While these two characters from Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series share distinct similarities, they are also different in many subtle ways. If you’re new to the world of The Monsters, read our Labubu vs Zimomo guide to learn how to tell the two apart.
In the fast-paced world of revolving fashion and lifestyle trends, few have demonstrated staying power like Pop Mart’s viral collectible, Labubu. With the rise of stuffed toys and bag charms in 2025, Labubu has easily become the fan-favourite indulgence, its popularity fuelled by celebrity collectors like BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Dua Lipa, and even Rihanna.
Labubu is the brainchild of Hong Kong-born artist, Kasing Lung. At age 7, Lung moved to the Netherlands and was immediately captivated by the whimsical charms of Nordic folklore. In 2015, he released The Monsters, an illustrated book series featuring a playful elf with distinctive ears and a cheeky, incandescent smile — Labubu.
Four years later, Pop Mart acquired the rights to produce toys from The Monsters, a move that would eventually turn the company founder, Wang Ning, into a billionaire and China’s 10th richest man.
Owing to Pop Mart’s ingenious blind box format, Labubu and other characters from 2az series sold like hotcakes, becoming fast favourites among toy collectors. Amazingly, sales of toys and figures from The Monsters series have increased 725 percent from 2023 to 2024, contributing to the extraordinary growth and success of Pop Mart. Indeed, other projections place the company’s revenue at USD 6 billion in 2027, an increase of over 500 percent from 2023, with the potential of overseas sales exceeding domestic sales in 2025.
Whether you love Labubus or hate them, one thing is clear: They’re here to stay, and too impossibly cute to ignore.
Labubu is the indisputable main character of the series. However, Pop Mart has also spotlighted other characters in its toy collections, from the sweet Mokoko to the gentle giant Zimomo. Today, many of Lung’s monsters have become collectors’ items, with some figurines fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction and reseller’s markets.
Because Labubu, Zimomo, and Mokoko all share similar traits, it can be difficult to tell them apart. A key point to note is that Mokoko has a heart-shaped nose and distinct eyelashes, making her one of the sweetest and most easily recognisable characters from The Monsters series.
However, even more distinct differences exist between Labubu and Zimomo. If you’re new to the world of Labubu collecting, our Labubu vs Zimomo guide will help you to identify them and tell them apart.
Labubu vs Zimomo: A comparison of Kasing Lung’s popular characters
Who are they?
According to Pop Mart World, a fan-operated website that delves into the lore of the brand’s toys and figures, Labubus were designed as a collective species. Lung has stated that all Labubus are female. Labubus live in a tight-knit community where charm, mystery, and a dash of cheekiness are the norm.
Zimomo, however, is a singular creature — the leader of the Labubus and the only male in the core group. Unlike Labubus, who embody mischief, boldness, and a playful, adventurous spirit, Zimomo radiates calm, introspection, and a gentle curiosity about the world.
How do they differ in looks?
Labubu and Zimomo have been portrayed in different colours across Pop Mart’s collectible blind boxes. Both share wide, toothy grins, with nine pointed molars apiece. Additionally, they both share distinctive, rabbit-like ears, triangular button noses, and large boba eyes. However, a few key differences exist between the two.
Most notably, Zimomo has a magnificent spiny tail, cementing his place as the King of the Labubus. Zimomo has also been featured with wings, as was the case with Pop Mart’s Angel in Clouds Vinyl Face doll.
What are some popular Labubu collections vs Zimomo?
With Labubu fever sweeping the world, it comes as no surprise that there are numerous Labubu blind box collections for fans to choose from — that is, if they are still in stock. Among the most popular Labubu blind box collections are Labubu V1, the ‘Exciting Macaron’ series, Labubu V2, the ‘Have A Seat’ series, and the newly released Labubu V3, the ‘Big Into Energy’ series.
All three showcase a variety of Labubus in different poses, colours, and materials, though fans will argue that each have their own indelible charm.
Additionally, several special edition Labubus have also been released, with some ultra-rare variations only available in specific regions. Pop Mart has also released collaborative collections, from Coca Cola and Uniqlo to Pronounce and One Piece.
While incredibly popular among collectors, Zimomo collectibles are a little rarer, and often cost more. Two of the most popular Zimomo collectibles are 58cm tall figurines — the ‘I Found You’ vinyl face doll and the ‘Angel in Clouds’ vinyl face doll.
Ultimately, both Labubu and Zimomo capture a different side of Kasing Lung’s imaginative universe. Labubus offer a vibrant burst of colour and energy, boasting a bold and mischievous spirit that’s perfect for collectors craving high-energy showstoppers. In contrast, Zimomo offers a sense of subtle calm, appealing to fans who prefer artful elegance and quiet storytelling.
(Main and featured images: Pop Mart)
This story first appeared here.