Behold! A Labubu successor is already in town. Skullpanda, the spiritual successor to Labubu, is the next big Pop Mart creation. Labubu got famous due to its creepy yet cutesy expressions; on the other hand, Skullpanda brings an entirely different visual to the table.
It has a skull-shaped helmet, soft spherical braids, and dreamy expressions, giving this doll a new spiritual mirage vibe. Sounds interesting, right?
Is Skullpanda the Next Global Toy Icon?
Pop Mart is the Chinese toy giant known for creating blind box figures, aka the Labubus, the “Gen Z style.” But every star has its time, and now it’s Skullpanda’s turn to shine.
From traditional Chinese ink-inspired designs to futuristic, dreamlike concepts and intimate explorations of everyday life, this new character revolves around themes that touch on identity, loneliness, hope and creativity.
Skullpanda also wears oversized panda hoods, sports dreamy expressions and carries a dark but whimsical vibe that’s captivating fans across Asia and beyond.
Created by Xiong Miao, who has a background in film, architecture and gaming concept art, Skullpanda was designed to express the idea of “non-absoluteness,” embracing uncertainty without fixed labels or identities. Each figure serves not merely as a collectable but as an artistic statement that invites reflection and interpretation.
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Skullpanda’s Global Growing Fascination
Skullpanda’s wide appeal stems in part from the diversity of themes explored across its series. From the gothic architecture of Ancient Castle to Hypepanda’s streetwear influences, or the quiet beauty of The Ink Plum Blossom, each release feels like a distinct artistic statement.
She is a vibe. She speaks to a generation that is done with “cringey cute.” Plus, with her stunning designs and intricate detailing, each figure feels like a mini art piece. Skullpanda figures have become a full-blown aesthetic experience. It’s part toy, part ASMR, part art showcase.
Priced between $16 and $24 in the US, each box offers the thrill of discovery, with collectors unaware of which figure they will receive until unboxing. With over 300 documented Skullpanda variants, plush editions, large-format sculptures, and new series on the horizon, the character looks set to remain at the forefront of Pop Mart’s global strategy.
Should You Get on the Skullpanda Train?
If you’re already a Pop Mart fan and own a lot of collectables, adding Skullpanda to your shelf is a no-brainer. But even if you’re new to the scene, she’s a great way to start your collection.
There’s something incredibly captivating about a character who doesn’t smile for the camera, who wears her feelings on her face, and who looks like she could be part of an art exhibit and a K-pop video at the same time.
Will Skullpanda be Pop Mart’s next billion-yuan success story? Only time will tell.
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