The Monsters are the absolute cutest things in the entire world, and I have been obsessed with them for ages. Their popularity has grown since they were first released, and I have realized that a lot of people I know still don’t know their background story. If that is the case, this post is for you. 

Kasing Lung created the story series The Monsters in 2015. It is strongly influenced by Nordic Mythology. The Monsters Tribe includes Zimomo, Tycoco, Mokoko, Spooky, Pato, and Labubu. Despite a mischievous first impression, Labubu is very kind-hearted and always wants to help others while accidentally doing bad things. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we should grin like Labubu, and naturally we will become happy.

Labubu:

What is a Labubu? According to the original books, Labubu is a mischievous elf character who is actually a girl. She features high-pointed ears, nine serrated teeth, and no tail.

In 2019, Kaising Lung entered an exclusive license agreement with POP MART which brings us to the Labubu plush pendants. There are currently two versions to choose from. First, The Monsters – Tasty Macaron Vinyl Face Blind Box, referred to as version one or V1. They first launched October 2023, these Labubu charms come in a standing position with adjustable heads, arms and feet. Each Labubu comes with a cute dessert inspired name that reflects the color. You have a 1:6 chance in finding a ‘regular’ figure like Soymilk, Lychee, Green Grape, Sea Salt Coconut, Toffee and Sesame Bean with a matching nose color. Where are the ‘secret’ figure Chestnut Cocoa is 1:72.

The Version 2 or V2, The Monsters – Have A Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box which launched July 2024, come in a seated position. While their heads, arms and legs are still posable there are some differences, such as they have a softer and furrier material and they have different facial expressions: eyes open, eyes closed and blinking. There are six ‘regular’ figures Sisi (yellow), Hehe (grey), Baba (light brown), Zizi (purple), Quwu (purple), and Dada (pink) and one ‘secret’ figure DuoDuo comes in brown, with a red nose and an extra twinkle in her eyes.

Zimomo:

The leader of the Labubu elves, Zimomo and Labubu, may look similar at first glance, but there are some differences that can help you tell them apart. Zimomo has a spiked tail, while Labubu does not have a tail at all. Zimomo is twice the size of Labubu, and according to creator Kasing Lung, all Zimomo’s are male. 

Mokoko:

Mokoko’s name means “special,” and her appearance proves she is special. She is characterized by her pastel pink fur and her white belly. She also has curly eyelashes, a cute heart-shaped nose, and a floral scent. Three versions of Mokoko toys have been created for PopLand, a theme park in Beijing, China. Version one, or V1, is The Monsters – Mokoko Close to Sweet Series, in which she wears only a green bow around her neck and a flower on her head. In V2, The Monsters – Mokoko Fall Into Spring Series, she wears a white lace dress and a frilly hat. The latest V3, The Monsters – Mokoko The Blue Diamond Series, pairs a straw sun hat with a baby blue Peter Pan-collar dress with lace details. 

Tycoco:

While Zimomo, Labubu, and Mokoko look similar, the other The Monsters characters appear different. Tycoco, for example, is a vegetarian with a skeleton appearance. Despite his menacing looks, he has a shy and gentle nature. He is usually on the receiving end of Labubua’s antics. Fortunately for Labubu, Tycoco cares for her too much to give up being friends with her. Tycoco is Labubu’s boyfriend and has been featured in several Pop Mart creations. His most recent is the Valentine’s Day 2024 special in The Monsters – Catch Me If You Like Me Series. 

Yaya:

Yaya is another elf with pointed horns and a prankish grin on a mischievous face. Yaya loves exploring but has a lousy sense of direction. It’s not all bad because this led Yaya to the Labubu village, where the elf has since settled down. 

Spooky:

Although Spooky may sound frightening, the characters are cute in their own way. Spooky can be cute in one moment and creepy in the next, depending on the pose and the outfit. Spooky is a quiet and curious creature. They often appear at night, under the moonlight. It also loves lively settings and visiting the Labubu village. 

Pato:

Pato is the last member of The Monsters with recognizable ears that droop on their side and mouse-like features. Most of the time, Pato’s figures sport purple skin, but like other characters, there are times when the color will vary. The Monsters characters can be either good or evil. We’re not sure which category Pato falls into, but the character with droopy ears is a dreamer who always comes up with ingenious plans. Pato also wears different hats at times. Pato’s best friend is Yaya.

Pippo:

Rounding up the list is Labubu’s and Zimomo’s good friend Pippo. This humorous river elf with big ears enjoys life to its fullest. Spooky and Pippo are half-brothers from the same mother. He lives in the river and is a good friend of Labubu. Pippo knows how to have a good time and loves a good party.

So much information in such a quick post, but I hope I got everything right. If I missed anything or got anything wrong, please let me know in the comments. Do you collect them? Do you have a favorite character? Let me know!

-Dezi