Pop Mart: The Story and Characters
Pop Mart is a global leader in collectible blind box toys, based in Beijing, China. Founded in 2010, the company is known for creating a mix of art, design, and playful characters, primarily distributed in blind boxes. Their mission is to bring surprise and joy to collectors by collaborating with top artists and designers worldwide. Over the years, Pop Mart has grown into a cultural phenomenon, expanding its reach globally with flagship stores, vending machines, and an online presence.
Pop Mart’s Main Characters
Pop Mart collaborates with both independent artists and their in-house creators to develop iconic characters. Below are some of their most popular characters:
1. Molly
- Creator: Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong.
- Description: Molly is an imaginative and playful little girl with big, round eyes and various themes, such as fairy tales, animals, and seasonal styles. She’s the most iconic character in the Pop Mart lineup.
2. Dimoo
- Creator: Ayan (Chinese artist).
- Description: A dreamy boy with soft pastel designs, often depicted in whimsical, surreal settings. Dimoo represents curiosity and wonder.
3. SKULLPANDA
- Creator: Artist Wang Yingjun.
- Description: A fusion of gothic and punk aesthetics, SKULLPANDA characters have skeleton motifs and rebellious, edgy designs, resonating with fans of alternative styles.
4. Pucky
- Creator: Malaysian artist Pucky.
- Description: Cute and magical characters inspired by fairies, mermaids, and the natural world. Pucky’s designs evoke a sense of innocence and fantasy.
5. The Monsters
- Creator: Momoko Wong.
- Description: Adorable monster characters like Labubu, who are mischievous yet lovable with their quirky expressions and detailed designs.
6. Hirono
- Creator: Hirono Haga (Japanese artist).
- Description: Characters with dreamy eyes, often reflecting stories of emotions and life moments. They have a unique artistic vibe.
7. Bunny
- Creator: The Wazzup Family.
- Description: Bunny is a playful and cheerful character, often seen in pastel and candy-colored themes.
8. Yoki
- Creator: Korea’s Seulgie Lee.
- Description: A deer-like character with a youthful spirit, featuring pastel designs and themes like outer space and seasons.
9. BOBO & COCO
- Creator: Pop Mart’s in-house team.
- Description: A duo of a small child (BOBO) and a chicken-like bird (COCO) with playful themes like food, travel, and festivals.
10. Crybaby
- Creator: Hanjin (Chinese artist).
- Description: A melancholic yet cute character inspired by the bittersweet emotions of life.
Why Pop Mart is Unique
- Blind Box Concept: Buyers don’t know which character they’ll receive until they open the box, adding excitement to the experience.
- Artistic Value: Pop Mart collaborates with artists to create collectible designs that blend art and storytelling.
- Global Appeal: Their characters cater to diverse tastes, from cute and whimsical to edgy and mysterious.
- Limited Editions: Many of their series are limited edition, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Pop Mart’s Legacy
Pop Mart continues to innovate by introducing new characters, collaborating with global artists, and expanding its reach in the art toy market. Its characters and stories resonate with collectors of all ages, blending surprise, artistry, and nostalgia into one exciting package.