I remember the day the POP MART x One Piece collaboration was announced. The collector chats went absolutely nuclear. It was one of those perfect storms: one of the biggest anime franchises on the planet meeting one of the hottest designer toy lines. We all knew it was going to be big. But I don't think any of us were truly prepared for the sheer chaos that would surround one specific figure: the Zoro Labubu.
As someone who runs PopNya and handles these little monsters daily, I've seen the hype cycles. I've seen figures pop off and then fade away. But the Zoro figure… that was different. It tapped into a level of fandom and desire that we rarely see. It wasn't just another Labubu; it was an event. And even now, months after the initial drop, the demand is still incredibly strong.
So, you're thinking about getting one. You've seen the pictures, you love Zoro, and you love Labubu. But you're also seeing prices that make your wallet cry. What's the real story here? Is it worth it? Let's talk about it, collector to collector.
The Anatomy of the Hype: Why This Specific Figure?
First off, you have to understand why this isn't just another cute collectible. The fusion of Roronoa Zoro and Labubu is a masterclass in character design. Kasing Lung, Labubu's creator, has this amazing ability to translate the essence of a character into his monster's form without it feeling like a cheap costume. If you're interested in his art, I've written before about my journey with Kasing Lung and his creations.
With Zoro, they nailed it.
The iconic green bandana. The determined, slightly angry scowl. And of course, the Santoryu (Three-Sword Style). He's got one sword in his mouth and two in his little monster paws. It's both ridiculously cool and kind of adorable. It perfectly captures Zoro's badass energy.
This isn't just a Labubu wearing a Zoro outfit. The entire sculpt feels like it is Zoro, just in Labubu's world. This is what separates a good collaboration from a great one. It's the same reason the Naruto Labubu series did so well; the designs felt authentic to both brands. For One Piece fans, it's an irresistible tribute to one of the most popular Straw Hat Pirates. For Labubu collectors, it's one of the most dynamic and expressive designs in any series. This dual appeal is what sent its popularity into the stratosphere.
*The Hunt: What It's Really* Like to Pull a Zoro LabubuYou buy a sealed box from the One Piece series, and you get one of the 12 possible characters at random.
A full case contains 12 boxes. In a perfect, non-secret-containing case, you get one of each of the 12 regular designs. This means your odds of pulling a zoro one piece labubu from any single box are, at best, 1 in 12. And that's assuming you don't get a duplicate or the secret figure (Shanks), which replaces one of the regular figures in the case.
I've had customers buy three, four, even six boxes hoping to pull him, only to end up with multiple Choppers and Usopps. It's the nature of the game. It's a gamble.
And let me just bust a myth right now: you cannot weigh or shake the boxes to find him. POP MART got wise to that years ago. The modern boxes have standardized plastic inserts and weights. The differences are so minuscule that you'd need a laboratory-grade scale, and even then, it's not reliable. Don't waste your time standing in the store shaking boxes like a weirdo. It doesn't work.
The thrill of opening a blind box and seeing that flash of green hair is immense. I've been there. But the frustration of opening your fifth box and getting another Franky is also very, very real. That's why the secondary market for this figure exists and thrives.
The Price of Santoryu: What Should You Actually Pay?
Okay, let's get down to the numbers. This is where things get wild.
A single blind box from the Labubu x One Piece series retails for around $15 to $17, depending on the store. So, in a perfect world, you could get a Zoro for that price. But we don't live in a perfect world.
Within the first 48 hours of the US release, I saw opened Zoro figures selling for $75 on Mercari and eBay. A week later, they were pushing $90. As of writing this, the price has stabilized a bit, but it's still high.
* Opened, with Box and Card: This is the most common way to buy him. You're looking at a range of $60 - $85. The price fluctuates based on demand. Anything under $60 is a pretty good deal. Anything over $85, and you might be overpaying unless it's a graded version or something special. * Confirmed, Sealed Inner Bag: Some sellers open the outer box to confirm the character (by the card) but leave the inner foil bag sealed. This commands a slight premium, maybe $70 - $95. People pay extra for the "unboxing" experience. * Compared to other figures: Luffy, the main character, is also popular and usually sells for $35-$50. Sanji, Nami, and Robin hover around the $20-$30 mark. Zoro consistently trades for double or even triple the price of his fellow crewmates. Only the secret rare, Shanks, sells for more, often fetching $150+.
The fact that a regular-ratio figure trades at a price approaching the secret is a testament to its insane popularity. People don't just want a rare Labubu; they want that specific zoro labubu.
*Real Talk: Is the Zoro Labubu Actually* Worth It?This is my favorite part. Let's be brutally honest. As someone who has unboxed, inspected, and shipped dozens of these, here's my take.
The Good: The design is flawless. The pose is dynamic. The paint application, for the most part, is very clean. The matte finish on his skin and clothes feels premium. The tiny Wado Ichimonji sword held in his mouth is surprisingly detailed and securely attached. It's a solid, well-made figure that looks incredible on a shelf. It has genuine presence.
The "Could Be Better": I've noticed a recurring, minor quality control issue across multiple Zoro figures that have come through my shop. The two swords he holds in his hands, Shusui and Sandai Kitetsu, sometimes have tiny paint imperfections on the hilts (the handles). It's usually a small smudge of black paint on the colored wrapping or vice-versa. It's not on every single one, but I've seen it on at least 4 out of the 15-20 I've personally handled. Is it a dealbreaker? Absolutely not. You have to look closely to even notice it. But it's something to be aware of if you're a perfectionist.
My Verdict:** So, is it worth $80?
* If you are a die-hard One Piece fan AND a Zoro loyalist: Yes. Absolutely. This is one of the best pieces of Zoro merchandise ever made, period. It's a unique, art-driven take on the character that you won't find anywhere else. Pay the price, put it on your shelf, and you will not regret it. * If you are a Labubu collector who isn't a huge One Piece fan: Honestly? Maybe not. For $80, you could buy almost half a case of a new series. You could get a much larger, more intricate figure from another artist. The value here is tied heavily to the One Piece IP. If that IP doesn't mean much to you, your money might be better spent elsewhere in our LABUBU collection. * If you're a casual fan or buying it as an "investment": Be careful. The hype is real, but markets can cool. While I think Zoro will always be one of the most valuable figures in this set, don't buy it expecting to flip it for a huge profit a year from now. Buy it because you love it.
Buyer's Playbook: How to Get Your Zoro Without Getting Scammed
Ready to pull the trigger? Smart move. Here's how to do it safely.
Option 1: The Gamble (Buying Blind) You can still find sealed blind boxes from the One Piece series at official POP MART stores, online retailers (like us!), and other toy shops. This is the most exciting way to get him, but also the most expensive if you have bad luck. It's a thrill, but be prepared to spend a lot and end up with a crew of other characters before you find your swordsman.
Option 2: The Sure Thing (Buying Open-Box) This is how most people get him. You'll be shopping on platforms like eBay, Mercari, or specialized Facebook groups.
* Check Seller Ratings: This is non-negotiable. Only buy from sellers with a long history of positive feedback. * Demand Pictures of the ACTUAL Figure: Do not buy from a listing that only uses stock photos. Ask for pictures of the figure from multiple angles, along with the original box and the character card. This proves they have it in hand. * Confirm Box & Card are Included: A figure without its original box and character card is worth significantly less and is harder to resell. Make sure the listing specifies they are included. * Watch Out for Fakes: The Zoro Labubu is popular enough to attract fakes. They are getting better, but there are still tells. Fakes often have a slightly glossier, cheaper-looking plastic. The green on the bandana might be a shade too bright or too dark. The printing on the box might be blurry. The best defense is to buy from a reputable source. If you're ever in doubt, check out our guide on spotting fake Labubu figures for more general tips.
The Zoro Labubu is a special piece. It is the peak of what a collaboration can be, a perfect marriage of two beloved worlds. The hype is justified, even if the price tag is a little intimidating. It's a figure that brings a smile to your face every time you look at it.
Whether you decide to brave the blind box odds or secure him on the secondary market, adding this little three-sword-wielding monster to your collection is a win.
Happy hunting.
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