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Labubu Dolls: Your Essential FAQs Guide
Labubu, the mischievous elf-like monster from Kasing Lung’s “The Monsters” universe, has taken the world by storm, becoming a beloved collectible art toy. If you’re new to the Labubu frenzy or a seasoned collector looking for quick answers, this FAQ guide provides comprehensive insights into everything you need to know about these iconic figures.
General Questions About Labubu
Q1: What is Labubu?
A1: Labubu is a popular character, an elf-like monster with distinct pointy ears, wide, curious eyes, and a signature mischievous grin revealing nine sharp teeth. It is the main protagonist of “The Monsters” series created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Labubu figures are primarily manufactured and distributed by POP MART, a leading collectible toy company.
Q2: Who created Labubu?
A2: Labubu was created by Kasing Lung (龍家昇), a Hong Kong-born artist raised in the Netherlands. His “The Monsters” series, which includes Labubu, is influenced by Nordic folklore and mythology.
Q3: When was Labubu first introduced?
A3: Labubu, as part of “The Monsters” story series, was first introduced in 2015 with figurines produced by How2Work. Its widespread popularity, however, exploded after Kasing Lung partnered with POP MART in 2019, which introduced the blind box format and expanded its global reach.
Q4: What are “The Monsters”?
A4: “The Monsters” is the universe created by Kasing Lung, a whimsical world inhabited by various unique characters. Besides Labubu, other key monsters include Zimomo (the spiky-tailed leader), Tycoco (Labubu’s skeleton-looking boyfriend), Mokoko (a pink-fluffed character), Pato, Spooky, Pippo, and others. Each has a distinct personality and appearance.
Q5: Why is Labubu so popular?
A5: Labubu’s popularity stems from several factors:
* Unique Aesthetic: Its “cute-creepy” look – combining adorable features with mischievous teeth – appeals to a broad audience.
* Blind Box Thrill: The element of surprise in blind boxes creates an exciting “gacha” experience.
* Emotional Connection: Many find the figures’ expressions relatable, evoking feelings of joy, mischief, or comfort.
* Celebrity Endorsements: High-profile figures like Blackpink’s Lisa have significantly boosted Labubu’s fashion appeal, turning smaller figures into popular bag charms.
* Scarcity and Collectibility: Limited editions and “secret” figures drive demand and create a vibrant secondary market.
* Community: A strong global community of collectors shares experiences and passions online and offline.
Types of Labubu Dolls
Q6: What are the main types of Labubu dolls available?
A6: Labubu dolls come in various forms, primarily categorized by size, material, and release format:
* Blind Box Series Figures (Mini Vinyl/Flocked Dolls): These are the most common, typically 6-10 cm tall, sold in sealed boxes with random contents. They are often made of vinyl, or a mix of vinyl and flocked (plush-like) material.
* Large Vinyl Figures: Standalone figures, often around 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) tall, released in specific poses or outfits (e.g., “TIME TO CHILL,” “JUMP FOR JOY”).
* MEGA Collection Figures: These are large-scale art toys, often 400% (28-30 cm) or 1000% (70 cm) in height, made of vinyl with premium finishes. They are limited edition and high-value collectibles.
* Plush Dolls: Soft, huggable versions of Labubu, ranging from small keychains to larger comfort plushies.
* Pendants/Keychains: Smaller figures designed to be attached to bags, keys, or accessories, often part of blind box series.
Q7: Can you name some popular Labubu blind box series?
A7: Absolutely! Some of the most popular and iconic Labubu blind box series include:
* The Monsters – Exciting Macaron: Features Labubu and friends in vibrant, macaron-colored jumpsuits, very popular as bag charms. (Released Oct 2023)
* The Monsters – Have a Seat: Known for its figures in cozy sitting poses and mixed vinyl-flocked material (e.g., “Baba Labubu”). (Released July 2024)
* The Monsters – Fall in Wild: Depicts characters in outdoor and wilderness themes.
* The Monsters – Big into Energy: Focuses on dynamic and active poses.
* The Monsters – Let’s Have Fun Together: A series emphasizing playful group interactions.
Q8: Are there any Labubu collaborations with other brands?
A8: Yes, POP MART frequently collaborates with other brands, artists, and IPs for unique Labubu releases. Notable examples include:
* Labubu x Coca-Cola: A themed winter blind box series.
* Labubu x One Piece: “The Monsters” reimagined as characters from the popular manga/anime.
* Labubu x Kow Yokoyama Ma.K: A collaboration bringing Labubu into a retro-futuristic mechanical world.
* Labubu x Vans: For special edition vinyl plush dolls.
* Museum collaborations: Such as the “Labubu’s Artistic Quest” series at the Louvre.
The Blind Box Concept
Q9: How do Labubu blind boxes work?
A9: A blind box contains a randomly selected figure from a specific themed series. When you buy a single blind box, you won’t know which figure you’ve got until you open it. This element of surprise is a major part of the appeal.
Q10: What is a “secret” or “chase” figure?
A10: Within each blind box series, there’s usually one or more “secret” or “chase” figures. These are ultra-rare variants with very low pull rates (e.g., 1 in 72 or 1 in 144 boxes), making them highly sought after by collectors. Discovering a secret figure is considered a big win.
Q11: What if I want a specific figure and don’t want to buy blind?
A11: If you want a specific “regular” figure, you can often buy a full, sealed case of blind boxes. A full case (usually 6 or 12 figures, depending on the series) typically guarantees a complete set of the “regular” figures and significantly increases your chances of getting a “secret” figure if one is included. Alternatively, you can purchase unboxed figures from the secondary market, but be prepared to pay a premium.
Authenticity and Collecting Tips
Q12: How can I tell if my Labubu doll is authentic and not a fake (“Lafufu”)?
A12: Authenticating Labubu figures is crucial due to rampant counterfeiting. Here are key checks:
* Anti-Counterfeit QR Code: Scan the QR code on the box. It should direct you to an official POP MART authentication website and show a “first-time inquiry” status.
* Material Quality: Authentic figures have high-quality materials (smooth vinyl, soft, evenly applied flocking on plush variants like “Have a Seat”) with no rough edges or excessive shedding.
* Facial Details: Look for crisp paint lines, distinct, glossy embedded eyes, and well-defined, separate teeth. Fakes often have blurry details or misaligned features.
* UV Light Test (for some series): For “Have a Seat” Labubu, specific areas (like the foot logo, eyes, and nose) glow under UV light.
* Foot Markings: Authentic figures typically have the POP MART logo and Kasing Lung’s signature/production code embossed cleanly on the bottom of a foot.
* Packaging and Character Card: High-quality, clear printing on the box and character card. Fakes often have flimsy boxes, blurry text, or misspellings.
* Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Q13: Where is the best place to buy authentic Labubu dolls?
A13: For authenticity, always prioritize:
* Official POP MART Online Stores: (e.g., POP MART Global, POP MART US, etc.)
* Official POP MART Physical Stores: In malls and cities worldwide.
* Authorized Third-Party Retailers: Reputable toy shops or online stores officially authorized by POP MART.
* Official POP MART Store on Global E-commerce Platforms: (e.g., AliExpress, Amazon) – double-check it’s the official store.
Q14: What are some tips for collecting Labubu?
A14:
* Start Small: Begin with a single blind box or a favorite figure to test the waters.
* Join Communities: Engage with Labubu collector groups on social media (Facebook, Discord, Reddit) for trading, news, and advice.
* Pre-Order: For highly anticipated drops, pre-ordering from official channels can guarantee a figure.
* Record Unboxings: Film your unboxing process for proof in case of defects or authenticity issues.
* Display Smartly: Use dust-proof display cases or shelves. Rotate positions to prevent compression of plush figures.
* Care for Your Collection: Keep figures away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Gently surface clean flocked figures with a soft, damp cloth.
This FAQ covers common questions about Labubu and should be a valuable resource for anyone interested in these charming collectible figures.