The Short Answer
Zimomo has a tail. Labubu doesn't.
That's the fastest way to tell them apart. But there's more to it.
Who's Who in The Monsters
Both characters come from Kasing Lung's The Monsters universe. But they're not the same creature.
Labubu: Female. A species. All the common blind box figures you see are Labubu. She's mischievous but kind-hearted, always getting into accidental trouble.
Zimomo: Male. Singular. The leader of the Labubu clan. Think of him as the king—bigger, wiser, with a spiny tail to prove it.
When Pop Mart says "Labubu series," they mean the blind boxes with 6-12 different variations. When they release a "Zimomo," it's usually one big figure.
Physical Differences
The Tail
Zimomo's defining feature. A magnificent spiny tail that you can actually pose—there's an internal skeleton inside. Labubu has no tail at all. If you see a tail, it's Zimomo.
Size
Zimomo is roughly twice the size of Labubu. Standard blind box Labubus are around 8-15 cm. The famous Zimomo vinyl face dolls stand at 58 cm (nearly 2 feet).
Face Shape
| Feature | Labubu | Zimomo |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Oblong | Round |
| Face | Oblong | Round |
| Eyes | Oblong | Larger, rounder |
| Teeth | 9 pointed | 9 pointed |
| Ears | Rabbit-like | Rabbit-like |
Same teeth count, same ears. Different proportions.
Wings
Some Zimomo figures have wings. The "Angel in Clouds" vinyl face doll is a prime example. Labubu doesn't fly.
Price Comparison
This is where it gets real.
| Figure | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Labubu | Blind box | ~$22 |
| Limited Labubu | Special edition | $60-$300 |
| Zimomo "I Found You" | 58cm vinyl | ~$290 |
| Zimomo "Angel in Clouds" | 58cm vinyl | ~$180 |
Zimomo costs more because:
- Bigger size (58cm vs 8-15cm)
- Fewer releases (limited production)
- Leader status (collectors want the king)
What's Available
Labubu Series
Dozens of blind box collections:
- V1 Exciting Macaron (2023) — The original, 6 colors + secret
- V2 Have A Seat (2024) — Seated poses, 7 figures
- V3 Big Into Energy (2024) — Active poses
- Coca-Cola collaboration
- One Piece collaboration
- Pronounce collaboration
- And many more
New series drop regularly. Restocks happen. Entry point is $22.
Zimomo Releases
Much rarer:
- 2018 STS Exhibition — Dark gray body, light gray face, maroon accents
- 2019 Mint Green Edition — Hong Kong Dahood sneaker store 15th anniversary
- I Found You — 58cm vinyl face doll
- Angel in Clouds — 58cm vinyl face doll with wings
Zimomo releases are event-exclusive or limited edition. No regular blind boxes. No $22 entry point.
Which Should You Get?
Get Labubu If:
- You're new to The Monsters
- Budget is $22-$100
- You want variety (colors, series, poses)
- You enjoy the blind box hunt
- Shelf space is limited
Get Zimomo If:
- You already have Labubu and want the king
- Budget is $150+
- You want a statement piece
- You prefer one big figure over many small ones
- You found a Zimomo release at retail (rare)
The Lore
In The Monsters universe:
- Labubus are a tribe of mischievous elves
- Zimomo leads them all
- Tycoco is Labubu's boyfriend (yes, there's romance)
- Mokoko is the sweet one with a heart-shaped nose and eyelashes
They're not siblings. They're not the same species. Zimomo is the big boss. Labubus are the crew.
How to Spot Fakes
Both characters have counterfeit issues at these price points.
For Labubu:
- Count the teeth — exactly 9
- Scan the QR code with POP MART app
- Check ear sculpting quality
- Feel the material — authentic is soft and even
For Zimomo:
- Tail posability — real ones have internal skeleton
- Check official POP MART packaging
- Eye placement and symmetry
- Size accuracy (58cm for vinyl dolls)
The Bottom Line
They're from the same universe but fill different roles.
Labubu is the accessible entry point — $22, blind boxes, frequent releases, variety of colors. Perfect for new collectors building a collection.
Zimomo is the grail — $180-$290, limited releases, statement pieces. For collectors who want the leader.
Most serious collectors end up with both. Start with Labubu to understand the market, add Zimomo when you find one at retail.
The 725% increase in The Monsters sales from 2023 to 2024 shows both characters have momentum. They're not competing—they're complementing each other in the same universe.