In just a few short months, a quirky little toy captured hearts around the globe. Labubu, with its distinctive, slightly eerie charm, quickly became a must-have accessory. From Kim Kardashian to Ananya Panday, celebrities were seen flaunting Labubu on their luxury designer bags, turning it into a global trend. With over a million posts on Instagram, user-generated content played a key role in Labubu’s meteoric rise.
Now, a new icon has arrived: Skullpanda, the spiritual successor to Labubu. While Labubu was known for its signature expression, Skullpanda offers something more. With its skull-shaped helmet, soft spherical braids, and dreamy, ever-changing expressions, Skullpanda brings a fresh sense of fantasy to collectors. Special edition ranges make it even more coveted, setting the stage for a new chapter in collectable culture.
From Labubu to Skullpanda
Pop Mart, the Beijing-based art toy giant, first rose to global prominence on the back of characters like Labubu. Labubu’s popularity helped Pop Mart cement its position in the Asian toy market and fuel its international expansion. But as the brand matured, it became clear that collectors were seeking more than cuteness and nostalgia; they wanted figures that offered richer stories, deeper meanings and fresh creative directions. This is where Skullpanda stepped in.
The vision behind Skullpanda
As per media reports, created by Xiong Miao, who brings a background in film, architecture and gaming concept art, Skullpanda was designed to express the idea of “non-absoluteness”, embracing uncertainty without fixed labels or identities. Xiong, who founded her studio Beizhai in 2014 and later North Studio in Shanghai, envisioned a character that would invite interpretation rather than impose it.
Its design reflects this balance: the hard-edged skull helmet contrasts with gentle, spherical braids, creating a figure that feels both mysterious and soft. Each figure serves not merely as a collectable but as an artistic statement that invites reflection and interpretation.
Beyond its appearance, Skullpanda resonates with collectors because of the rich narratives woven into every series. From traditional Chinese ink-inspired designs to futuristic, dreamlike concepts and intimate explorations of everyday life, the character’s evolving themes touch on identity, loneliness, hope and creativity.
Collectors’ growing fascination
Skullpanda’s wide appeal stems in part from the diversity of themes explored across its series. From the gothic architecture of Ancient Castle to Hypepanda’s streetwear influences, or the quiet beauty of The Ink Plum Blossom, each release feels like a distinct artistic statement. The character has also starred in collaborations with global franchises such as The Addams Family, further expanding its reach.
The blind-box format, central to Pop Mart’s business model, adds to the allure. Priced between $16 and $24 in the US, each box offers the thrill of discovery, with collectors unaware of which figure they will receive until unboxing. Secret, rare figures, commanding high prices on secondary markets, have helped build an engaged collector community where fans trade, display and create art inspired by Skullpanda.
With over 300 documented Skullpanda variants, plush editions, large-format sculptures, and new series on the horizon, the character looks set to remain at the forefront of Pop Mart’s global strategy.