
  • 2. Blind Box Thrill: POP MART's blind box model creates scarcity. Rare variants—aka "hidden editions"—have resale values up to $500+.
  • 3. TikTok & Xiaohongshu Hype: Unboxing videos with #Labubu go viral. Collectors film emotional reactions when getting a hidden version.
  • 4. Cross-Cultural Appeal: From Shanghai to Paris, Labubu is becoming a global streetwear and lifestyle symbol.

📦 Where You Can Buy Labubu

Popular options include:

💰 Collector Case Study: The “Dark Labubu” Flip

In 2023, a limited Dark Labubu from the Monster Carnival series had an initial blind box price of just $12. After only 2 weeks, it was resold on Grailed for over $380 due to its rare paint job and backstory. Collectors often refer to these flips as “Labubu gold rush.”

🧠 Why Gen Z Loves Labubu

  • Emotional connection: Many fans resonate with Labubu's duality—it's fierce and adorable, imperfect yet authentic.
  • Aesthetic shelf culture: TikTokers and YouTubers show off “shelf setups” with Labubu next to books, anime figures, and Funko Pops.
  • Resale potential: Labubu has become an entry point into collectible investing for younger audiences.

🌐 More Resources for Labubu Fans

Want to dive deeper? Check out these resources:

📈 Should You Start Collecting Labubu?

Absolutely—if you’re into toy art, streetwear culture, or design objects. Labubu combines collectible hype with real artistic value. Plus, it’s fun to trade, hunt, and flex online.

Pro Tip: Follow @popmartglobal for drops and join local POP MART Discord groups to trade or preorder.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Labubu isn’t going anywhere. With global collabs, dedicated fanbases, and resale hype, it’s becoming the Bearbrick of the 2020s. Whether you're a casual fan or full-blown collector, Labubu adds personality and fun to any space.

So the next time you walk into a store and spot a POP MART blind box—take the chance. You might just pull a Labubu.

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