Introduction: The Buzz Around Labubu Energy

In the past few years, a quirky, sharp-toothed creature with an oddly charming grin has taken the world by storm. Known as Labubu, this mischievous character is part of The Monsters series created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. What makes Labubu especially intriguing today is the sub-series called Labubu Energy, which has ignited massive demand among toy collectors and casual fans alike.

From New York and Chicago to Tokyo and Bangkok, collectors are lining up outside Pop Mart stores for hours, hoping to snag blind boxes from the Big Into Energy collection. Priced at just $27.99 retail, some of these small vinyl toys resell for three times the price online, proving their immense cultural and collectible value.

Labubu Energy is more than just a toy—it represents a fusion of folklore, modern design, and viral consumer culture. In this article, we’ll explore its origins, the reason behind the craze, cultural impact, authenticity concerns, and what the future holds for this beloved figure.

The Origins of Labubu and the Birth of Labubu Energy

Labubu traces back to the creative imagination of Kasing Lung, who first illustrated the character in storybooks before collaborating with Pop Mart to turn it into collectible figures. Labubu is described as “ugly yet lovable,” a figure with long rabbit-like ears, sharp teeth, and wide eyes that give it a mix of chaos and cuteness.

The Labubu Energy series—formally called Big Into Energy—was launched by Pop Mart in 2025. The concept behind it was to encapsulate positive elements such as hope, love, and happiness into Labubu’s design while keeping its mischievous aura. Unlike standard blind box sets, this series emphasized vibrant colors, elemental energy themes, and collectible variations that made each figure feel like a lucky charm.

Pop Mart’s decision to release the Energy series was timely: the brand had already been expanding worldwide, and Labubu had become its flagship mascot alongside other collectible lines. With Pop Mart’s aggressive store rollout—over 570 stores in 18 countries—Labubu Energy instantly became a global icon.

Why Labubu Energy Became a Global Sensation

Several factors explain why Labubu Energy skyrocketed in popularity:

• Scarcity & Blind Box Culture: Each figure is sold in a sealed box, making the purchase a gamble. Fans never know if they’ll get a standard figure or a rare “Secret.” This lottery effect fuels excitement and repeat buying.
• Social Media Influence: TikTok and Instagram are flooded with unboxing videos, where collectors share their pulls and trade duplicates. These clips often go viral, turning toys into cultural moments.
• Celebrity Endorsements: K-Pop idols like Lisa from Blackpink have been spotted with Labubu figures, increasing appeal among younger audiences.
• Resale Market: Retail prices of $27.99 often balloon to $90+ on resale platforms, further driving hype and urgency to buy.

In Chicago, a Pop Mart pop-up event for Labubu Energy sold out 200 boxes in less than 10 minutes. Some buyers immediately flipped them online, with resale listings multiplying by the hour.

This combination of collectible psychology, viral marketing, and cultural adoption transformed Labubu Energy into a global phenomenon that rivals Funko Pop or Be@rbrick in desirability.

The Market Impact: Labubu Energy and Pop Mart’s Growth

Labubu isn’t just a toy—it’s an economic driver for Pop Mart. According to financial reports, the brand’s profits quadrupled while revenue tripled between 2022 and 2024. The success of Labubu Energy was instrumental in Pop Mart’s inclusion in the Hang Seng Index, a milestone for any Asian company.

Here’s a breakdown of Pop Mart’s expansion fueled by Labubu Energy:

Year	Number of Stores	Countries	Revenue Growth
2022	250	9	+45%
2023	400	14	+70%
2024	571	18	+200%

Collectors don’t just buy one figure—they often purchase entire cases of 12 blind boxes to maximize chances of landing a rare “Secret.” This demand has made Labubu Energy a pillar of modern collectible culture, standing alongside LEGO and Funko as a billion-dollar market driver.

Labubu’s Character Universe: Energy in Design

The appeal of Labubu Energy also lies in its character companions and storytelling universe.

• Labubu: The mischievous star with sharp teeth and devilish charm.
• Zimomo: A calm, serene figure with a spiky tail—symbolizing balance.
• Mokoko: Pink, sweet, and cheerful—designed to complement Labubu’s mischief.

Each Labubu Energy figure embodies a different elemental force—hope, love, happiness, mystery—giving fans the sense that they’re collecting not just toys, but small talismans.

This emotional design element makes Labubu Energy more than just a collectible—it becomes a personal symbol for buyers. For some, it represents luck, for others hope, and for many, simply joy.

The Risks: Counterfeits, Dupes, and Safety Concerns

With Labubu Energy’s massive popularity came an inevitable downside: the flood of fake and counterfeit figures on the market.

In 2024, the UK Border Force seized over 100,000 fake Labubu-like dolls—often labeled as “Lafufu” or unbranded dupes—at various ports. Investigations revealed that these knockoffs were poorly made, sometimes toxic, and failed basic safety checks. Unlike genuine Pop Mart figures, counterfeits often contained hazardous dyes, unsafe plastics, and sharp edges that made them dangerous, especially for children.

How to Spot a Fake Labubu Energy:

• Brand Marking: Genuine Pop Mart Labubu toys have the Pop Mart logo stamped on the left foot.
• Packaging Quality: Originals come in premium blind box packaging with glossy print and clear color consistency, while fakes often look faded or pixelated.
• QR Code Authentication: Every authentic figure comes with a scannable QR code for verification.
• Price Red Flags: Anything drastically cheaper than retail ($27.99) is likely counterfeit.

Counterfeit Labubu Energy toys not only devalue the collectible market but also pose health and safety risks. Collectors are urged to buy only from official Pop Mart stores, licensed retailers, or verified resellers.

Cultural Impact and Global Controversies

Labubu Energy’s influence extends far beyond the toy market. In some countries, it has become a cultural symbol—inspiring tattoos, amulets, and even controversies.

• Thailand: Labubu-inspired amulets and charms are sold as symbols of wealth, protection, and luck. Many fans treat their Labubu Energy figure as a modern talisman, carrying it in cars, workspaces, and handbags.
• Iraq’s Kurdistan Region: Authorities banned Labubu in early 2025, claiming it promoted demonic or harmful imagery. This sparked protests among youth who saw the ban as unnecessary.
• Russia: Conservative groups pushed for a nationwide ban, associating Labubu with “occult” symbols.
• Online Theories: Some conspiracy theories falsely link Labubu to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu. Scholars and designers have debunked this, clarifying that Labubu’s design stems from European folklore influences, not dark mythology.

Despite bans and controversies, Labubu Energy thrives globally. In fact, controversies often fuel demand—turning the figure into a rebellious cultural icon.

Collector Tips: Buying, Trading, and Preserving Value

For new and seasoned collectors alike, Labubu Energy collecting can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here are practical tips to help you navigate:

Buying Tips

• Official Channels First: Always check Pop Mart’s website, official stores, or licensed partners.
• Community Insights: Follow Reddit’s r/Labubu or Discord trading groups to stay updated on drops.
• Buy in Bulk: Purchasing a full case (12 blind boxes) increases chances of finding a rare “Secret” figure.

Trading & Reselling

• Use Trusted Platforms: Apps like Whatnot, Mercari, and eBay are common for trades, but check seller ratings.
• Track Rarity Odds: “Secret” figures usually have a 1-in-72 chance, making them highly valuable.
• Set a Resale Budget: Don’t fall into impulse bidding—rare figures typically resell between $90–$200.

Preserving Value

• Keep Packaging: Unopened blind boxes often retain higher resale value.
• Display Safely: Use UV-resistant acrylic cases to prevent fading.
• Avoid Humidity: Store figures in a cool, dry space to protect paint and material.

Collecting Labubu Energy is not just about owning toys—it’s about joining a global community of fans and traders who treat these figures as modern-day art.

The Emotional Side: Why Fans Love Labubu Energy

Labubu Energy taps into the emotional psychology of collecting. Fans often describe it as “so ugly it’s cute”, blending creepiness with charm. Its mischievous design evokes curiosity, humor, and nostalgia all at once.

A popular saying among collectors is:

“Labubu is chaos wrapped in vinyl—sharp teeth, big eyes, but somehow huggable.”

For many, owning a Labubu Energy figure feels like having a quirky, protective friend. It has become a stress-relief collectible, something to hold onto during uncertain times. In Asia, many fans even describe it as a good-luck charm, attributing positive life events to owning one.

This emotional connection sets Labubu Energy apart from generic toys. It’s not just plastic—it’s an experience, a symbol, and a conversation starter.

Labubu Energy and Pop Mart’s Future

With its immense popularity, Labubu Energy shows no signs of slowing down. Several future expansions are already underway:

• Collaborations: Pop Mart has already teased partnerships with One Piece, Coca-Cola, and fashion brands, meaning Labubu Energy will appear in crossover designs.
• Anime & Storytelling: An official Labubu anime series is planned for mid-2025, giving the toy a narrative world and new audience.
• Digital Collectibles: With the rise of NFTs and digital ownership, Pop Mart is exploring Labubu Energy NFT collectibles tied to physical toys.
• Global Expansion: With 571 stores worldwide and growing, Pop Mart aims to double its U.S. presence, making Labubu Energy even more accessible.

Just like Pokémon evolved from trading cards to a global franchise, Labubu Energy is poised to become not just a toy line but a multi-media empire.

Key Takeaways for Collectors and Fans

• Labubu Energy is a cultural and collectible phenomenon that combines folklore-inspired design with modern pop culture.
• Its blind box format fuels excitement, while resale markets amplify demand.
• Counterfeits are a major risk—collectors must buy carefully.
• Beyond toys, Labubu Energy has become a symbol of luck, identity, and rebellion, with cultural impact spanning tattoos to controversies.
• The future promises collaborations, anime, and digital collectibles—making it an investment not just in fun, but in cultural history.

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