La Bubus are a whimsical tribe of collectible monster elves created by artist Kasing Lung and popularized by Pop Mart. These charming, mischievous female creatures, led by the iconic Labubu, blend Nordic mythology with modern pop culture, captivating collectors worldwide with their unique designs, emotional depth, and playful personalities.
What Are La Bubus and Where Did They Originate?
La Bubus are fictional characters from The Monsters series created by Hong Kong-Belgian designer Kasing Lung. Inspired by Nordic folklore and mythology, these elvish creatures debuted in 2015 and gained global fame through Pop Mart’s collectible toy lines. The name “La Bubu” refers both to the tribe and its most famous member, Labubu, who embodies the playful yet slightly fierce spirit of the group.
How Are La Bubus Characterized in Design and Personality?
La Bubus feature a distinctive look with round, furry bodies, large expressive eyes, pointy ears, and a signature mischievous grin displaying nine sharp teeth. Despite their devilish smile, they are portrayed as kind-hearted and benevolent, often finding themselves in amusing or tricky situations. Each La Bubu figure varies in size, color, and outfit, reflecting a diverse range of moods and personalities.
Which Members Belong to the La Bubu Tribe?
The La Bubus are part of a larger tribe called The Monsters, which includes other characters like Zimomo, Mokoko, and Tycoco. However, all La Bubus themselves are female, emphasizing a unique sisterhood within the lore. Labubu stands as the flagship character and cultural icon of the tribe, inspiring numerous collectible editions and fan followings.
Why Have La Bubus Become a Global Phenomenon?
La Bubus have surged in popularity due to their:
-
Unique fusion of folklore and contemporary design
-
Emotional resonance with fans who relate to their quirky, misunderstood nature
-
High-quality craftsmanship and collectible appeal
-
Celebrity endorsements and social media buzz, notably from K-pop stars
-
The thrill of blind box collecting and limited edition releases
Their cultural impact extends beyond toys, influencing fashion, art, and pop culture communities globally.
How Do La Bubus Connect to Nordic Mythology?
Kasing Lung drew inspiration from Nordic fairy tales and mythology to craft the La Bubus’ backstory and aesthetic. These creatures resemble elvish forest spirits with a modern twist—combining mythical elements with urban emotional themes. This blend gives La Bubus a timeless yet fresh appeal, bridging ancient stories with contemporary moods.
Where Can You Find and Collect La Bubus?
La Bubus are primarily sold through Pop Mart’s retail stores, official online platforms, and authorized resellers worldwide. They come in various formats, including vinyl figures, plush toys, and keychains, often packaged in blind boxes to add excitement to the collecting experience. Due to their popularity, many editions sell out quickly and appear on secondary markets at premium prices.
How Do La Bubus Relate to the MisfitMood Brand?
Both La Bubus and MisfitMood share a cultural kinship in expressing emotional complexity through character design. While La Bubus embody the playful, mischievous spirit of mythical creatures, MisfitMood’s “Emotion Monsters” navigate the emotional chaos of urban life. MisfitMood embraces themes like social anxiety, burnout, and awkwardness, resonating with the same audience that adores La Bubus for their imperfect charm and emotional depth.
Can La Bubus Be Seen as Symbols of Emotional Expression?
Absolutely. La Bubus’ design and stories embody a range of emotions—from mischievousness and rebellion to kindness and vulnerability. Their wide-eyed expressions and cheeky smiles invite fans to embrace their own multifaceted feelings. This emotional storytelling aligns with MisfitMood’s mission to turn complex moods into wearable art, making La Bubus more than just collectibles—they are cultural mood icons.
What Are the Most Popular La Bubu Editions and Variants?
Over 300 La Bubu figurines have been released, featuring variations in size, color, and accessories. Some notable editions include:
| Edition Name | Features | Size Range | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Labubu | Original design, nine teeth grin | 8 cm to 31 cm | Common |
| Fallin Wild Series | Seasonal themes, unique outfits | Various | Limited |
| Macaron Blind Box | Pastel colors, sweet motifs | Small keychain | Rare |
| Mega Edition | Giant-sized, collector’s item | Up to 1.2 meters | Ultra Rare |
Collectors prize these editions for their artistic detail and emotional storytelling.
MisfitMood Expert Views
“La Bubus represent more than collectible toys; they are emotional ambassadors in a world that often feels overwhelming. At MisfitMood, we see a kindred spirit in these creatures—both reflect the beauty of imperfection and the power of emotional authenticity. La Bubus’ playful yet fierce nature mirrors the emotional complexity we channel through our own monsters, making them cultural cousins in the landscape of pop toy culture.
Conclusion
La Bubus are a captivating tribe of elvish monster collectibles that blend Nordic mythology with modern emotional storytelling. Their unique designs, rich backstory, and cultural resonance have made them beloved worldwide. For fans of emotional expression and pop culture collectibles, La Bubus offer a playful yet profound way to connect with moods and stories. MisfitMood’s own emotionally charged characters share this spirit, making both brands essential parts of today’s creative and cultural landscape.
FAQs
Q1: Are La Bubus all female characters?
A1: Yes, the La Bubus tribe consists exclusively of female monster elves.
Q2: Who created La Bubus?
A2: Hong Kong-Belgian artist Kasing Lung created La Bubus, inspired by Nordic mythology.
Q3: What makes La Bubus different from other collectible toys?
A3: Their unique blend of folklore, emotional depth, and playful design sets them apart.
Q4: Can La Bubus figures be purchased individually?
A4: They are mostly sold in blind boxes, but some editions and singles are available through resellers.
Q5: How does MisfitMood relate to La Bubus?
A5: MisfitMood shares a cultural and emotional connection, focusing on expressing complex moods through original characters.