Labubu vs Skullpanda: Which Designer Toy Should You Collect?
Share
If you've been scrolling through collector communities lately, you've probably seen the Labubu vs Skullpanda debate come up more than once. Both are wildly popular designer toy collectibles from POP MART, and both have seriously dedicated fan bases. But they couldn't be more different in style, vibe, and collecting experience.
Whether you're just getting into the world of designer toys or you're trying to decide where to spend your next collectibles budget, this guide breaks it all down. If you're brand new to one of them, check out our What is Labubu guide before diving in. It'll give you a great starting point.
Let's get into it.
What Is Labubu and What Is Skullpanda?
Before we compare them head to head, here's a quick intro to each character.
Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and is part of POP MART's The Monsters universe. The character is a pointy-eared, sharp-toothed little creature with a mischievous grin that somehow looks both creepy and adorable at the same time. That mix of cute and eerie is exactly what makes POP MART Labubu so hard to resist.
Labubu exploded in popularity after BLACKPINK's Lisa was spotted with one clipped to her bag. Since then, Labubu collectibles have become a global phenomenon, selling out within minutes and reselling for two to three times the retail price.
Skullpanda, on the other hand, is a POP MART original character designed by the brand's in-house team. Unlike Labubu's wild creature energy, Skullpanda has a darker, more gothic aesthetic. Think moody, cool, and editorial. The figure's signature look features a skull-like face, sharp angular styling, and deeply detailed outfits that lean into fantasy, fashion, and darkness.
Both characters come in the Labubu blind box and Skullpanda blind box format, which means you don't know exactly which figure you're getting until you open the box. That mystery is a huge part of the appeal for collectors everywhere.
Labubu vs Skullpanda: Key Differences in Design and Style
This is where things get really interesting, and where most collectors end up picking a side.
Labubu's design is playful, chaotic, and full of personality. The character has a wide toothy grin, fluffy fur textures (especially in the vinyl plush versions), and expressive eyes that feel almost alive. Each series takes Labubu into a different world, from snack-themed collections to collaborations with major brands.
Some fan-favorite releases include:
- The Monsters Exciting Macaron Series Plush Pendant Blind Box — pastel, soft, and seriously cute
- The Monsters Wacky Mart Series PVC Figures — a fun, store-themed collection with tons of variety
- The Monsters Coca-Cola Series Blind Box — a collab that blends nostalgia with collector culture
Skullpanda's design is the opposite energy entirely. The figures are sleek, dramatic, and almost fashion-forward. The color palettes tend to run dark, with deep purples, blacks, reds, and metallics. The level of sculptural detail in Skullpanda figures is genuinely impressive, and each series feels like a miniature piece of wearable art.
Here's a quick side-by-side to sum it up:
| Feature | Labubu | Skullpanda |
|---|---|---|
| Design Vibe | Cute-creepy, playful | Dark, gothic, editorial |
| Textures | Plush, fuzzy, soft | Smooth, detailed, sculpted |
| Color Palette | Bright, pastel, varied | Deep, moody, dramatic |
| Series Themes | Whimsical, collaborative | Fashion-forward, fantasy |
| Collector Audience | Wide, mainstream | Niche, aesthetic-driven |
Neither design is better. It really comes down to your personal style. Do you want something that makes people smile and ask "what IS that?" Or do you want something that looks like it belongs in a high-end display case?
Collecting Experience: Blind Boxes, Rarity, and Value
Both Labubu and Skullpanda use the blind box model, which is one of the most addictive formats in the designer toy collectibles world. You pay for a box, you don't know which figure is inside, and you either get lucky or you keep going until you do.
That said, the collecting experience feels a little different between the two.
With Labubu, the community is enormous. There are dedicated Reddit threads, TikTok unboxings with millions of views, and resale markets that move fast. The Labubu blind box format also comes in multiple product types, including plush pendants, vinyl figures, PVC figures, and even large-format versions. That variety makes it easy to collect at different price points.
Popular picks worth adding to your collection:
- The Monsters Have a Seat Vinyl Plush Blind Box
- The Monsters Why So Serious Series Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box
- The Monsters Big Into Energy Series Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box
With Skullpanda, the community is smaller but deeply passionate. Because Skullpanda has a more niche aesthetic, collectors tend to go all-in on specific series. The figures hold value well on the secondary market, especially limited editions and secret chase figures.
When it comes to rarity and resale value, both lines have their heavy hitters:
- Labubu secret chase figures (the rarest pull in any series) can resell for $200 to $500+
- Skullpanda limited edition and collaboration pieces have similar resale ceilings
- Standard pulls from both lines hover around $20 to $40 at retail, with moderate resale value
One thing to keep in mind: Labubu collectibles have seen more explosive mainstream demand recently, which means retail restocks sell out faster but also means more series are being released. Skullpanda releases tend to be steadier, which can actually make hunting for specific figures a bit easier.
Which One Should You Choose?
Okay, here's the honest answer: there's no wrong choice. But there are definitely better fits depending on what you're looking for.
Choose Labubu if:
- You love playful, quirky character design
- You want to be part of a massive, active collector community
- You enjoy collaborative and themed series drops
- You want variety in formats (plush, vinyl, PVC, pendants)
- You love the thrill of a high-demand blind box hunt
Choose Skullpanda if:
- Your aesthetic runs dark, moody, or gothic
- You prefer highly detailed, sculptural figures
- You want something that doubles as a display piece
- You like a more curated, niche collector experience
- You're drawn to fashion-forward design over character-based storytelling
And honestly? A lot of collectors end up with both. Once you're in the designer toy world, it's hard to stop at just one character.
If you're ready to start (or expand) your collection, browse everything we carry at Bodega Blvd, from Labubu blind boxes to full series runs.
Conclusion
The Labubu vs Skullpanda debate doesn't have a definitive winner, and that's kind of the point. They serve completely different aesthetics and collector vibes, and both are worth owning in their own right. Labubu brings the chaos, charm, and a massive community along for the ride. Skullpanda brings the drama, detail, and dark elegance.
If you're leaning toward Labubu, we've got a solid lineup of Labubu collectibles waiting for you at Bodega Blvd. Browse our full Labubu collection, grab a blind box, and see which little monster finds its way home with you.
FAQ: Labubu vs Skullpanda
What is the difference between Labubu and Skullpanda? Labubu is a creature character with a cute-creepy, playful design created by artist Kasing Lung. Skullpanda is a POP MART original with a darker, gothic, fashion-forward look. Both are part of the POP MART designer toy lineup and come in blind box format, but they appeal to very different aesthetics.
Which is more popular, Labubu or Skullpanda? Labubu is currently more popular on a global scale, especially after going viral on social media. However, Skullpanda has a very dedicated following and consistently strong sales within the designer toy community. Popularity really depends on the market and community you're in.
Are Skullpanda figures worth collecting? Absolutely. Skullpanda figures are highly detailed, hold resale value well, and look stunning on display. If you love dark or gothic aesthetics, Skullpanda is one of the best designer toy lines out there. Limited editions in particular can appreciate nicely over time.
Which is rarer, Labubu or Skullpanda? Both lines have secret chase figures that are equally rare within their respective series, typically a 1-in-144 pull rate. Because Labubu has more series releasing more frequently, there are also more opportunities to pull rare figures overall. Skullpanda secret figures tend to be just as valuable on the secondary market despite the smaller fanbase.
Which should beginners choose, Labubu or Skullpanda? For beginners, Labubu is often the easier entry point. The community is larger, there's more content and guidance online, and the variety of formats means you can start at a lower price point. That said, if Skullpanda's aesthetic immediately speaks to you, there's no reason not to start there. Collecting should always reflect your own style first.