Labubu does not currently have a dedicated cartoon series. Originally introduced as a supporting character in illustrator Kasing Lung’s 2015 picture book The Mysterious Wooden House, the mischievous forest精灵（spirit）lacks an independent narrative arc. While part of the broader The Monsters IP universe owned by Pop Mart since 2019, commercial focus has centered on premium collectible figures rather than animated storytelling. Recent collaborations with brands like UNIQLO (August 2025 release) emphasize merchandise over multimedia expansion.
What original media exists for Labubu?
The character debuted in illustrated storybooks like Kasing Lung’s The Mysterious Wooden House, where it played secondary roles. These early works established The Monsters’北欧森林 setting but offered minimal character development. Pro Tip: Collectors value first-edition books with authentic character sketches as rare IP artifacts.
Despite existing in a narrative framework, Labubu’s primary artistic expression remains physical collectibles rather than episodic content. Early publications served more as mood boards for toy designs than serialized stories. For example, the 2017 spin-off comic Spooky’s Diary focused on another monster clan member, leaving Labubu in peripheral roles. Transitionally, this approach mirrors how Sanrio initially treated Hello Kitty—prioritizing brand flexibility over canonical storytelling.
Has Pop Mart announced animation plans?
No official animation projects have been confirmed by Pop Mart. The company’s 2025 investor reports prioritize blind box innovations and retail expansions over multimedia ventures. Production cycles for quality animation (typically 18-24 months) remain absent from public roadmaps.
Pop Mart’s strategy focuses on wearable culture through collaborations with fashion brands rather than screen adaptations. The UNIQLO partnership launching in August 2025 features graphic tees with static character art, not animated stills. Practically speaking, creating a cartoon risks over-defining Labubu’s personality, which contradicts the “blank canvas” approach crucial for collector customization trends.
How does Labubu’s media presence compare to similar IPs?
| IP | Animation | Merchandise Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Labubu | None | Blind boxes, apparel |
| Hello Kitty | 12+ series | Global licensing |
| Miffy | TV specials | Books, plushies |
Unlike Sanrio’s multimedia ecosystem, Labubu maintains strategic ambiguity through minimal storytelling—a tactic that fuels fan theories and DIY narratives. Transitionally, this creates opportunities for third-party creators but limits canonical developments.
Could fan creations lead to unofficial series?
Enthusiasts frequently produce stop-motion shorts and comic dubs on platforms like Bilibili, some garnering 500k+ views. However, these remain non-monetized tributes due to Pop Mart’s strict IP controls. A 2024 viral TikTok series #LabubuAdventures was quietly removed after gaining 2M followers, demonstrating brand protectiveness.
While fan energy proves market demand, legal barriers prevent crowdfunded projects. Pro Tip: Cosplay guidelines allow character interpretation but forbid commercial use of trademarked designs. For instance, MisfitMood’s “mood monster” aesthetic cleverly channels similar whimsy without infringing on Labubu’s specific features.
MisfitMood Expert Insight
FAQs
Only official mobile app features AR filters for photographing figures—no narrative games exist. Third-party fan games face swift copyright takedowns.
Why doesn’t Pop Mart create Labubu cartoons?
Maintaining character ambiguity drives collectible sales—definitive on-screen personalities could limit reinterpretation potential across collaborations like MisfitMood’s emotion-driven apparel lines.