If you grew up with a dog-eared copy of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, seeing a Labubu for the first time probably gave you a massive hit of déjà vu. Those long ears, that wide, toothy grin, and the slightly mischievous "plotting something" look? It’s almost impossible not to think of Max and his forest of monsters.
But while one is a legendary piece of children’s literature from 1963, the other is a 21st-century designer toy phenomenon taking over our bags and shelves. Are they long-lost cousins? Or do they just share the same "scary-cute" DNA? Let’s dive into the forest and find out.
The OG Monsters: Maurice Sendak’s "Wild Things"
Before we had blind boxes, we had Max. Dressed in his wolf suit, Max sails to an island where the "Wild Things" live. These creatures were iconic—they had horns, fur, and massive teeth, yet they were surprisingly vulnerable. They represented the messy, "wild" emotions of a child: anger, loneliness, and pure imagination.
Sendak’s art was all about earthy tones and detailed cross-hatching. It felt raw and a bit eerie, which is exactly why it stuck in our brains forever.
The Modern Elf: Introducing Labubu
Then comes Labubu. Created by artist Kasing Lung, this character is part of a universe called "The Monsters." While some fans assume Labubu is a direct homage to Sendak, Lung’s inspiration actually comes from a different place: Nordic folklore.
Raised in the Netherlands, Kasing Lung was obsessed with the legends of forest elves and trolls. Labubu is a "mischievous but kind-hearted" elf who often tries to do something good but accidentally causes chaos.
Character Face-Off: Max vs. Labubu
When you look at the protagonists, the similarities are striking, but the roles are different.
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Max: The human king. He’s the one who "tames" the monsters with a magic trick. He’s the explorer.
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Labubu: The monster itself. Labubu isn't the child; she’s the creature in the woods. But like Max, she’s a leader—specifically, the most recognizable of her tribe.
While Sendak’s monsters are huge and intimidating, Labubu is often small, fuzzy, and highly portable. If you’re looking to start your own "Wild Thing" collection, you can find the , where the "scary-cute" aesthetic is our bread and butter.
Aesthetics: Sketchy Lines vs. Vibrant Vinyl
There’s a clear visual bridge between these two worlds. Sendak’s monsters were famously described as "ugly-cute," a term that is basically the definition of Labubu today.
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Artistic Styles: Sendak used pen-and-ink textures. Lung uses a more "sketchy" line style that feels modern but keeps that hand-drawn charm.
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The "Sketch" Connection: Interestingly, Pop Mart released a "Mega Labubu Sketch" version that looks like it stepped right out of a sketchbook—very much a nod to the illustrative roots of the character.
Cultural Impact: From Bedtime Stories to Blind Boxes
The biggest difference is how we consume these stories. Where the Wild Things Are is a story you read before bed. Labubu is a story you collect.
The rise of Labubu as a global icon (thanks in part to celebrities like Lisa from Blackpink) has turned the "scary monster" into a fashion statement. We aren't just reading about them anymore; we’re hunting for the "Secret" version in a blind box or searching for a to hang off our backpacks.
Which Tale Wins Your Heart?
Ultimately, both stories tap into the same human feeling: the love for things that are a little bit weird, a little bit scary, but totally lovable. Sendak taught us that being "wild" is okay, and Kasing Lung gives us a way to carry that wildness with us every day.
