Behind the viral hype, the sold-out blind boxes, and the celebrity endorsements lies a rich artistic world inspired by Nordic folklore. Labubu isn't just a plastic toy; it is a character born from the brush of an award-winning illustrator.
To truly appreciate your collection, you need to understand the story behind the smile. Who is Labubu? And who is the mastermind behind "The Monsters"?
1. The Artist: Who is Kasing Lung?
Before Labubu became a Pop Mart sensation, its creator, Kasing Lung (龙家升), was already a celebrated name in the art world.
Born in Hong Kong, Lung moved to the Netherlands at a young age. This dual background is crucial to his art style. Growing up in Europe, he was heavily influenced by Nordic fairy tales and folklore, which often feature creatures that are not strictly "cute" or "scary," but a mysterious blend of both.
A Historic Achievement:
Kasing Lung was the first Chinese winner of the prestigious Illustration Award in Belgium. He started his career illustrating children's books, where his rough, sketchy, and organic lines stood out against the polished digital art of the time.
2. The Birth of "The Monsters"
In 2015, Kasing Lung published a black-and-white illustration book titled The Monsters. This was the debut of the Labubu character.
Unlike traditional heroes, the characters in The Monsters inhabit a forest that feels slightly wild and primal. The story revolves around a group of forest elves who are mischievous but ultimately kind-hearted.
Why the Scary Teeth?
Fans often ask why Labubu has serrated, shark-like teeth. According to Lung, this represents the complexity of nature and personality. Labubu looks wicked and mischievous on the outside, but acts with innocence. It is this juxtaposition—the "Kind-Hearted Monster"—that resonates so deeply with fans.
3. Character Guide: Labubu vs. Zimomo
New collectors often confuse the characters in the universe. Here is the definitive guide to telling them apart:
Labubu
- The Protagonist: The main character of the series.
- Appearance: Usually has 9 teeth. They often do not have a tail (or have a very small one) in the classic blind box designs.
- Personality: Naughty, hyperactive, and always getting into trouble.
Zimomo
- The Chief: Zimomo is the leader of the tribe.
- Appearance: Much larger than Labubu in the lore. The key identifier is the tail—Zimomo almost always has a prominent tail.
- Personality: More adventurous and authoritative.
Tycoco
- The Skeleton: The character with a skull head.
- Role: Often depicted as Labubu's "boyfriend" or victim of Labubu's pranks.
4. From Canvas to Vinyl: The Pop Mart Partnership
Initially, Kasing Lung collaborated with Hong Kong toy brand How2Work to release limited-edition soft vinyl figures. These were expensive, handmade, and extremely hard to get.
The game changed when Pop Mart acquired the license to produce blind boxes.
- Democratizing Art: Pop Mart took Lung's complex, painterly style and translated it into affordable mass-market toys.
- Retaining the Texture: If you look closely at a high-quality Labubu figure, you can still see the texture that mimics Lung's original brushstrokes. This attention to artistic detail is why "The Monsters" series feels more premium than standard plastic toys.
5. Conclusion
Labubu is a bridge between the world of fine art illustration and modern pop culture. When you hang a Labubu on your bag or display one on your desk, you aren't just following a trend—you are carrying a piece of Kasing Lung's Nordic-inspired fairy tale.
Immerse Yourself in the Art
You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy Kasing Lung's art. We have curated a selection of wallpapers that feature the original illustration style of The Monsters. Explore our collections to find the perfect background for your device.