The Ultimate Guide: What Is The Rarest Labubu? (2024 Collector's Edition)
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, staring in awe at a vibrant, toothy-grinned creature with big, curious eyes, and whispered, “What is the rarest labubu?” You’re not alone. In the explosive world of designer toys and art collectibles, few characters have captured the global imagination—and the wallets of enthusiasts—quite like Labubu. Born from the creative mind of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and brought to mass-market fame by Pop Mart, these “cute-but-fanged” monsters have become a cultural phenomenon. But amidst the thousands of regular releases, blind boxes, and special editions, a burning question persists in every collector’s mind: which Labubu holds the undisputed title of the rarest? This isn’t just about price tags; it’s about the thrilling hunt, the stories of manufacturing mishaps, and the sheer exclusivity that transforms a plastic toy into a legendary artifact. This comprehensive guide will dissect the very fabric of Labubu rarity, moving beyond simple lists to explore the why and how behind the most sought-after figures in the universe.
Understanding the Labubu Phenomenon: More Than Just a Toy
Before we can crown a “rarest” champion, we must first understand the ecosystem in which Labubu thrives. Labubu, often stylized as “Labubuer” or “拉布布,” is the central character in Kasing Lung’s The Monsters universe. With its distinctive rounded ears, sharp little teeth, and mischievous smile, it represents a perfect blend of “kawaii” (cute) and “kimo-kawaii” (creepy-cute). The character’s journey from niche art toy to global sensation is intrinsically linked to Pop Mart, the Chinese collectibles giant that adopted Labubu in 2019 and scaled it through the power of the blind box model.
The blind box system is the fundamental engine of Labubu’s popularity and, paradoxically, a core component of its rarity. Instead of choosing a specific figure, buyers receive a random variant from a set, usually containing one “common” (often 1:12 or 1:24 probability), several “rare” (1:60 or 1:144), and one or more “secret” or “chaser” figures (1:144 or even 1:720). This gamified purchasing experience creates instant scarcity for the chasers and a massive secondary market. A standard series might have 12 figures, but finding the one secret variant feels like striking gold. This model means that rarity is often programmed into the distribution from day one, making the hunt a central part of the appeal.
The Pillars of Rarity: What Actually Makes a Labubu “Rare”?
When collectors debate rarity, they’re often conflating several distinct factors. True, absolute rarity is a combination of production volume, exclusivity, historical significance, and condition. Let’s break down these pillars.
Production Volume and Initial Distribution
The most straightforward factor is how many were actually made. Pop Mart is famously tight-lipped about exact production numbers, but industry analysts and collector consensus based on sales data and warehouse reports suggest that even “rare” chase figures from mainstream series can have runs in the tens of thousands. The truly rare pieces are those with production numbers in the hundreds or even dozens. These are typically not part of regular retail blind boxes but are created for specific events, collaborations, or as one-of-a-kind prizes.
Variants, Prototypes, and Manufacturing Errors
This is where things get fascinating for hardcore collectors. Prototype figures (often hand-painted or 3D-printed in the artist’s studio) are inherently rare, with only a handful in existence. Manufacturing errors or “factory seconds”—where a mold was damaged, a color mix was wrong, or a part was omitted—can create unintentional rarities. These “error figures” are highly prized for their uniqueness and the story behind them. Similarly, variant paint applications on the same mold, sometimes from a different factory run or a test batch, can be ultra-scarce.
Collaboration and Event Exclusives
Collaborations with major brands (like Coca-Cola, Sony PlayStation, or luxury fashion houses) or tie-ins with movies and museums often have extremely limited distributions. These are usually sold only at specific pop-up stores, international conventions (like Comic-Con), or through exclusive lotteries for loyalty program members. The lower the distribution channel’s reach, the higher the rarity. A Labubu given as a gift to Pop Mart employees or at a private artist dinner is automatically on the rarest list.
Regional and Time-Based Exclusives
Some Labubus are released only in specific countries or regions—for instance, a figure sold exclusively in Japanese department stores or only at a European toy fair. Their scarcity is amplified for collectors outside that region due to import costs and logistics. Furthermore, figures from early, pre-Pop Mart eras (2015-2018) produced in tiny runs by How2Work or other small studios are now museum pieces. As time passes, even well-produced figures can become rare if they are lost, damaged, or discarded, shrinking the surviving population.
The Crown Contenders: A Look at the Top Candidates for "Rarest Labubu"
Now, let’s move from theory to practice. Which specific Labubu figures consistently top the “rarest” lists in collector forums, auction sites, and whispered conversations? It’s crucial to note that the “rarest” title is often contested and can change with a new discovery. However, a few legendary figures have cemented their status.
The Labubu Museum (1 of 1)
Often cited as the ultimate grail, the “Labubu Museum” or “Museum Labubu” is a one-of-a-kind, larger-scale figure created by Kasing Lung himself. It was featured prominently in the 2021 “The Monsters” exhibition at the M+ Museum in Hong Kong. This figure is not for sale; it is part of the museum’s permanent collection or the artist’s personal archive. Its rarity is absolute and non-negotiable. It represents the pure, uncut artistic vision of Labubu, untainted by mass production. For any serious collector, this is the “white whale”—an existence to be admired, not acquired.
The “Secret” Labubus from Early Series (e.g., Labubu in the Garden)
The first few Pop Mart series, particularly “Labubu in the Garden” (2019) and “The Monsters” series, are legendary. These early blind boxes had notoriously low production runs compared to today’s millions. Within these series, the “secret” or “chaser” figures—like the Labubu dressed as a gardener with a tiny watering can or a Labubu with a butterfly—are incredibly scarce. Finding one in the wild, in good condition with the original box and sticker, is a major coup. Their value on the secondary market can be 10-50x the retail price, and they are considered the foundational rares of the modern era.
Ultra-Limited Collaboration Pieces: The Coca-Cola and PlayStation Labubus
Collaborations with global brands often have special, ultra-limited editions. For example, the Labubu x Coca-Cola set released in 2020 included a mini Labubu inside a miniature Coke bottle. While the standard set was somewhat available, a “golden” or “diamond” variant of this set, rumored to be produced in numbers under 100 for a special event, is the stuff of collector myths. Similarly, the Labubu x PlayStation collaboration produced a Labubu holding a tiny PlayStation controller. A specific, glow-in-the-dark variant from a Tokyo event is believed to have a production run of less than 200 pieces. These are the kind of items that appear at high-end auction houses like Sotheby’s or in private dealer networks.
The “Error” Labubu: The Missing Tooth or Wrong Color
In the early production runs, quality control wasn’t as rigid. Collectors have documented “toothless” Labubus (where the tiny fangs were omitted in the mold) or figures with strange color splashes (like a pink ear on a normally grey Labubu). These are not official variants but genuine mistakes. Because they were often pulled from the line and destroyed, the few that escaped are phenomenally rare. Their value is driven by narrative—each error tells a story of the factory floor. An authenticated, documented error can easily outvalue a standard secret figure from the same series.
Regional Exclusives: The Japan-Only or Europe-Only Drops
Pop Mart and Kasing Lung’s team have released figures exclusively in certain territories. A prime example is the “Labubu Sakura” series sold only at select Japanese retailers during cherry blossom season. These had a tiny print run, distributed through small, independent toy shops. For collectors in the US or Europe, acquiring one requires a Japanese proxy buyer, adding layers of cost and complexity. The “Paris Fashion Week” Labubu, a small batch given to attendees, is another European-exclusive grail. Their scarcity is a function of geography and limited venue capacity.
The Hunter’s Toolkit: How to Identify, Authenticate, and Value a Rare Labubu
Knowing what’s rare is only half the battle. For the serious collector, the real skill lies in authentication and valuation. The market is rife with counterfeits—often called “sha” or “lafufu” (from the Chinese for fake Labubu)—that flood online marketplaces.
Key Authentication Marks
First, always examine the official pop tag (the small paper tag attached to the figure). It should have crisp printing, a unique QR code (for newer figures), and the correct series name. Second, check the paint and sculpt details. Authentic Labubus have clean lines, consistent paint application, and no flash (extra plastic bits from the mold). The eyes, in particular, are a focal point—they should be glossy, with precise pupils. Third, feel the plastic quality. Genuine figures use a specific, slightly soft PVC. Fakes often feel harder, lighter, or have a chemical smell. Finally, documentation matters. Original boxes with the correct, holographic-style stickers, and sometimes a certificate of authenticity (COA) for ultra-limited releases, are essential for top-tier valuation.
Where to Find and How to Buy
The rarest Labubus are never found on casual eBay or Amazon listings. They surface in:
- High-end collector groups on Facebook or Discord, where members vouch for each other.
- Specialized auction sites like StockX, GOAT (for toys), or traditional auction houses.
- Direct from artists or Pop Mart at major conventions (like San Diego Comic-Con) via lottery systems.
- Established, reputable dealers who specialize in Asian designer toys, often based in Hong Kong, Japan, or the US.
- Private sales within tight-knit collector circles.
Actionable Tip: Before spending a significant amount, always request high-resolution, detailed photos from every angle. Compare them side-by-side with images of known authentic figures from trusted sources like the “Labubu Database” fan sites or the official Pop Mart website archives.
Valuation: It’s Not Just About Rarity
Price is dictated by rarity + demand + condition + provenance. A 1/1 prototype is priceless. A secret figure from a beloved early series in mint, sealed condition (MISB) with the original box and sticker will command a premium. A loose figure (no box) with a paint flaw will be worth far less, even if the variant is rare. Market trends also fluctuate. A figure hyped by a celebrity (like Lisa from BLACKPINK being photographed with a Labubu) can see its value spike overnight. Use sold listings on eBay and collector marketplaces as your primary price guide, not asking prices.
The Future of Rarity: What’s Next for Labubu Collectors?
The landscape is constantly evolving. Pop Mart has leaned into “themed” mega-series (like the 2023 “Labubu: The Wandering” series with 24 figures plus multiple chasers) and “fashion” crossovers (with brands like Off-White). These maintain a high volume but create new micro-rare tiers within them. Simultaneously, there’s a growing appreciation for pre-Pop Mart “grail” figures from the How2Work era, as they represent the character’s origin story.
A significant trend is the rise of “custom” or “artist project” Labubus. Independent artists are given official licenses to create limited runs (often 50-100 pieces) of their own painted Labububases. These are sold via lottery on Instagram and vanish in seconds. They are not “official” Pop Mart releases but are sanctioned and documented, creating a new, ultra-niche rarity tier. For collectors, this means the hunt is expanding beyond the mainstream releases into these artist-driven drops.
Furthermore, digital and NFT integrations are on the horizon. Pop Mart has experimented with digital collectibles. A future where ownership of a rare physical Labubu grants access to a unique digital twin or experience could redefine what “rarity” means, adding a layer of utility to scarcity.
Conclusion: The True Rarity is the Chase Itself
So, what is the rarest Labubu? The definitive, objective answer is likely the one-of-a-kind Labubu Museum piece. It is irreplaceable and non-fungible. Yet, for the vast community of collectors, the “rarest” Labubu is a personal, moving target. It might be the secret figure from your first blind box that you finally tracked down after two years. It might be the error variant you found at a garage sale for $5. It might be the collaboration piece you flew to Tokyo to obtain.
The deeper truth is that the rarity of Labubu is a social construct as much as a manufacturing fact. It is built on shared stories, the thrill of the hunt, the knowledge required to authenticate, and the community that forms around the pursuit. The figures listed here—the Museum piece, the early secrets, the error drops, the regional exclusives—are the current titans of scarcity. But the next legendary “rarest Labubu” could be sitting in an unopened box in someone’s attic right now, waiting to be discovered. The hunt continues, and that uncertain, exciting possibility is perhaps the rarest feeling of all. The real question isn’t just “what is the rarest,” but what are you willing to chase to find out?
