Who is Labubu? The Origin Story of Kasing Lung's Iconic Art Toy

Introduction: The Toothy Grin Seen Around the World

You’ve seen her, right?

Stroll into any trendy toy store, and she’s practically staring you down. Those long, floppy bunny ears. Those huge, "what's-this-button-do?" eyes. And that grin—all sharp teeth and pure mischief.

Yep, that's Labubu. She's the little monster elf who basically high-jacked the entire art toy scene. One minute she’s a wide-eyed innocent, the next she’s geared up for adventure (or, let's be real, to cause some adorable chaos). Her charm is a trap, and we're all happily caught in it.

But what’s her deal? Where did this little creature even spawn from? How does a doodle suddenly become the must-have darling of collectors everywhere?

Buckle up. We're about to dive deep into Labubu's origin story, meet the mind that created her, and figure out the secret sauce behind her complete and total art toy domination.

The Mind Behind "The Monsters": Who is Kasing Lung?

So, Labubu didn't just poof into existence.

She's a card-carrying resident of a whimsical, slightly chaotic world called "The Monsters," a place dreamed up entirely by the artist Kasing Lung.

And Kasing? He’s the real deal. He’s a Chinese artist, originally from Hong Kong, who now calls the Netherlands home. But here’s the kicker: before he became a rockstar in the art toy scene, he spent over a decade in Europe working as a children’s book illustrator.

That gig explains everything about his art style. It's completely steeped in classic European fairy tales and folklore—you know, that weird, dreamy, and slightly spooky vibe you get from the really old stories.

Kasing built this entire universe of creatures, and every single one has its own story. But let's be honest... Labubu is the breakout star. She’s the one who became the face of the whole monster operation.

The Origin Story: Where Did Labubu Come From?

Believe it or not, Labubu wasn't just invented to be a toy. She started life as a character in Kasing Lung’s illustrated picture books. Before she was vinyl, she was vibes.

In these stories, Labubu is a plucky little monster girl kicking around a mysterious forest. Her whole deal? She’s brave, pathologically curious, and just a little bit mischievous. Basically, she approaches the world with the kind of curiosity that probably leads to hilarious trouble.

And she wasn’t rolling solo. Labubu’s got a whole crew, aptly named "The Monsters." It’s a real motley bunch, including Tycoco the skeleton, Spooky (who is, yes, a walking pumpkin-head), and Pato the bat. You can just imagine the "whimsical" trouble they stirred up.

Here’s the kicker for the OG fans: Long before the POP MART collaboration, Kasing Lung was already an independent artist producing small batches of Labubu sofubi (soft vinyl) figures. These early, handcrafted pieces were super limited and beautifully made, quickly becoming the "holy grails" for die-hard collectors. This is where Labubu earned her first ride-or-die fanbase.

The POP MART Partnership: From Niche Art Toy to Global Sensation

But the moment Labubu truly went nuclear was when Kasing Lung teamed up with China's pop culture juggernaut, POP MART.

POP MART saw the goldmine in Labubu and unleashed its ultimate sales weapon: the "Blind Box." In 2017, they launched the first "The Monsters" series, and... whoosh. It sold out almost before it hit the shelves.

The blind box model was pure genius for a few reasons.

First, it destroyed the price barrier. Compared to pricey, large-scale vinyl figures, these little boxes were affordable. Suddenly, everyone could get in on the action and start a collection.

Second, it tapped into that addictive thrill of the unknown. That feeling of tearing open a mystery box? It's a pure dopamine hit. Throw in the chase for rare "hidden" variants, and you've got a full-blown collecting craze. You had to buy "just one more."

And finally, POP MART didn't let that hype cool down for a second. They were pumping out new series at lightning speed. We're talking dozens of different themes—"Flower Elves", "Astronauts," and every holiday edition you can imagine—keeping the brand constantly fresh and making you feel like you needed the new one.

Thanks to this perfectly executed plan, Labubu blew up. She transformed from a beloved niche art toy into a full-on, globally recognized superstar.

Why Do Collectors Love Labubu?

So, why are people still fanatically devoted to her? What's her secret sauce?

First off, it’s that look. Labubu absolutely nails the sweet spot between "aww, cute!" and "huh, that's weird... I love it." That signature toothy grin isn't just sweet; it's loaded with mischief. She’s got a sly, edgy little charm that just makes other "perfectly" sweet toys look boring.

Plus, she’s the ultimate blank slate. Her core design—those long ears and sharp teeth—is so iconic that you can dress her up in anything. An astronaut? A flower elf? A piece of toast? Doesn't matter. She can pull off any costume and still be 100% Labubu, which gives designers endless room to get creative.

But the real magic might be in her expression. She’s not just "🙂" happy. There's something more complex going on, and that's her superpower. Collectors see their own moods in her, whether they're feeling goofy, grumpy, or plotting something. It makes her feel less like a static toy and more like the perfect little co-conspirator who shares your secrets.

And, let's be honest, there's the investment angle. With this much popularity, the early, limited-edition, or hidden figures have become serious collector's items. That hunt for a rare find adds a whole other layer of "investment-minded" hype to the obsession.

The zomobox Connection: A New Way to Collect

Let's face it: Labubu has officially blown up. Trying to snag that one figure you need is turning into an extreme sport. The traditional blind box hunt and the frankly terrifying secondary market prices just can't keep up with the obsession.

So, naturally, the internet is stepping in with a new way to play the game.

Enter platforms like zomobox. They're ditching the old "buy-and-pray" method for something way more interesting: the "Ichiban Kuji" (prize lottery) model. Instead of just buying a random blind box, you buy a ticket that guarantees you something from a specific, visible prize pool.

This is where it gets good. You still get that "please, please, please" adrenaline rush of a blind box, but the "certainty" part means you'll never end up with, say, a random sticker you didn't want. Every ticket gets you a real prize from the list, while still giving you that lottery-ticket chance to snag a massive "grand prize" (like a full-sized Labubu) for chump change.

For collectors who are sick of hunting for that one specific discontinued figure, platforms like Zomobox are a complete game-changer. It’s a more fun, less soul-crushing way to build that dream collection, all from your couch.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Little Monster

Ever wonder how that little creature with the toothy grin took over the world?

Labubu wasn't always a POP MART superstar. She started as a mischievous character in Kasing Lung’s storybooks, then became a cool, niche art toy (Sofubi, for those in the know).

Now? She's the undisputed queen of the blind box shelf. Her journey is the perfect, wild collision of art, commerce, and pure collector hype.

But let's be real: she’s way more than just a piece of plastic. She's the official (and probably cutest) ambassador to Kasing Lung’s entire fantastical world, and for millions of fans, she's that one little monster that just gets them.

And trust me, Labubu’s story is just getting started. As “The Monsters” universe keeps growing, you can bet that toothy little creature is going to be a legend in the collectible history books.

FAQs

Is Labubu a rabbit?

No. Although she has long ears, according to her creator Kasing Lung, Labubu is a little forest-dwelling monster (a sprite). Her long ears are simply a distinctive biological feature.

Is Labubu a boy or a girl?

Kasing Lung has explicitly stated that Labubu is a little girl.

Who are the other main characters in “The Monsters” family besides Labubu?

While Labubu is the most popular character, her main friends include: Tycoco (a little skeleton), Pato (a bat-like creature), Spooky (pumpkin-headed), and Yaya (a shy little creature), among others.

Where can I buy Labubu toys?

The main channels for purchasing Labubu figures include POP MART’s global offline stores and the official online shop. Additionally, collectors can find specific or rare editions on specialized pop culture platforms like Zomobox, or on secondary markets such as Solestage or StockX.