Labubu是由知名比利時籍香港設計師龍家昇 (Kasing Lung)所創作的原創角色，其形象來自他早期創作的奇幻繪本《The Monsters》，最初是作為其中的配角之一登場。Labubu 的外觀十分鮮明：身形矮小，擁有尖耳朵、鋸齒狀的嘴巴與大大的眼睛，常常以調皮、帶點惡作劇神情示人。這個看似「醜萌」的小怪獸形象，後來在龍家昇與知名設計玩具公司Pop Mart（泡泡瑪特）合作推出盲盒系列後，迅速爆紅，成為亞洲最受歡迎的潮流玩具之一。

之所以能爆紅，首先與其極具辨識度的外型設計有關。在潮玩市場中，Labubu的形象既帶有一種童趣，又融合些許黑暗與怪誕，打破傳統卡通角色以可愛或唯美為主的審美標準，反而吸引大量偏好獨特風格與非主流文化的年輕族群。此外，龍家昇在角色背後注入大量情感與敘事，例如Labubu雖外表頑皮、甚至有點邪氣，但內心卻純真、渴望友情與關懷，這種複雜與矛盾的角色性格，使得粉絲們能與角色產生更深層的情感共鳴。

泡泡瑪特作為潮玩產業的龍頭之一，擁有強大的產品行銷與通路佈局能力。他們為Labubu打造一系列盲盒產品，包括經典款、限定版、跨界聯名（如聖誕、萬聖節、侏羅紀公園合作系列）等，每次推出幾乎都能造成搶購潮。這種「盲盒經濟」模式，也成功激起消費者的蒐集欲與開箱快感，讓市場熱度居高不下。不僅在中國大陸、香港與台灣銷售火爆，更延伸至東南亞、日本甚至歐美市場，成許多名人例如Blackpink的Lisa及Angelababy配戴下，為國際潮流圈關注的焦點。

市場對Labubu的評價普遍正面。潮玩收藏界視其為「新世代IP潮流標竿」，許多收藏家與網紅紛紛在社群媒體分享開箱、拍照與展示心得。也不再只是單一角色，而是發展出整個「怪獸宇宙」，有包括Spooky、Zimomo等其他角色，構成一個充滿童話與黑色幽默的世界觀。藝術界也對龍家昇的創作給予肯定，他不只是設計師，更是一位說故事的藝術家，其作品曾在台北、香港、上海等地舉辦畫展與巡迴展覽。

總結來說，Labubu 的成功可歸因於其獨特的藝術風格、角色情感深度與強大的市場操作結合，不僅成為潮玩界的指標性角色，也代表了亞洲原創設計進軍全球的典範。對於喜歡藝術、收藏與潮流文化的人來說，Labubu不只是玩具，更是一種文化符號與生活風格的延伸。

Labubu is an original character created by renowned Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung. The character originated from Lung's early fantasy picture book The Monsters, in which Labubu initially appeared as a supporting character. Labubu’s appearance is highly distinctive: short in stature, with pointed ears, a jagged mouth, and large eyes. The character is often depicted with a mischievous or prankish expression. This "ugly-cute" little monster gained massive popularity after Kasing Lung partnered with the prominent designer toy company Pop Mart to release a blind box series. It quickly became one of the most popular trendsetting toys in Asia.

Labubu’s breakout success can be largely attributed to its instantly recognizable design. In the designer toy market, its image strikes a balance between childlike charm and a touch of darkness and eeriness, breaking away from the traditional aesthetic of cuteness or beauty typically seen in cartoon characters. This has resonated with a younger audience that favors unique styles and subcultural appeal. Additionally, Kasing Lung infused Labubu with rich emotion and storytelling. While the character may appear naughty or even a little sinister, it is inwardly pure and yearns for friendship and affection. This complexity and inner contradiction enable fans to connect with the character on a deeper emotional level.

As a leading brand in the designer toy industry, Pop Mart has strong capabilities in product marketing and distribution. They developed a wide range of Labubu blind box products, including classic versions, limited editions, and crossovers (such as Christmas, Halloween, and Jurassic Park collaborations). Each release often sparks a buying frenzy. This "blind box economy" model has successfully tapped into consumers' desire for collection and the thrill of unboxing, keeping market enthusiasm consistently high. The craze has spread beyond mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Southeast Asia, Japan, and even Western markets. With celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Angelababy spotted with Labubu merchandise, it has become a focal point in the international fashion and design scene.

The market reception of Labubu has been overwhelmingly positive. In the world of toy collectors, it is seen as a benchmark IP of the new generation of designer toys. Collectors and influencers alike frequently share their unboxing experiences, photography, and display collections on social media. Labubu has since evolved beyond a single character, becoming the centerpiece of a broader “Monster Universe,” including other characters like Spooky and Zimomo, forming a whimsical and darkly humorous world. The art world has also recognized Kasing Lung's contributions—not only as a designer but as a storyteller and artist. His works have been showcased in exhibitions and tours across Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

In summary, Labubu’s success is the result of a unique blend of artistic style, emotional depth, and powerful market strategy. It has become an iconic figure in the designer toy industry and stands as a shining example of how original Asian design can gain global recognition. For those who appreciate art, collectibles, and pop culture, Labubu is more than just a toy—it is a cultural symbol and an extension of a lifestyle.