So, you're looking for a black labubu.
I get this question at least a few times a week in my DMs or through the PopNya store. It's one of the most common searches that brings people into the wild world of The Monsters. The short answer is yes, a black Labubu exists. But the real answer is… it's complicated.
The search for a sleek, dark, mysterious Labubu has split into two very different paths for collectors: hunting the one official dark figure, or diving into the incredible world of customs. As someone who has bought, sold, and collected both, I want to break down the reality of each path. Because what you think you want might not be what you actually end up loving.
The "Official" Black Labubu: Meet Toffee
When people ask, is there a black labubu, the figure they're usually, technically, looking for is named Toffee.
Toffee is the "Secret" figure from THE MONSTERS Mischief Diary Series. And right off the bat, let's clear something up. He's not jet black. In person, under good light, he's a very deep, rich chocolatey brown, almost like dark coffee or, well, toffee. His ears have a slightly lighter brown gradient, and he's holding a little yellow star. He's moody, he's cute, and he's incredibly hard to get.
Being a "Secret" (or "chase") figure means he doesn't have a guaranteed spot in a case of 12 blind boxes. The odds of pulling Toffee were officially stated as 1/144. That means you'd have to buy, on average, twelve full cases to find one.
This rarity, of course, dictates the price. A blind box from that series retailed for around $14. When I first saw Toffee pop up on the secondary market back when the series was fresh, he was already hitting $120. As of writing this, I regularly see him sell for between $150 and $220, depending on condition and whether it includes the box and card. I've seen desperate collectors pay upwards of $250 during peak hype.
Is he worth it? As a piece of official art from Kasing Lung, absolutely. He has a story, a place in the canon of The Monsters. Holding him, you can feel the standard, high-quality vinyl Pop Mart is known for. The paint is clean, the finish is a perfect satin. He feels substantial. For a completionist collector who needs every figure in a set, Toffee is a non-negotiable grail. But if all you want is a black Labubu to fit a certain aesthetic on your shelf… there might be a better way.
The World of Custom Black Labubus
This is where the fun really begins.
Because Pop Mart hasn't released a simple, common, all-black Labubu, the community did what it does best: it made its own. The custom black labubus scene is thriving, and frankly, it's where some of the most creative work is happening.
A custom is, simply put, an official Labubu figure, usually a common one like Soy (the plain white one) or a duplicate someone pulled, that has been repainted and modified by an artist.
And the quality? It's a total spectrum.
On one end, you have breathtakingly professional work. I've held customs that were sanded, primed, and painted with automotive-grade matte black paint, then sealed with a finish that feels smoother and more durable than the original factory paint. These artists can create anything. Jet black, gloss black, matte black with red chrome eyes, a galaxy-painted black Labubu, a black Labubu with hand-sculpted wings. The sky is the limit. These high-end customs can run you anywhere from $80 to $300+, depending on the artist's skill and the complexity of the design. You're not just buying a toy; you're commissioning a piece of art.
On the other end… well, let's be honest. I've also seen customs on eBay and Etsy that look like they were painted with a thick coat of Testors model paint in a dusty room. Lumpy finishes, visible brush strokes, paint chipping at the joints. These are often much cheaper, maybe $30-$50, but you get what you pay for.
The DIY aspect is also a huge part of this. The trend of people drawing on their Labubus has exploded, and many collectors buy extra commons specifically to try making their own black Labubu. It's a fun, creative way to engage with the toy on a different level. If you're thinking of trying it yourself, you're not just a collector anymore; you're part of the creative community.
Real Talk: My Honest Verdict as a Seller
Okay, so which one should you get?
Here's my honest take, from one collector to another.
For 90% of the people searching for a "black labubu," a high-quality custom is the better choice.
Let me explain. Most people want a black Labubu for the aesthetic. They want that sleek, minimalist, or goth-adjacent monster sitting on their desk or shelf. They want it to be black, not dark brown. A custom gives you that, perfectly. You get to choose the exact shade, the finish (I'm a sucker for a super-matte black), and any other details you want. You get a one-of-a-kind piece tailored to your taste, and the process of commissioning it can be really fun.
Toffee is for a different kind of collector. He's for the historian, the completionist, the investor. His value is tied to his official status and his programmed scarcity. I have Toffee in my personal collection, locked away in a display case with the rest of the Mischief Diary series. I love him. But the custom matte black labubu I had made? He sits on my work desk. I handle him, I fidget with him, he's part of my daily life because he perfectly matches my setup.
They serve two completely different purposes. One is an artifact; the other is a vibe.
Buyer's Playbook: How to Get Your Black Labubu
So you've decided which path you want to take. Here's your game plan.
If you want the Official Toffee:
1. Forget Blind Boxes: The Mischief Diary series is old. You won't find it on shelves. Don't waste your money on loose, secondhand blind boxes, they've likely been weighed or cherry-picked. 2. Hit the Secondary Market: Your best bets are eBay, Mercari, and specialized Facebook collector groups. Be prepared to pay the market price. Use PayPal Goods & Services to protect yourself. 3. Vet the Seller: Look at their reviews. Ask for timestamped photos of the figure from multiple angles. Make sure the little yellow star accessory is included. 4. Watch for Fakes: The popularity of Labubu has led to a surge in counterfeits. Toffee is a prime target. The fakes often have messy paint lines, a slightly different shape, or a plastic-y sheen. If a deal seems too good to be true ($50 for a "new" Toffee), it's a fake. I've written a whole Fake Labubu Guide that goes into more detail on what to look for.
If you want a Custom Black Labubu:
1. Find an Artist: Instagram and Etsy are your best friends. Search hashtags like #labubucustom, #customlabubu, or #paintedlabubu. Look through portfolios and find an artist whose style you love. 2. Talk Details: Before you commit, have a clear conversation. What base figure will they use? What kind of paint and sealant? Ask for examples of their matte vs. Gloss finishes. Discuss the timeline and price upfront. A good artist will be happy to answer all your questions. 3. Or, DIY!: Feeling brave? This is the most rewarding path. You can grab a common figure and make it your own. There are tons of tutorials online, and it's a great way to understand what goes into making these toys. If you're looking for a blank canvas, you can often find base figures if you browse LABUBU figures from various series. The white "Soy" is a classic choice.
The search for the black labubu is a perfect example of what makes the designer toy scene so special. It's a blend of official lore, intense aftermarket hunting, and a vibrant, creative community that takes the artist's vision and runs with it. It's not just about what Kasing Lung created; it's about what his creations inspire in us. The real question isn't just "is there a black labubu?", but what kind of black labubus do we, the fans, want to bring into the world?
Whether you end up hunting down the elusive Toffee or commissioning your dream custom, you're adding a fantastic piece to your collection. Happy hunting.
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