Since its creation in 2015, Labubu has evolved into one of the most diverse and collectible designer toy lines in the world. With over 50+ distinct series and 200+ individual variants, the Labubu universe offers something for every collector. This comprehensive guide covers every major version, from the original designs to the latest premium releases.
Quick Stats
Historical Timeline
Labubu Character Creation
Kasing Lung creates the original Labubu character design
POP MART Partnership
First blind box series 'The Monsters' launches globally
Series Expansion
Multiple themed series including Fairy Tale and Macaron
Special Materials
Introduction of glow-in-dark and metallic finishes
Anniversary Editions
Limited anniversary collections and artist collaborations
Global Expansion
Regional exclusive series and international collaborations
Premium Collections
Ultra-rare materials and luxury edition releases
Core Series Categories
1. Original Blind Box Series (2019-Present)
The foundation of Labubu collecting, these series feature the classic blind box format:
- The Monsters (2019): The breakthrough series that launched global popularity
- Fairy Tale (2019): Themed characters based on classic fairy tales
- Macaron (2020): Soft pastel colorways inspired by French pastries
- Christmas Special (2020): Holiday-themed limited edition
- Sakura (2021): Cherry blossom seasonal collection
2. Special Material Series
Premium collections featuring unique materials and finishes:
- Glow in Dark (2021): Phosphorescent materials for nighttime display
- Metallic (2022): Chrome and metallic finish variants
- Crystal Clear (2022): Transparent and translucent editions
- Flocked (2023): Soft textile surface treatments
3. Artist Collaborations
Limited partnerships with renowned artists and brands:
- KAWS Collaboration (2021): Cross-brand designer toy partnership
- Supreme Edition (2022): Streetwear brand collaboration
- Fragment Design (2023): Hiroshi Fujiwara's minimalist take
- Takashi Murakami (2024): Colorful pop art interpretation
4. Regional Exclusives
Market-specific releases celebrating local culture:
- Hong Kong Exclusive: Celebrating the character's origins
- Japan Limited: Anime and manga-inspired designs
- USA Special: American pop culture themes
- Europe Collection: European art and culture influences
Collector's Note
While this guide covers major series, new variants are constantly being released. The total count continues to grow with special events, pop-up store exclusives, and seasonal releases throughout the year.
Rarity Classifications
🟢 Regular (80%)
Widely available figures found in most series
- • Standard colorways
- • Regular production runs
- • Retail price: $8-15
🟡 Secret/Chase (15%)
Hidden figures with special features
- • Special materials
- • Unique colorways
- • Value: $50-300
🔴 Ultra Rare (5%)
Extremely limited production
- • Artist collaborations
- • Error variants
- • Value: $300-1500+
Complete Series Checklist
For serious collectors, here's a comprehensive checklist of major Labubu series to track your collection progress:
Essential Series (Must-Have)
- The Monsters (2019)
- Fairy Tale (2019)
- Christmas Special (2020)
- Glow in Dark (2021)
- Metallic (2022)
- Anniversary Edition (2022)
- Artist Collaboration (2023)
- Premium Collection (2024)
Investment & Collecting Strategy
Best Series for New Collectors
- The Monsters: Historical significance and proven value retention
- Fairy Tale: Artistic appeal and moderate pricing
- Macaron: Aesthetic beauty and accessibility
- Current Regular Series: Easy to obtain and complete
Advanced Collector Targets
- Chase Figures: Focus on completing secret collections
- Artist Collaborations: Limited availability ensures value growth
- Regional Exclusives: Unique pieces with cultural significance
- Error Variants: Extremely rare production mistakes
Pro Tip: Future Releases
Kasing Lung and POP MART typically announce new series 2-3 months in advance. Following official social media accounts and joining collector communities helps you stay ahead of release schedules and secure limited editions before they sell out.
Conclusion
The Labubu universe has grown exponentially since 2015, evolving from a single character design into a comprehensive collection ecosystem with hundreds of variants across dozens of series. Whether you're a casual collector drawn to the character's charm or a serious investor tracking market trends, understanding the breadth of available versions helps inform better collecting decisions.
As the designer toy market continues expanding globally, we can expect even more innovative series, collaborations, and special editions. The key to successful Labubu collecting lies in balancing personal preference with strategic acquisition, focusing on series that bring both joy and long-term value.
