If you’ve spent any time on collectible forums, social media feeds, or just scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen these strange, scraggly, goblin-like figures called Labubu. But what exactly is Labubu, where did it come from, and how long will this hype train last?
What Is Labubu?
Labubu is a character designed by the artist duo Kasing Lung and How2work, hailing from Hong Kong. First introduced as part of the The Monsters toy series, Labubu stands out with its jagged grin, wild eyes, and mischievous, imp-like personality. It blurs the line between creepy and cute — and somehow, that’s part of the charm.
Made popular through vinyl collectible figures — often released in blind boxes or limited drops — Labubu now comes in dozens of variations. From pirate-themed to pastel unicorn hybrids, each version offers a new twist on the weird and wonderful little creature.
Why Did Labubu Blow Up?
Labubu’s popularity exploded for a few key reasons:
1. Blind Box Culture
Labubu is often sold in blind boxes, meaning you never know which version you’re going to get. This has helped create a gotta catch ‘em all mentality in the collector community, especially among fans of designer toys like Bearbrick, Sonny Angel, and POP MART.
2. Social Media Hype
Collectors posting “Labubu unboxings,” shelf displays, or trades on TikTok and Instagram helped create viral momentum. A single TikTok showing a rare Labubu pull can rack up millions of views — and that kind of virality fuels both interest and demand.
3. Rarity and Scalping
Like sneakers or trading cards, some Labubu variants are ultra-rare. That exclusivity led to a booming resale market, with some pieces flipping for hundreds of dollars. Nothing drives hype quite like scarcity.
4. Appeal to Asian Pop Culture Fans
Labubu fits right into the kawaii/creepy-cute aesthetic popular in East Asian fashion and art communities. With similar crossover appeal as Sanrio or Studio Ghibli merch, Labubu has carved out a space as an alternative, artsy collectible.
How Long Will This Fad Last?
The designer toy scene tends to move in waves. Just ask fans of Tokidoki, Kidrobot, or Dunny figures — huge one year, quiet the next. But Labubu seems to have some staying power for now.
Here’s why it might last a while:
- The art style is unique and recognizable.
- Collaborations and seasonal drops keep the hype fresh.
- There’s a strong collector base in Asia, particularly China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
But here’s why it might fade out:
- Oversaturation could kill demand if too many variations are released too fast.
- The Western market is still catching up — and could move on to the next viral toy trend.
- As with most collectibles, resale prices may crash once supply meets demand.
Final Thoughts
Labubu isn’t just a toy — it’s a cultural moment. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or just someone who thinks the little guy is oddly cute, there’s no denying Labubu has earned its place in pop culture for now.
But is it the next Funko Pop or just 2025’s Sonny Angel? Time will tell. One thing’s for sure — that toothy grin is going to be haunting (or charming) shelves for a while longer.
Let us know how many you have collected below!
I only collect Lafufu.
I don’t know what people see when they say that labubus are creepy- I think they are like a scary cute and that’d why I love em!
I spent my kids college fund trying to pull the secret on the Coca Cola collab !