I get this question a lot, both online and from people browsing our shop. It usually starts with a quiet, "Hey, does Labubu have a boyfriend?"
Yes. Yes, she does.
But the simple answer, his name is Tycoco, feels like a total disservice to one of the most interesting and, frankly, underrated characters in Kasing Lung's entire Monster Kingdom. The search for the "labubu boyfriend" or "labubu bf" is one of the top things people look up, but the information out there is so thin. A few social media posts, a Reddit thread. Nothing that really gets into the weeds.
So let's do that. As someone who has bought, sold, and personally collected these figures for years, I want to talk about Tycoco. Not just as Labubu's plus-one, but as a character and a collectible in his own right.
Tycoco Isn't Just "The Boyfriend," He's The Shy Best Friend
First things first, let's get the lore right. Kasing Lung, the genius behind these little monsters, created a whole world for them. Tycoco is a monkey, and his personality is the complete opposite of the mischievous and adventurous Labubu. He's shy, gentle, and often depicted as being a bit clumsy or bashful.
He's less of a "boyfriend" in the traditional, hearts-and-flowers sense and more of a steadfast, loyal companion. He's the one in the background, supporting Labubu's wild antics. In the official character descriptions, he's often shown as being a bit of an artist or a dreamer himself. He represents that quiet, supportive friendship that is just as important as any grand romance. This adds a layer of sweetness to their dynamic that I think a lot of people miss. He's not just an accessory; he's her anchor. It's a depth that reminds me of the whole discussion around the
His history as a vinyl figure goes way back, even before the massive Pop Mart boom. He first appeared in "The Monsters Toys" series by How2Work, which are now ancient relics in the designer toy world. These were Kasing Lung's original blind boxes. Finding a Tycoco from this OG series is a serious challenge. The boxes are different, the vinyl feels different, and they are almost impossible to find for a reasonable price. I saw a loose one, just the figure, no box or card, sell for over $120 on a collector forum last year. That's for a tiny, non-secret figure.
The most famous Tycoco figure, and the one most people think of when they picture the Labubus boyfriend, is from the "Construction Project" set. This wasn't a blind box series but a standalone figure. He comes with a little hard hat, a traffic cone, and a look of pure, unadulterated panic on his face. It's perfect.
Real Talk: The Construction Tycoco is a fantastic piece. The quality is solid, the accessories are fun, and it captures his personality perfectly. But the aftermarket price on this one is a rollercoaster. It retailed for something like $50-$60, but I've seen it spike to over $200 during peak Labubu hype. Right now, it's settled a bit, but finding one under $100 is still a good deal. It's a must-have if you're serious about building a complete Kasing Lung collection.
Beyond that? His appearances are sporadic. He was in the "Let's Christmas" series, hiding in a stocking. He's popped up in the "Go Camping" series. But he's never the star. He's always a common figure, never a secret or chase, which is interesting. Pop Mart knows he's not the main draw, so they use him to flesh out a series rather than headline it.
This makes collecting him a totally different experience. You're not chasing a 1/144 secret. You're just trying to find evidence that he even exists. It's a treasure hunt. While everyone else is weighing boxes and shaking them to find the secret, you're just praying a Tycoco was even produced for that series.
Our Take: Why Tycoco is the Underdog You Should Be Rooting For
Honestly, Tycoco is one of my favorite characters in the entire lineup. There, I said it. His scarcity makes him special. Pulling a Tycoco from a blind box feels more rewarding to me than getting another Labubu variant. It feels like the set is more "complete."
From a seller's perspective, it's fascinating. When we get a case of a new series at PopNya, the Labubu figures are always the first to be claimed or sell out." They are the true die-hards.
His relative lack of popularity is actually a huge advantage for collectors who are just starting or on a budget. Because he's not the chase figure, his secondary market price (when you can find him" target="_blank" rel="noopener">real Labubu meaning is often much more reasonable than a Labubu from the same series. You can sometimes snag a Tycoco for less than the price of a new blind box, while the Labubu from that set is selling for 3x retail. He's a smart buy for people who appreciate the art and the world-building more than just the hype.
If you're interested in the artistry, it's worth reading up on the man himself, Kasing Lung, the Labubu creator, to understand the thought process behind these companion characters.
So, Why Isn't He a Bigger Deal?
This is the million-dollar question. If people are constantly searching for the "labubu bf," why doesn't Pop Mart lean into it more?
I have a few theories.
1. The Design: Labubu's design is lightning in a bottle. The big ears, the toothy grin, it's instantly recognizable and infinitely customizable. It's why we see so many people drawing LABUBU and creating their own versions. Tycoco's design, a sweet and simple monkey, is lovely but perhaps less iconic from a mass-market perspective. It doesn't have that same "weird-cute" edge. 2. The "Main Character" Syndrome: Pop Mart's business model is built on star characters: Molly, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and of course, Labubu. They invest marketing dollars into building up these pillars. Supporting characters like Tycoco, Pato, and Spooky are essential for the lore but aren't seen as commercially viable headliners. 3. It's a "If You Know, You Know" Thing: Part of me thinks Kasing Lung and Pop Mart intentionally keep Tycoco a bit on the rare side. He's a reward for the fans who dig deeper, who read the storybooks, who look past the main character. His scarcity is part of his charm. Making him as common as Labubu might dilute that.
A Buyer's Guide to Finding Tycoco (Without Getting Scammed)
Okay, so you're convinced. You need a Tycoco. Where do you even start?
Forget walking into a store. It's not gonna happen unless a new series featuring him just dropped. Your journey will be almost entirely online.
* Collector Groups on Facebook: This is your best bet. Join dedicated Kasing Lung or Pop Mart B/S/T (Buy/Sell/Trade) groups. Use the search function and look for "Tycoco." People are often willing to sell or trade him for a figure they need. * Mercari and eBay: He pops up here, but prices can be inflated. Always check the seller's ratings and compare prices against recently sold listings. Be patient. Don't jump on the first one you see. * Specialty Stores (Like Us!): Sometimes, we at PopNya get our hands on older, individual figures or have them traded in. It's always worth checking the loose/opened figure sections of dedicated designer toy stores. You can always browse our LABUBU figures to see if a stray Tycoco has found its way into the mix.
A Word on Pricing and Fakes: Be realistic. You're not going to get the Construction Tycoco for $20. A fair price for one of his common blind box figures is probably $15-$30, depending on the series' age. For the standalone figures, anything under $100 is a solid price.
And yes, fakes can exist, though they're less common for Tycoco than for Labubu. The same rules apply. Check the paint quality, the feel of the vinyl, and the clarity of the printing on the foot. If you're buying online, ask for clear, well-lit photos. A legitimate seller will have no problem providing them. Our guide on spotting fake Labubu has tons of tips that apply here, too.
So, the next time someone asks you if Labubu has a boyfriend, you can tell them, "Yes, Tycoco." But now you can also tell them why he matters. He's not just a footnote in Labubu's story. He's a quiet, constant presence, a challenge for dedicated collectors, and a reminder that sometimes the best characters aren't the ones in the spotlight. They're the ones standing faithfully by the side, holding a hard hat and looking just a little bit worried. And for that, we love him.
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