I get this question in my DMs almost every single day. "Hey, what's the real story with Zimomo vs Labubu?" It's probably the most common point of confusion for anyone just getting into Kasing Lung's "The Monsters" universe, and honestly, most of the articles out there get it wrong. They give you the surface-level stuff.
Yeah, yeah. Labubu has long, floppy ears and a mischievous, toothy grin. Zimomo has shorter, pointier ears and a zipper for a mouth.
Okay, we're done here, right?
Wrong. That's like saying a tiger and a housecat are different because one has stripes. It's true, but it misses the entire point. As a seller and a collector who has handled thousands of these little guys, the difference between Labubu and Zimomo goes way deeper than their facial features. It's about their soul.
The Vibe Check: Mischief vs. Chaos
Let's start with the personality, because that's where the design comes from.
Labubu is a troublemaker. A little goblin. He's the kid who will sneak the last cookie from the jar and then help you look for it with a perfectly innocent face. He's curious, playful, and a little bit naughty. You can see it in the designs, Labubu is often depicted exploring, trying on new outfits (like in the famous Macaron series), or just looking generally pleased with himself. The art style for Labubu, even when he's being a monster, leans cute. It's why so many people are drawing Labubu and turning him into memes; he has a relatable, impish charm.
Zimomo, on the other hand, is not just mischievous. Zimomo is chaos.
If Labubu is the kid who draws on the walls with a crayon, Zimomo is the one who sets the crayon on fire first. That zipper isn't just a mouth. It's a containment unit. It's holding back something wilder, more primal. Look at the Zimomo figures. Their poses are often more aggressive, their eyes wider and more intense. The designs are edgier, leaning into street culture, art history, and even mythology with a kind of raw energy that Labubu's cuteness tempers.
This isn't just my fan theory. It's a core part of their character that comes from the artist Kasing Lung's original vision, long before the Pop Mart blind boxes became a global phenomenon.
So, What is a Zimomo, Really?
This brings us to the next big question. Zimomo isn't just "Labubu with a zipper." He's his own character, a king of his own domain. In the lore Kasing Lung built through his paintings and storybooks, Zimomo is the powerful, slightly intimidating leader of the monsters. He's the big brother, the protector, the one you don't mess with.
And about the question of Zimomo from which country, it's a bit of a global affair. The artist, Kasing Lung, is from Hong Kong but has been based in Belgium for years, drawing inspiration from European folklore. The company that produces the toys, Pop Mart, is based in Mainland China. So, the character's soul is from Hong Kong and Europe, but its physical form is manufactured in China. It's a perfect example of the global nature of the designer toy scene today.
The key Zimomo vs Labubu difference is that Zimomo often feels more like a canvas for artistic expression. Think of the collaborations: the Jean-Michel Basquiat Zimomo, the "How to Train Your Dragon" Toothless Zimomo. The zipper mouth and stockier build make him a perfect base for these more intense, art-forward designs. Labubu gets collabs too, like the recent Naruto Shippuden series, but they often maintain that playful core. Zimomo's collabs feel like they're making a statement.
The Collector's Market: A Tale of Two Monsters
This is the part most articles won't touch, but as a seller, it's what I see every day. The market treats them differently.
Your standard Labubu blind box from a new series retails for around $15-$18. If you pull a common one, its secondary market value will likely hover around that price, maybe a little more. The secrets, of course, are a different story.
Zimomo figures, even within the same blind box series, often command a higher price on the secondary market right out of the gate. Why? Scarcity and perceived coolness. In a standard case of 12 blind boxes, there are often fewer Zimomo designs than Labubu designs. For example, in "The Monsters Toys" series, there were multiple Labubu figures but only one Zimomo. Fewer Zimomos means more people hunting for that one figure, which drives the price up.
I've seen the common Zimomo from that series sell for $35-$40, while the common Labubus from the same set were sitting at $20. It's a clear pattern.
And then there are the MEGA figures. These are the big 1000% and 400% figures that are serious collector's items. While MEGA Labubus are popular and valuable, the MEGA Zimomo releases are on another level. The Basquiat Zimomo, which retailed for hundreds, was fetching thousands of dollars within weeks of release. It became a status symbol, a piece of art that also happened to be a toy.
This high-stakes market also creates a dark side: fakes. The more valuable a Zimomo becomes, the more counterfeit versions pop up. It's a huge problem, and telling the difference can be tough if you're not careful. The weight, the paint finish, the box printing, everything has to be scrutinized. If you're dropping big money on a rare Zimomo, you need to know how to spot a fake Labubu or Zimomo.
Real Talk: My Honest Seller's Verdict
Okay, so which one is "better"?
Honestly, that's the wrong question. It's like asking if guitar is better than drums. They play different roles in the same band.
For me, as a long-time collector, I have a soft spot for the classic Labubu. He's the OG. He's the heart of The Monsters family. There's a simple, pure joy to his design that never gets old. I love lining up my Macaron and Flower Elf series on the shelf; they just make me happy.
But as a seller and an admirer of design, I have to respect Zimomo. The artistic risks taken with Zimomo are bigger. The designs are bolder. When a new Zimomo drops, it feels like an event. It's the figure that gets the "hypebeasts" and the serious art collectors to pay attention. It pushes the boundaries of what a "cute monster" toy can be.
My advice to new collectors is this:
- Start with Labubu if you love the cute, mischievous aesthetic and want to build a colorful, joyful collection without necessarily breaking the bank on every single figure. He's more accessible and has a wider range of themes.
- Go for Zimomo if you're drawn to the edgier, more "statement" pieces. If you appreciate street art, bold collaborations, and want a figure that feels a little more exclusive and "cool." Just be prepared for a more competitive and expensive hunt.
Don't just chase Zimomo because it's hyped. I've seen so many people buy a figure for the clout and then sell it a month later because it didn't actually speak to them. Collect what you love to look at every day.
A Detail Only a Seller Would Notice
Here's something you can't see in a photo. The feel.
Pop Mart's quality control has improved over the years, but there are still subtle differences. I've noticed, especially in the series from 2022-2023, that the vinyl on Zimomo figures often has a slightly more matte, almost powdery finish compared to the Labubus in the same set. The Labubus tend to be smoother, glossier.
Run your thumb over a "Monsters Fruits" Labubu, and it's slick.It's a tiny detail, but it speaks to the different characterizations, Labubu is slippery and quick, Zimomo is more grounded and solid. It's a level of production detail that I, as a nerd for this stuff, really appreciate.
Don't Forget Mokoko and the Gang!
People often ask about Mokoko vs Labubu, and the answer is simple: Mokoko is another one of The Monsters. He's the fluffy, cyclops-looking one, often mistaken for a cloud or a sheep. He's shy and sweet, a total contrast to both Labubu and Zimomo.
The full Labubu Zimomo Mokoko lineup is part of a bigger world that includes Tycoco (the little three-eyed guy), Spooky (the ghost), and Pato (the platypus-like one). Each has a distinct personality. Understanding the whole family is part of the fun of collecting. If you're trying to keep them all straight, having a guide to all The Monsters' names can be a lifesaver.
Ultimately, the Zimomo vs Labubu debate is less of a competition and more of a conversation about duality. You can't have the light without the shadow, the cute without the chaos. Labubu and Zimomo are two sides of the same brilliant, monstrous coin created by Kasing Lung. One might be your favorite, but the collection is incomplete without both.
If you're ready to pick a side or, like me, decide you need both, you can always check out our LABUBU collection and see which monster calls to you. You might be surprised which one you bring home.
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