There are secret figures, and then there are figures that feel like a myth. The black mystery labubu absolutely falls into that second category. In the world of designer toys, we call these "chases" or "super secrets," and they're the pieces that create stories, empty wallets, and cause a frenzy in collector groups.
I remember when The Monsters "Big into Energy" series first dropped. It was a unique concept for Labubu, not just vinyl, but vinyl figures wearing little plush suits. Super cute. The regular set was great, with Labubus dressed as batteries, light bulbs, and rainbows. But the chatter wasn't about the main lineup. It was all about the two secrets. The first was a fluffy white cloud Labubu. Adorable. The second... Was the black one.
And everything went wild.
*What Exactly Is* the Black Energy Labubu?First, let's clear up the name. On the box and in official Pop Mart materials, this figure is called the "ID Secret Version." But nobody calls it that. In the community, you'll hear it referred to as the black mystery labubu, the Black Energy Labubu, or sometimes just "the black plushie." It's the super-secret chase figure from "The Monsters - Big into Energy Series Vinyl Plush Blind Box" collection.
The design is simple, which is part of its genius. It's a standard Labubu vinyl head, white, with those iconic toothy grins and mischievous eyes, set inside a fuzzy, jet-black plush onesie. The only color break is a small, embroidered yellow lightning bolt on the chest. That's it.
But holding one is a different experience. The plush material isn't cheap felt; it's a soft, dense fleece that feels surprisingly premium. One detail you won't see in photos is how the vinyl head is seated within the plush suit. It's not just glued on top. The suit is constructed around the vinyl figure, making it feel like a single, cohesive piece. This is a common misconception; many people think it's a full plush toy, but it's a hybrid, and that's what gives it a nice, solid weight in your hand. The contrast between the slick, cool vinyl and the warm, soft plush is fantastic. It's a design that begs to be touched.
This figure perfectly captures the minimalist, high-contrast aesthetic that so many collectors go for. It stands out on a shelf packed with colorful figures. It's sleek, a little spooky, and undeniably cool. It has that "if you know, you know" energy.
The Brutal Math: Why You'll Probably Never Pull One
So, why the five-alarm fire for this specific figure? It comes down to one thing: rarity.
In the world of Pop Mart, a standard "secret" figure in a blind box series typically has a pull rate of 1/144. This means, on average, you'd find one secret in every 144 boxes. Since a case contains 12 boxes, you're looking at one secret per 12 cases. That's already tough.
The black energy labubu* is a super secret or "chase." While Pop Mart isn't always transparent about the exact odds for these, the general understanding is that they are even rarer than the standard 1/144 secret. For this series, the ID Secret Version (the black one) replaces the regular secret (the white cloud) in some cases. The odds are still officially stated as 1/144 for a* secret, but the distribution makes the black one significantly harder to find.
Let's put that into perspective. A single blind box from this series retailed for about $18. To hit the 1/144 odds, you'd need to spend over $2,500 on blind boxes. And even then, there's no guarantee. It's pure chance.
This rarity immediately created a secondary market monster. Within weeks of its release in late 2023, the price exploded. I watched listings go from a hopeful $80 to a firm $150, and then settle in the $180-$220 range, where it has stubbornly remained. We've had customers at PopNya tell us they bought 10 full cases and didn't pull it. That's 120 boxes. It's a brutal hunt.
Real Talk: Is It Worth Chasing or Buying?
This is the question I get all the time. My honest, seller-and-collector opinion? Do not chase this figure by buying blind boxes.
I know, I know. The thrill of the pull is a huge part of the hobby. But chasing a super secret like this is a financial black hole. It's a slot machine where the odds are monumentally stacked against you. You will almost certainly spend more money trying to pull it than you would just buying it outright.
So, should you buy it on the secondary market? That's a more personal question.
If you are a die-hard Labubu completionist, or if you just fell in love with the design and it's become your "grail," then yes. Saving up and paying the $180+ for the guaranteed figure is the smart play. You get the exact figure you want, in perfect condition, without a mountain of unwanted duplicates. Think of it not as an overpriced toy, but as the cost of acquiring a rare piece of art.
However, a huge warning is in order. When a figure's value skyrockets like this, the fakes are never far behind. The counterfeit market is getting scarily good. They can replicate the box, the foil bag, and the figure itself with alarming accuracy. If you see a black mystery labubu for $50 on a sketchy website, run. It's 100% fake. Always buy from reputable sellers with a long history of positive feedback. If you're ever unsure, it's worth reading up on how to spot fakes; the tells are often in the paint application on the face and the quality of the plush stitching. We actually wrote a whole Fake Labubu Guide because this problem is so widespread.
The "Black Labubu" Pantheon: How It Stacks Up
The Black Energy Labubu doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's part of a legacy of highly sought-after black colorways in the designer toy scene. For Labubu fans, there are a few other key "black grails" that it gets compared to.
One of the most famous is the secret chase from the Zimomo "The Little Monsters" series. This one is pure vinyl, not plush. It's a glossy black Zimomo (the angrier-looking cousin of Labubu) with bright, contrasting details. Where the Black Energy is cute and fuzzy, the black Zimomo is aggressive and sleek. Owning both is a major flex in the community.
There are also black versions of the Mega, or "Big" LABUBU figures, which are often special event exclusives or collaborations. These are on a completely different scale and price point, often running into the thousands.
What makes the Black Energy Labubu so special in this lineup is its accessibility, relatively speaking. It's not a 400% or 1000% scale figure that costs a fortune and takes up a whole shelf. It's a small, blind-box-sized figure that punched way above its weight class to become a superstar. It proves that a great, simple design combined with extreme rarity can create a phenomenon. It's a testament to the design philosophy of Kasing Lung, the artist behind Labubu, where character and form trump complexity.
The Black Energy Labubu is one of those lightning-in-a-bottle moments in collecting. It's a perfect storm of a great series, a standout design, and lottery-like odds. It's a figure that gets people talking and keeps the hobby exciting. While I'd never recommend someone bankrupt themselves trying to find it, I completely understand the obsession. It's a beautiful, rare piece that is the peak of the thrill of the hunt.
Whether you're a seasoned collector hunting for your ultimate grail or just getting into the hobby, the story of this little black monster is a perfect example of what makes designer toys so addictive. If you're looking to start your own hunt or just want to see what all the fuss is about, you can always browse our LABUBU collection over at PopNya. You might not pull a super secret, but you're guaranteed to find a monster you'll love.
Disclosure: PopNya may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page.
