THE MONSTERS x Kow Yokoyama Ma.K. Series Overview
Released April 28, 2023, the Ma.K. (Maschinen Krieger) Series represents THE MONSTERS' most radical stylistic departure. This collaboration with legendary Japanese mecha designer Kow Yokoyama transforms Labubu and Tycoco into mechanical combat units with gritty, weathered military aesthetics.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 28, 2023 |
| Format | Blind Box |
| Total Figures | 12 + 1 Hidden |
| Original Price | ~$10.99/box, $130/case |
| Current Value (2025) | $200 for complete set |
| Hidden Figure | Repair Man |
| Hidden Pull Rate | 1:144 (~0.69%) |
| Hidden Value | ~$100 |
All 12 Mecha Units + Hidden
Each figure captures military mecha aesthetics:
| # | Unit Name | Design Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amethyst | Purple crystalline armor unit |
| 2 | Dusk | Twilight camouflage combat form |
| 3 | Horizon | Long-range reconnaissance type |
| 4 | Sun Rising | Dawn patrol configuration |
| 5 | Bryophytes | Moss-covered environmental suit |
| 6 | Flamingo | Pink aerial support unit |
| 7 | Storm | Weather-resistant assault type |
| 8 | Flame | Incendiary warfare specialist |
| 9 | Corrosion | Acid-damaged battlefield veteran |
| 10 | Sand Wave | Desert operations customized |
| 11 | Darksteel | Heavy armor fortress type |
| 12 | Snowman | Arctic warfare specialized |
| HIDDEN | Repair Man | Maintenance and recovery unit |
Design Characteristics
Materials & Quality:
- PVC with metallic finishes and weathering effects
- Size: 6-9 cm (standard scale)
- Height: 4.3 inches (as listed by POP MART)
Visual Elements:
- Military color palette (olive drab, gunmetal, desert tan)
- Complex mechanical parts and welding seams
- Realistic battle damage weathering
- Authentic Ma.K. "what-if" WWII mecha aesthetic
Who is Kow Yokoyama?
Kow Yokoyama is a legendary Japanese mecha designer, creator of the Maschinen Krieger (Ma.K.) universe. His designs focus on:
- Realistic Military Hardware: Functional, grounded designs over fantastical robots
- Weathered Authenticity: Worn paint and battle damage suggesting actual combat
- WWII Mecha Aesthetic: "What-if" science fiction rooted in historical military design
- Global Influence: Decades of impact on mecha design culture worldwide
Why This Series Is Unique
The Ma.K. Series represented bold experimentation:
1. Legendary Collaboration Partnership with Kow Yokoyama brought serious design pedigree to THE MONSTERS.
2. Radical Aesthetic Shift Most extreme design departure in Labubu history - cute characters as military mecha.
3. Niche Targeting Specifically appeals to mecha and sci-fi enthusiasts rather than general Labubu fans.
4. Respectful Adaptation Faithfully honors Yokoyama's iconic style while maintaining Labubu identity.
Current Market Analysis (2025)
| Item | Market Price |
|---|---|
| Single Figure | $15-20 |
| Complete Standard Set (12) | $150-180 |
| Complete Set with Repair Man | $200 |
| Repair Man Hidden Only | ~$100 |
Investment Performance:
- Minimal appreciation (1.5-2x from original)
- Hidden variant remains very affordable
- Niche market primarily appeals to mecha/sci-fi collectors
- Complete sets readily available under $200
Authentication Tips
Verify authentic Ma.K. Series pieces:
Check For:
- Weathering details and battle damage authenticity
- Mechanical precision in armor details
- Correct military color tones
- POP MART holographic sticker on packaging
Counterfeits Often Have:
- Missing weathering effects
- Poor mechanical detailing
- Incorrect camouflage colors
- Cheap plastic feel
Collecting Strategy
Building a Complete Set:
- Case Purchase - Best value for all 12 standard units
- Mecha Community - Connect with Ma.K. collectors for trades
- Secondary Market - Often available below retail due to niche appeal
- Repair Man Hunt - Very accessible hidden at ~$100
Display Ideas:
- Create military diorama with tactical arrangement
- Group by environmental specialization (desert, arctic, urban)
- Position to highlight weathering and battle damage
- Display with other mecha collectibles for comparison
Perfect For
- Mecha design enthusiasts exploring designer toys
- Ma.K. universe fans seeking new collectible formats
- Military design aficionados appreciating tactical aesthetics
- Collectors valuing design heritage and artistic pedigree
- Those seeking experimental and niche releases
- Budget-conscious mecha collectors with accessible pricing
Where to Buy
Retail (Limited Availability):
- POP MART stores (check stock)
- POP MART app for restocks
- Mecha specialty retailers
Secondary Market:
- StockX (authenticated)
- eBay (verify seller ratings)
- Mercari (Japan/US)
- Ma.K. collector communities
Legacy & Impact
The Ma.K. Series demonstrated:
- Stylistic Experiment: Most radical design departure in Labubu history
- Collaboration Depth: Respectful adaptation of Yokoyama's iconic style
- Market Testing: Experiment with niche targeting versus broad appeal
- Design Challenge: Successfully merged cute characters with gritty mecha
This series proved Labubu could venture into completely different genres while maintaining identity.
Understanding the Weathering
A key feature of authentic Ma.K. design is weathering - the realistic aging and battle damage:
- Rust Effects: Brown and orange tones suggesting oxidation
- Paint Chips: Exposed metal beneath worn paint
- Battle Scars: Scratches and dents from combat
- Environmental Wear: Moss, sand, and environmental effects
Each figure tells a story of battlefield experience through its weathered finish.
Conclusion
THE MONSTERS x Kow Yokoyama Ma.K. Series stands as the most specialized and niche-oriented release in Labubu's lineup. While its limited appeal has resulted in modest market appreciation, it remains a fascinating example of creative experimentation and cross-genre collaboration.
At $200 for a complete set in 2025, it offers exceptional value for mecha enthusiasts. The Repair Man hidden at ~$100 is one of the most accessible hidden variants. For Ma.K. fans, mecha collectors, or those seeking unique Labubu expressions, this series delivers military precision with designer toy charm.