Are Labubu and “The Monsters” The Same?

Labubu and "The Monsters" are not the same — but they are deeply connected. One is a character, the other is the entire world she comes from.

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If you’ve ever browsed trendy toy stores or spotted collectors showcasing cute yet mischievous-looking creature figures, you’ve probably encountered Labubu. With her fuzzy elf-like appearance, wide curious eyes, and that iconic jagged grin, she stands out. But many people use “Labubu” to refer to not just her, but a whole family of figures. That’s where the confusion begins.

The bigger picture is "The Monsters" — a fictional universe created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung back in 2015. Inspired by Nordic mythology and fantasy, this world is filled with quirky characters, each with their own personality and backstory. Alongside Labubu, you find Zimomo, Tycoco, Mokoko, Pato, and more. Together, they form an entire narrative ecosystem.

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So why does “Labubu” often overshadow “The Monsters”? It comes down to popularity and branding. Pop Mart, the company that produces the toy series, strategically uses Labubu as the face of the product line. She’s the breakout star — the most recognizable and marketable character. As a result, many collectors and fans casually refer to all figures from The Monsters universe as “Labubu toys.”

You’ll often see online discussions, unboxing videos, or social media posts where people say, “I just bought a new Labubu!” — when what they actually mean is they bought a figurine of Zimomo or Tycoco. This blurring makes the branding successful but also slightly misleading.

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Community voices also highlight this nuance. On Reddit, one collector explains:

“Labubu is one character... The characters from the story do have different looks and personalities: there’s Labubu, Zimomo, Mokoko, Pato, Pippo, Tycoco, Spooky and Yaya.”

So, to wrap it up:

• •

  🧩 The Monsters = the original IP and fictional world

• •

  🧸 Labubu = the most famous character from that world

• •

  📦 Labubu Collectibles = the toy line named after her, which includes other characters too

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While it’s tempting to use “Labubu” as a catch-all term, understanding the distinction enriches your appreciation as a fan or collector. It’s like knowing that Buzz Lightyear isn’t “Toy Story” — he’s a beloved part of it.

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So next time you see that cheeky grin, you’ll know there’s a whole monstrous world behind it.