The adorable, oversized teeth and mischievous grin of Labubu, the flagship character from the 'The Monsters' series, have made it a global sensation in the art toy and blind box collectible world. However, in a startling twist in mid-2025, this seemingly innocent, furry forest creature became the subject of a viral and deeply unsettling social media controversy, with claims labeling it as the "devil's pet" or a figure with "demonic" connections. This article dives into the true, official lore of Labubu, tracing its origins back to Nordic folklore and the mind of its creator, Kasing Lung, to definitively unmask the truth behind the shocking accusations that have sent ripples through the collecting community.
The panic, which gained widespread traction in June 2025, saw parents and collectors alike questioning the spiritual safety of the highly sought-after collectible. The claims often link the character to dark forces, suggesting a hidden, sinister agenda behind its cute appearance. The reality, as revealed by the character's official backstory, is a fascinating blend of fantastical storytelling and an artist's deep appreciation for mythical creatures, far removed from any genuine diabolical intent.
The Creator and The Monsters: Kasing Lung's Universe
To understand Labubu, one must first understand its creator and the world from which it sprang. The character is not a standalone figure but the star of a much larger, cohesive universe.
Biography of Kasing Lung
- Full Name: Kasing Lung (龍家昇)
- Nationality: Hong Kong (based)
- Primary Profession: Illustrator, Toy Designer, Artist
- Artistic Style: Known for his whimsical, slightly melancholic, and often monstrous yet cute characters, heavily influenced by European and Nordic fairy tales.
- Key Creation: 'The Monsters' series.
- Debut of Labubu: 2015, in his first illustrated picture book, 'The Monsters.'
- Collaborations: Most famously with the Chinese toy giant POP MART, which propelled Labubu into the global blind box market.
- Awards/Recognition: His work has been widely exhibited and has garnered a massive global following, establishing him as a leading figure in the Art Toy movement.
Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong-based artist, first introduced Labubu in 2015 through his illustrated book series titled The Monsters. Lung's inspiration is rooted deeply in Nordic mythology and European folklore, where creatures and elves often possess a dual nature—both mischievous and helpful. This fascination forms the foundation of the entire 'The Monsters' universe, which is populated by a tribe of "monster elves."
What is Labubu, Really? Debunking the 'Devil's Pet' Myth
The sensational claim that Labubu is the "devil's pet" is a classic case of social media fear-mongering and misinterpretation. By examining the official lore, the theory quickly falls apart, revealing a harmless, if slightly eccentric, forest creature.
The Official Lore: A Loveable Trickster Elf
Labubu is officially described as a small, furry, mischievous, and kind-hearted elf character. The name "Labubu" itself is a fictional creation by Kasing Lung and holds no direct translation or sinister meaning in any known language. The character's core identity is that of a "loveable trickster," a figure who embodies the playful, unpredictable spirit of the forest creatures found in Nordic fairy tales.
- Species: Monster Elf (part of 'The Monsters' tribe).
- Personality: Helpful, kind-hearted, but a bit of a troublemaker.
- Appearance: Characterized by large, pointed ears, a furry texture, and a wide, toothy grin that is often mistaken for something sinister.
- Role in The Monsters: She is the main character and is always willing to help her friends, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, and Pato.
In the narrative of The Monsters, Labubu and her friends are protectors and inhabitants of a magical, mythical forest. Their stories revolve around adventure, friendship, and the whimsical challenges of their world, not satanic rituals or demonic possession. The "scary" or "monster" aspect is purely aesthetic, a stylistic choice by the artist to make them uniquely endearing.
The Viral Controversy: Pazuzu and Misinformation
The "devil's pet" narrative exploded on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, primarily fueled by a few key pieces of misinformation:
- The Pazuzu Link: A major part of the viral panic, which peaked around June 2025, was the unfounded claim that Labubu was somehow connected to the ancient Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu. Pazuzu is known in folklore as the demon of the southwest wind, bringing famine and locusts. There is absolutely no canonical or artistic link between Kasing Lung's Nordic-inspired elf and the Mesopotamian demon.
- The 'Former Satanist' Claim: Several videos, often featuring individuals claiming to be "former Satanists" or spiritual warfare experts, surfaced online, warning parents about the doll's "demonic" or "possessed" nature. These claims are subjective, sensationalized, and lack any factual basis in the character's official creation or lore.
- The Aesthetic Misinterpretation: The character's sharp teeth, large eyes, and overall "monster" look—a common trope in Art Toy culture—were misinterpreted by some as inherently evil or satanic, especially by those unfamiliar with the genre.
This type of moral panic is not uncommon in the world of collectibles, where unique or non-traditional aesthetics are often met with suspicion by those outside the community. Labubu's unprecedented popularity, especially its success as a collectible blind box toy through POP MART, made it a prime target for this kind of sensationalist narrative. The doll's rapid ascent to global fame, making it a highly desirable collectible, inadvertently positioned it in the crosshairs of cultural and spiritual scrutiny.
The Labubu Phenomenon: Why The Cute Monster Captivated The World
The real story of Labubu is one of artistic success, not dark magic. Its global appeal is a testament to Kasing Lung's unique vision and the power of the Art Toy movement.
The Monsters: A Full Cast of Characters
Labubu is just one member of a larger, quirky family. The collective popularity of 'The Monsters' series adds topical authority and context to the character's world, showing a diverse group of fantastical creatures, not a cult of one. Key characters include:
- Zimomo: Often seen as Labubu’s mischievous sidekick, a slightly larger, more ape-like monster elf.
- Tycoco: A more ghost-like or spectral figure, adding a touch of the ethereal to the group.
- Spooky: A bat-like creature, often depicted with wings.
- Pato: A cute, duck-billed, and gentle character who balances the group's chaotic energy.
This cohesive cast, all products of Kasing Lung's imagination, reinforces the narrative of a fantastical fairy tale world. The success of the blind box format, popularized by POP MART, turned the search for these characters into a global treasure hunt, driving up demand and creating a vibrant collector community.
The Art Toy Movement and Collectible Culture
Labubu's success is a reflection of the booming Art Toy and Designer Toy market. Collectors are drawn to the unique artistry, limited-edition releases, and the element of surprise in the blind box format. The aesthetic, which blends "cute" with "monster," is a staple of this genre, known as "Kawaii Monster" or "Ugly Cute." This deliberate juxtaposition is what makes Labubu a compelling and highly sought-after collectible. The doll is not a religious or spiritual item; it is a piece of contemporary art and a cultural collectible.
In conclusion, the claim that Labubu is the "devil's pet" is a modern urban legend, manufactured and amplified by social media panic and a misunderstanding of the Art Toy genre. The truth is far more charming: Labubu is a helpful, kind-hearted monster elf, a beloved creation of artist Kasing Lung, whose origins lie in the whimsical, non-threatening world of Nordic folklore and contemporary collectible design. Collectors can rest assured that their furry, toothy friend is nothing more than a mischievous, adorable trickster.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Eileen Herzog II
- Username : hattie.rohan
- Email : batz.antonetta@rutherford.com
- Birthdate : 1970-01-12
- Address : 386 Camron Mews Suite 016 Lanefort, IA 27014-3259
- Phone : 207-208-3286
- Company : Farrell, Ledner and Bradtke
- Job : Extraction Worker
- Bio : Ut ipsum velit ut alias beatae a perferendis. Et et omnis aliquam molestias in. Expedita perferendis minima aut odit dolorem.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/oberbrunnere
- username : oberbrunnere
- bio : Magnam porro a nam quo harum iusto quia.
- followers : 5783
- following : 1699
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/emery_oberbrunner
- username : emery_oberbrunner
- bio : Ut expedita labore saepe natus. Atque commodi sit nihil. Asperiores sequi deserunt blanditiis aut.
- followers : 999
- following : 1593