The monster hit: Labubu and the new face of collectible culture
What started as an obscure vinyl toy from a Chinese designer has grown into a billion-dollar global sensation. Labubu, a mischievous elf-like figure created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and popularized by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, has transcended its domestic origins to become a symbol of China’s burgeoning cultural influence. In this article, a Kazinform News Agency correspondent explores the phenomenon behind one of the world’s most talked-about collectible toys.
With its distinctive grin, spiky ears and ambiguous charm, Labubu is the standout character in “The Monsters” series. Originally designed to be “kind-hearted and helpful, but often accidentally causing chaos,” the doll’s quirky design defies traditional notions of cuteness - and that may be exactly what fueled its rise.
Other Chinese cultural products - from video games like Black Myth: Wukong to animated films like Nezha - are increasingly seen as vehicles of national branding.
In a world where consumer trends often burn out as quickly as they ignite, Labubu’s blend of chaos, cuteness, and cultural capital appears to have tapped into something deeper - a longing for surprise in a highly curated digital age, and a fresh expression of how creativity and play can transcend borders.
Earlier, it was reported that the global anime market has surged from a niche interest to a worldwide phenomenon, and Kazakhstan is no exception. With a growing fan base and easier access to diverse content, anime and manga have become a major part of pop culture in the country.