There really is no stopping the POP MART craze at this point. Founded in China in 2010, the leading designer toy company has expanded far beyond its home country. Packed with adorable characters like Hirono, Molly, Hacipupu, and the ever-popular Labubu (also known as The Monsters), each character boasts a unique and distinct personality. But among the toy company’s growing roster of in-house IPs, there’s one character that truly caught our interest, emerging as, let’s just say, their edgiest creation yet: SKULLPANDA.

The cool and mysterious character is perfect for collectors who gravitate toward figures with personality and a bit of a moody edge. Combining elements of mystery and goth, SKULLPANDA is a fashion-forward figure that stands as one of the company’s biggest IPs. While some collectibles lean on charm and irresistible cuteness, SKULLPANDA doesn’t try too hard. And their expressive, somber facial details say it all.

If you happen to be a fan of this lovely, gothic POP MART character, or if you’re just starting to get to know them better, this is your guide to the company’s mysterious character that we can’t help but obsess over.

The Avant-Garde Icon of POP MART

If you’ve been chronically online these past few years, chances are you know that healing the inner child has been the thing lately. Some indulge themselves by purchasing toys they don’t need but absolutely want — because, well, now they can. It’s true that healing that child within you doesn’t always have to involve spending your adult money, although sometimes it’s fun to do so.

That’s perhaps the very reason why POP MART has been capturing global attention lately. It has won the hearts not only of kids, but also of those whose inner child needs a bit of healing. And if that inner child has always had a taste for the unusual, we probably don’t even have to guess what your favorite POP MART character is.

The company describes the character as one who has traversed different worlds, taking on various personas and living through multiple lives. According to POP MART, this fan-favorite gothic chic is “on a quest to find its truest self and break new ground all while contemplating the shape of infinity.” And we’re certainly buying that description. We’re not sure if these characters are cosmic beings or lost souls, but one thing we’re sure of: they’re otherworldly and definitely unforgettable. While each POP MART character is undeniably adorable, this gothic chic strays away from the usual — one we just can’t help but adore despite its slightly dark persona.

Created by Chinese artist Xiong Miao, who has a background in architecture and game concept art, SKULLPANDA sets itself apart with its instantly recognizable aura, a helmet in various forms, and darkly whimsical outfits, complete with distinct eye makeup that makes it all the more intriguing and, at times, bordering on creepy. The eyes of most SKULLPANDA figures (mostly the plushies) can be adjusted, allowing you to change their expressions and even make them roll their eyes, simply because you have the freedom to do so. One thing you can’t do, however, is make them look happy. After all, it wouldn’t be a SKULLPANDA figure if it weren’t looking mysterious.

Some of the SKULLPANDA Collection So Far

Part of POP MART’s popularity can be attributed to consumers’ curiosity, especially when you’re buying only a few boxes from a collection. Of course, the design has always been what seals the deal, but we can’t deny the mystery and thrill that comes with opening a blind box, hoping to get that one figure you’ve been eyeing. You can always opt for the whole box, which varies in cost depending on the collection, but there’s a certain joy in buying the unknown. A character that thrives on mystery, SKULLPANDA has a few of its own, ranging from plush dolls and pendants to figures.

There’s the playful You Found Me! series, while The Paradox is an elegant collection that still stays true to the elements that make SKULLPANDA unique. L’impressionnisme, on the other hand, takes a more romantic route, while Tell Me What You Want explores festive themes, albeit still unapologetically SKULLPANDA (take the Still on the Job figure, for example). The Everyday Wonderland collection leans into a mystic aesthetic, while the Warmth series is perhaps the most ethereal SKULLPANDA has ever looked. Additionally, The Addams Family — inspired by the macabre and quirky family created by American cartoonist Charles Addams — is a perfect addition to any collection.

The Blind Box collections are as follows:

• You Found Me!
• The Paradox
• L’impressionnisme
• The Mirage
• Winter Symphony
• Tell Me What You Want
• The Sound
• Image Of Reality
• The Ink Plum Blossom
• Everyday Wonderland
• Warmth
• The Mare of Animals
• The Addams Family
• City of Night
• Candy Monster Town
• City of Night
• Candy Monster Town
• Action! Cut!
• Hypepanda
• Ancient Castle

Just recently, POP MART released its collaboration with Sanrio: the SKULLPANDA x My Melody collection, giving the beloved Sanrio characters a gothic SKULLPANDA spin. The company also launched a Wednesday Plush collection, inspired by the iconic — and gothic — Addams Family character, Wednesday Addams.

Individual plushies typically range in price from US$32.99 and US$39.99 to US$43.99 and US$56.99, while individual figures are usually priced around US$19.99. Action figures (including the DUCATI, Van Gogh Museum Sunflowers, Egon Schiele, NANA, and Mika Ninagawa series) are much pricier due to their size, with prices ranging from US$192.99 and US$359.90 to US$1,467.90.

SKULLPANDA also extends beyond blind boxes and individual collections, offering a range of accessory collectibles, including brooches, phone chains, pendants, and badges, as well as bag charms, cards, magnets, phone lanyards, and earphone cases. As if that weren’t fancy enough, SKULLPANDA also ventures into fragrances, with scented candles and car perfumes included in some collections.

It’s safe to say SKULLPANDA has journeyed into our world and made quite a mark. The Beat Asia recently had the chance to witness the first-ever SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Exhibition in Singapore, which will be running until Feb. 22, 2026. The exhibition is located at the National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897, and is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Visit POP MART’s official website for more details about SKULLPANDA prices, new releases, and other beloved characters.