Everyone knows Labubu is cute, collectible, and went viral thanks to Lisa from BLACKPINK. But there's so much more to this pointy-eared phenomenon than meets the eye. Let's dive into some fascinating facts that even dedicated collectors might have missed.
1. Labubu Has 11 Siblings
- Labubu isn't an only child. The character belongs to "The Monsters" universe created by Kasing Lung, which includes 12 different monster characters in total. Each has its own unique personality and backstory. Labubu's siblings include characters like Zimomo, Tycoco, and Skull Panda – though none have achieved Labubu's level of fame.
2. The Teeth Are Actually a Nordic Legend Reference
- Those distinctive serrated teeth aren't just for show. In Nordic folklore, creatures called "Labubu" were said to inhabit deep forests and use their sharp teeth to crack open nuts and seeds. Kasing Lung incorporated this mythological detail into the design, giving the character both charm and a slight edge of danger.
3. The Original Labubu Was Hand-Painted
- Before Pop Mart's mass production, Kasing Lung created limited runs of hand-painted Labubu figures. These original pieces from 2015-2016 are extremely rare and can sell for thousands of dollars among serious collectors. Each one had slight variations, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
4. There's a Secret "Chase" Ratio
- Pop Mart doesn't officially disclose this, but collectors have figured out that special "chase" or "secret" variants appear roughly once every 144 blind boxes (one full case contains 12 boxes, so about one per 12 cases). This scarcity is intentional and fuels the collecting frenzy.
5. Labubu Has Different Personalities in Different Series
- Each Labubu series isn't just about different outfits – they represent different personality traits and stories. The "Macaron" series shows Labubu's sweet side, while the "Fashion Monster" series reveals a trendy, style-conscious personality. Kasing Lung has said each series is like a different chapter in Labubu's life.
6. The Eyes Tell Different Stories
- Look closely at different Labubu designs, and you'll notice the eyes vary subtly. Some have wider, more innocent eyes, while others have narrower, mischievous expressions. Kasing Lung intentionally changes the eye design to convey different emotions and moods, making each variant feel like a different moment in time.
7. There's an Official Labubu Cafe in China
- In Shanghai, there's a Pop Mart-operated Labubu-themed cafe where everything from the latte art to the desserts features Labubu's face. The cafe also sells exclusive merchandise you can't find anywhere else. It's become a pilgrimage site for hardcore fans.
8. Kasing Lung Almost Gave Up on Labubu
- In interviews, Kasing Lung has revealed that Labubu wasn't an immediate success. For years after its 2015 debut, the character remained relatively obscure. He seriously considered shelving the design before the Pop Mart partnership and subsequent viral moment breathed new life into it. Sometimes timing is everything.
9. The Name Has Multiple Meanings
- While "Labubu" references Nordic mythology, Kasing Lung has also said the name was chosen for its playful, repetitive sound that's easy to remember across different languages. The "bu bu" part resembles baby talk in several cultures, making it instantly feel friendly and approachable despite the teeth.
10. There Are Counterfeit Detection Tricks
- With popularity comes counterfeits. Authentic Labubus have specific quality markers: the vinyl has a particular texture and weight, the paint application is clean with no bleeding, and there's always an authenticity card with a QR code. The box quality is also noticeably better on genuine products. Pop Mart has even started using holographic stickers to combat fakes.
11. Labubu's Ears Are Modular in Some Versions
- Some Labubu variants come with removable or poseable ears, allowing collectors to customize their display. This feature isn't widely advertised, but it's become a favorite among hardcore fans who like to create unique poses and scenes with their collections.
12. The Color Pink Wasn't Originally the Main Theme
- Early Labubu designs featured more muted, earthy tones – browns, grays, and forest greens that matched the Nordic forest mythology. The shift to pastels and particularly pink came later as Pop Mart positioned Labubu for mainstream appeal. This change is partly what helped the character cross over from art toy collectors to the general public.
Next time you see a Labubu, take a closer look at those eyes, those teeth, and those ears. There's a whole story packed into that small vinyl figure – one that spans Nordic legends, artistic persistence, and the unpredictable nature of internet fame.