You’ve seen it everywhere. That creepy smile with a set of nine triangular teeth. The gremlin face. The furry bodice. You’ll find it on phone covers, purses, bags, work desks, bedrooms, bathrooms — just everywhere. Every time you see a Labubu, you feel its soul staring right at you with that demonic smile. And yet it’s being sold like hot cakes, from dupes available for Rs. 500 to the real deal available for thousands and lakhs of rupees.
However, it seems like the era of Labubus is ending and a new toy is gaining popularity as a prized collectible — the Skullpanda.
When BLACKPINK’s Lisa talked about Labubu in a viral interview, nobody expected the creepy yet adorable doll to blow up. But here we are, its successor already in tow.
Labubu, with its snaggle-toothed gremlin charm, had an epic run. It gave us everything from creepy vibes to main character energy. Skullpanda, in turn, is giving art school drop-out turned gallery curator energy. She’s that moody girl who drinks matcha lattes, wears thrifted black lace, and stares into your soul. And we’re living for it. While Skullpanda hasn’t had any major celebrity endorsements yet, it won’t be long before people start queuing up for this toy as well.
At its core, Skullpanda is more than just a vinyl figure. It’s a character that reflects mood, identity, and culture through ever-evolving designs. Created by Chinese artist Xiong Miao and produced by Pop Mart, each series transforms this mysterious girl into a different version of herself.
From traditional Chinese aesthetics like ancient hair ornaments and classical robes, to modern themes like music, fashion, and dreams, Skullpanda reinvents itself in every drop. One series might show her sipping tea in a silk cheongsam, while another has her rocking streetwear or floating in a surreal dreamscape.
That’s the magic — there’s a Skullpanda for every mood and collector. Whether you vibe with her soft, introspective side (The Warmth), her spooky-cute gothic looks (Ancient Castle), or her playful everyday moments (‘Everyday’ series), there’s something for everyone.
Like Labubus, Skullpandas are also sold in a blind-box format, which means you don’t know what you get till you open the box.
This adds to the mystery and intrigue behind the brand and the dolls’ personalities. Moreover, this turns every unboxing experience into a mini-adventure. Didn’t like what you got? Well, there’s always a chance you’ll get something better with your next purchase. And so, the cycle goes on.
The craze around collectible dolls like Labubu, and now Skullpanda, only proves one thing — just when you thought the world couldn’t get any more bizarre, the universe will always surprise you with something even weirder!