Labubu vs SKULLPANDA vs Hirono: Which Pop Mart IP Should You Collect?

If you’ve dipped a toe into Pop Mart, you’ve heard the three names collectors argue about constantly: Labubu, SKULLPANDA, and Hirono. They’re the IPs most likely to be “the next big thing” — but choosing between them is really choosing between three very different collecting experiences.

Here’s the honest comparison, based on artist backgrounds, community sentiment, price, and 2025–2026 secondary market data.

The Short Version (If You’re In a Hurry)

(source: Gashapoint)

Meet the Three Contenders

1. Labubu — The Viral Monster (The Breakout Star)

The artist: Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung created Labubu as part of his broader The Monsters universe (which includes Zimomo, Tycoco, and more) — a Nordic-mythology-inspired world of mischievous forest creatures.

The character: Pointed elongated ears, a row of sharp teeth, large round eyes, and a naughty-but-kind-hearted grin. Despite looking like a troublemaker, Labubu is usually described as well-meaning — it just accidentally causes chaos.

Why it exploded: In 2024, after BLACKPINK’s Lisa was repeatedly photographed with the bag-charm (pendant) format, Labubu went stratospheric. It became one of StockX’s most-searched collectibles and moved beyond display shelves into fashion — fans attach it to handbags, backpacks, and outfits. In 2025, The Monsters generated RMB 14.161 billion, Pop Mart’s largest IP.

Best starter series: Exciting Macaron, Have a Seat, Big into Energy pendants.

Who it’s for: Fans of monster-cute designs, plush pendants, and bag accessories — and anyone who wants a highly recognizable character they can wear out.

2. SKULLPANDA — Dark Art Done Right (The Style Icon)

The artist: Chinese artist Xiong Miao (LazyNorth Studio), a former concept artist for games and film, created SKULLPANDA in 2018 as her own artistic alter ego.

The character: A mysterious girl in a skull-shaped astronaut helmet with panda pigtails, who travels through time and space but doesn’t know who she truly is. Each series is a new chapter in her self-discovery — exploring duality, freedom, perception, and emotional depth. Her look blends gothic, high fashion, retro-futurism, and street culture.

Why it’s rising: Widely considered the most likely “next Labubu” — the numbers back it up. SKULLPANDA sales surged 132% from Q2 to Q3 2025 on StockX, with search interest spiking in October 2025, mirroring Labubu’s pre-mainstream pattern. Pop Mart’s own European MD said flatly: “In 2026 you’ll see a lot more around Skullpanda and Hirono.”

Best starter series: Image of Reality (2024, considered the creative peak, hidden figure at 1/144), L’Impressionnisme (2025, best current retail value), The Warmth (beginner-friendly), Tell Me What You Want.

Who it’s for: Collectors who want artistic ambition, dark aesthetic energy, and figures that double as display art — fans of fashion, street culture, and style detail.

3. Hirono — The Quiet One Who Collects Hearts (The Emotional Pick)

The artist: LANG, one of Pop Mart’s co-founders and art directors (who was also involved in Hirono’s own IP), created Hirono in 2021.

The character: A small, introspective boy with oversized eyes, red cheeks, and slightly disheveled hair. He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t pose heroically. He exists in quiet, emotionally charged moments — gazing out a window, sitting alone, exploring an unfamiliar world. LANG designed him to embody the full spectrum of human emotion and capture the feeling of being an outsider.

Why it’s special: Collectors don’t buy Hirono because he’s cute — they buy him because they feel something. His debut year earned RMB 52.2 million, and his community is one of the most emotionally invested in collecting. On TikTok/Instagram, Hirono content consistently goes viral — his expressive face becomes a canvas for collectors’ own emotional stories.

Best starter series: Little Mischief (accessible) / The Other One, Road Journal (beautiful travel storytelling).

Who it’s for: Collectors who prize emotional connection over aesthetic edge — anyone who collects with their heart.

Head-to-Head: Which Should YOU Get?

Choose Labubu if…

• You want the most recognizable character (it’s the easiest to spot in the wild)
• You want a wearable accessory (bag charm, hoodie, everyday carry)
• You want a blue-chip collection with strong, established resale value
• You like “monster-cute” — naughty but lovable

⚠️ Caveat: Labubu’s hype has cooled from 2025 peaks, and resale values for common figures have softened. The halo effect on The Monsters universe (especially undervalued Zimomo) is one smart angle.

Choose SKULLPANDA if…

• You’re a display/art collector who cares about sculpt detail and composition
• You love fashion, dark styles, and visual detail
• You want strong rising resale momentum (132% Q2→Q3 growth)
• You appreciate narrative depth and a character that changes with each series

Choose Hirono if…

• You’re after an emotional connection, not just an aesthetic
• You prefer understated, introspective designs
• You want the best value/entry point (lowest retail of the three)
• You like the idea of collecting before it’s “mainstream” — resale is surging (200%+ premiums) while it’s still affordable

The 2026 Trend You Should Know

Right now, collectors are shifting from Labubu’s hype toward emotional IPs like SKULLPANDA and Hirono. The market data is clear:

• Labubu: peaked and cooling — share of Pop Mart revenue fell through 2025–26
• SKULLPANDA: +132% Q2→Q3 2025, strong momentum into 2026, up to 300% resale premiums on collabs
• Hirono: 200%+ growth, rapid repeat-purchase rate, one of the fastest emotional-IP risers

That doesn’t mean Labubu is dead — it’s a global icon with staying power. But the smartest collecting right now is a diversified shelf: one wearable icon (Labubu), one art statement (SKULLPANDA), and one emotional anchor (Hirono).

The 30-Second Takeaway

Labubu = the viral icon you wear and recognize. SKULLPANDA = the art collector’s rising star. Hirono = the emotional pick that’s still affordable.

There’s no single “best” — it depends on why you collect. But if you’re starting fresh, the smart money is on Hirono or SKULLPANDA (affordable entry, surging momentum) rather than chasing a cooled-off Labubu at peak markups.

Ready to build a diverse collection? Start with our beginner’s guide to collecting Chinese designer toys.

Sources

• Gashapoint — Pop Mart Blind Boxes