Connect with us

Blog

Introducing Labubu : New Hits in Collectible Designer Toy World

Samuel Ting

Published

on

Labubu feature img

Alright, let’s dive into the whimsical world of Labubu! Now, if you haven’t heard of Labubu yet, you’re in for a treat. This quirky little character is part of Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” series, which kicked off in 2015. And trust me, Labubu isn’t just another cute collectible—it’s got a personality that’s hard to ignore.

Imagine a pint-sized, mischievous elf with big, expressive eyes, pointy ears, and a toothy grin that’s both cheeky and endearing. Labubu perfectly captures that mix of playfulness and innocence, like a lovable troublemaker straight out of your childhood fantasies. It’s no wonder why this critter has won over hearts globally, from dedicated toy collectors to casual fans scrolling through Instagram​

Now, let’s move on to meet the mastermind behind this little monster—Kasing Lung!

The Legend Behind Labubu : Kasing Lung

Kasing Lung: Creator of Labubu

Let’s meet the brilliant mind behind Labubu—Kasing Lung! Born in Hong Kong in 1972, Lung moved to the Netherlands, where he was drawn to European fairy tales and Nordic folklore. This early inspiration shaped The Monsters series, which launched in 2015 and quickly made Labubu a fan favorite for its playful design and cheeky personality​

Lung’s career began as a children’s book illustrator, earning recognition with works like My Little Planet (2013) and Lizzy Wil Dansen (2014). But it was Labubu’s debut that marked Lung’s move into the collectible toy world, blending storytelling with whimsical designs​.

Kaisng Long early artwork

Today, Lung splits his time between Belgium and Hong Kong, focusing on painting and new toy designs. His 2020 Tokyo art show, This is What It Feels Like, showcased his evolving work while still centering around Labubu. Despite his success, Lung describes his daily routine as simply “drawing all day,” showing that creativity and a bit of mischief truly lead the way​

Next up, let’s meet Labubu’s quirky companions in The Monsters series!

LABUBU and The Monsters

Now that we’ve gotten to know Labubu, let’s explore the whole Monsters crew! The Monsters series, also created by Kasing Lung, is filled with other quirky creatures, each bringing its own brand of whimsy and weirdness to the mix. From the start, Lung designed the series to be a playful homage to Nordic folklore, adding his personal twist to make each character lovable and mischievous​. The first time I saw the Monsters series I immediately fell in love with it.

Labubu may be the star of the show, but it’s got a bunch of pals, like Zimomo, Tycoco, and Spooky. Let’s take a look at them one by one:

Zimomo  

Zimomo from the Monster Series

  The Monster Series 

Version 1.0.0Often mistaken for Labubu’s twin, Zimomo shares many of its features—fluffy fur, pointed ears, and that trademark grin. However, the key difference? Zimomo has a tail, while Labubu doesn’t. This little detail makes collectors double-check their blind boxes! Zimomo’s playful nature is right in line with Labubu’s vibe, making them a dynamic duo​

 

Tycoco(my personal favourite)

Tycoco and Zimomo

Forget about scary skeletons—Tycoco is an adorable skeleton monster that somehow manages to be both spooky and cute. Often depicted as Labubu’s loyal friend, Tycoco adds a dash of the supernatural to the crew. It’s the perfect mix of creepy and charming, with a grin that matches Labubu’s cheekiness​

 

Spooky 

Spooky from Monster series

True to its name, Spooky is a snowman-like character that can switch from sweet to eerie in the blink of an eye. Depending on its pose, Spooky can appear innocently cute or downright mysterious. This versatility makes it a standout among collectors who appreciate a touch of the uncanny in their toy collection​
.

Each character in The Monsters series brings something unique to the table, contributing to the whimsical world Kasing Lung created. Whether it’s Labubu’s mischievous grin or Tycoco’s spooky charm, these characters are designed to appeal to both kids and adults alike​

Ready for more? Up next is the design and appeal of Labubu!

Design and Appeal of Labubu

What makes Labubu so irresistible? It’s all about the big eyes, pointy ears, and that toothy grin that give it a mischievous yet adorable look. With over 300 variations, Labubu comes in everything from holiday costumes to special edition designs, keeping collectors hooked​

The blind box packaging adds an element of surprise—fans never know which version they’ll get until they open it. This mystery, paired with limited editions and exclusive releases, makes collecting Labubu both thrilling and rewarding​. However, there’s an increasing number of underground Labubu or fake Labubu out there, so make sure to check out our guides on Real Labubu vs. Fake Labubu

Ready to see how Labubu has popped up in pop culture? Let’s go!

Labubu in Pop Culture

Labubu’s cute yet mischievous look has made it a pop culture sensation. This little monster has gone viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where fans eagerly show off their collections. It even gained a boost in popularity when Lisa and Rose from Blackpink was seen with one, sparking a frenzy among her fans and pushing Labubu further into the spotlight​

Rose and Lise holding Labubu Toy

The character’s appeal isn’t limited to social media. Labubu has collaborated with various brands, resulting in special editions that blend its quirky charm with new styles. From fashion brands to exclusive event releases, these collaborations have expanded its fanbase and turned Labubu into a symbol of self-expression​

Additionally, Labubu’s presence at toy conventions like ToyCon and DesignerCon has cemented its status as a must-have for collectors. Pop-up events and themed exhibits let fans immerse themselves in the Labubu world, strengthening their emotional connection to this playful elf​

From social media buzz to special brand collaborations, Labubu has become more than just a collectible—it’s a cultural icon with a mischievous twist. Now, let’s wrap up with Labubu’s impact on the designer toy industry!

Conclusion

Labubu isn’t just another toy—it’s a cultural icon that’s captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From its origins in Kasing Lung’s imagination to its massive presence in pop culture, Labubu has become a symbol of playfulness and creativity. Its varied designs, blind box thrill, and collaborations have cemented its place as a standout character in the designer toy industry. Whether you’re a collector or just someone who loves a bit of mischief, Labubu’s charm is hard to resist. And with more designs and collaborations on the way, the future looks bright for this cheeky little monster​