.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Molly Mint Car in front of shelves of more Molly. —Photos by Pam Pastor Mindstyle X Reen Barrera
—contributed photo .
For many Labubu fans, the plush pendants that they love hanging off their bags were just the beginning. They’ve gone on to buy artist Kasing Lung’s characters in different forms—from the blind box figures to the pricier jumbo and mega ones. Some have also expanded their collections to include characters by other artists, making Labubu their gateway to the world of art toys.
It’s a world that’s big, colorful, and exciting. And there are plenty of characters and creators (of varying degrees of popularity, cuteness and collectibility) from different parts of the world for you to discover and fall in love with.
Here are just some of them:
Molly
It’s hard not to be charmed by the perpetually pouting girl Hong Kong-based artist Kenny Wong first created in 2006. Pop Mart began producing Molly figures in 2016 and, before the craze over Labubu, she was their biggest seller. She remains super popular—the Space Molly line and even the huge Mega editions sell out in a snap.
Chunk
Jim Chan, the Hong Kong-based artist and toy designer known to collectors as Jim Dreams, dreamed up Chunk, a chill and carefree chubby guy who has won a lot of hearts. There are also super cute baby Chunks, including the Jollibee-inspired Jolly Babi ones—if you can still find them. Chunk and Chubbi Chunks are produced by Unbox Industries.
Circus Boy Band
Circus Boy Band is a design studio based in Korea that creates whimsical characters including people in duck costumes. Their figures, which come in blind boxes, are made by Xinghui Creations. Circus Boy Band also offers accessories, items for the home and stationery.
Reen Barrera
As a child, Reen Barrera had to resort to making his own toys so he’d have something to play with. Today, the Filipino sculptor and painter has become a celebrated toy designer who has been creating exquisite collectibles with Mindstyle.
Big Gallery
Big Gallery has been releasing blind boxes inspired by the world’s most recognizable artworks and the people behind them like the “Mona Lisa,” “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” and “The Son of Man.”
Pucky
Created by a Hong Kong-based illustrator also known as Pucky, Pucky was named after Puck, the sprite from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Pucky’s Pop Mart blind boxes always bring a dose of cuteness and whimsy.
Kwoni
Kwoni is a cute girl created by Kwoni, an artist from Korea who’s part of Raccoon Factory. Kwoni blind boxes are produced by Xinghui Creations. Kwoni also has Casetify phone cases, stickers, flower pots and other fun items.
Sosim World
Sosim World is where shy people live, writes Jibi, the creator of the adorable hooded characters from Korea. He’s released blind boxes but also beautiful limited-edition and seasonal pieces.
Ramarama
Bangkok-based Ramarama Studio “creates weird but cute monsters you will fall in love with.” And that includes a lot of eggs. Angry eggs, pouting eggs, stoic eggs, hard-boiled eggs, raw eggs, century eggs, and also the occasional avocado.