Unboxing stories behind the blind box craze

By Staff Writers Cecilia Cheng, Finnegan McCarthy, & Andy Zhang

Thanks to social media, blind boxes stuffed with small collectibles have quickly taken over the world. From adorable green, human-like creatures to astronauts lost in space with extensive lore, there are blind boxes for all. Still, there are figurines that dominate the sealed collectible scene with their uniqueness that still manage to fit any taste.

Hirono 

Coupled with intricate details and unique accessories, the scruffy Hirono is recognized for his blushing cheeks and indifferent attitude. Chinese artist Lang designed their moody yet cute aesthetic to capture the complexities of the mind and its fleeting, raw emotions. Each character in each series has its own backstory, illustrated through their designs, and has already appeared in nine collections, with more than 50 personas. In the Little Mischief series, Hironos such as Pretender and Persona put on a mask to hide their true selves. At the same time, Boiling Frog and Float both allow themselves to linger in bad situations, waiting for someone or something else to save them. Through features that tell each character’s backstory, Hirono captures both human emotions and collectors’ hearts. “I also like Hironos, because each design is unique, and it makes you feel like there’s a bigger story behind each design,” an anonymous Pop Mart shopper said.

Skullpanda 

Through their intricate designs and artistic outfits, Skullpandas represent the darker themes of uncertainty in a world of cuteness. First created by Chinese designer Xiong Miao in 2018, Skullpandas captured the hearts of collectors through their pensive, dreamy expressions, becoming one of PopMart’s flagship brands. The figures were made to transcend limits, reflecting a more boundless version of Xiong Miao. Represented by their signature astronaut helmets, the Skullpandas are space travelers journeying through planets, freely exploring the endless expanse of space. Each series depicts them in their new roles, capturing a sense of impermanence and uncertainty in every outfit. Through striking and bold designs, Skullpandas break the bounds of space and blind boxes, becoming an artistic expression of the shifting world.

The Monsters 

Gaining immense global popularity in April 2024 through social media posts made by celebrities like Lisa from BLACKPINK, The Monsters have immersed themselves into the world of blind boxes. Designed and sold by Pop Mart, The Monsters were created by artist Kasing Lung, and helped boost Pop Mart’s revenue by 375% in 2024 following emerging popularity. As a toy designer, Lung created The Monsters as a way to remind people that no matter what, a smile could lift one’s spirits and guide them toward happiness. The series was first brought to life as magical beings inhabiting a Nordic fairytale, including Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky, Pato, and most iconically, Labubu. Within the Labubu tribe, the character that stands out the most is Mokoko due to her heart-shaped nose and pastel pink fur. With roughly a one out of 120 chance to find Mokoko in the Finding Mokoko Blind Box Series, she remains the elusive figure of the set. 

Smiski 

Shining bright in the hearts of blind box lovers are Smiskis, known for their unique poses and glow-in-the-dark element. Released in 2015 by Dreams Inc., the humanoid figurines were meant to resemble people’s everyday lives, giving them a minimalist feeling many enjoy. Their name is derived from Japanese phrases that mean “nook” and “corner,” reflecting the figurine’s tendency to hide away in the dark. With 18 different series, including ones like “Birthday,” “Yoga,” and “Museum,” Smiskis appeal to a wide audience, especially with the mystery of receiving one of seven figures in a box, including a secret figure. “To me, a Smiski is a tiny, hidden companion that reminds me that sometimes the most whimsical things in life are things that are hiding out in the ordinary,” Sophomore Ray Guo said.