Skullpanda
Complete Guide to the Designer Toy
Contents
Overview
Skullpanda is a bold, enigmatic designer toy character created by Chinese artist Xiong Miao and produced by POP MART. Debuting in late 2018, Skullpanda features a signature skull helmet or mask, soft braids or flowing hair, piercing eyes with strong expressions, and an edgy, fashion-forward style that blends dark fantasy, streetwear, and avant-garde vibes. The character embodies "non-absoluteness"—embracing uncertainty, rejecting fixed labels, and celebrating individuality through moody, liberated aesthetics. Unlike softer IPs like Dimoo or playful Labubu, Skullpanda exudes urban cool, emotional depth, and rebellious attitude. By 2026, Skullpanda has surged in popularity, becoming a staple for edgy shelf curation and often compared to "Wednesday Addams" energy in toy form.
Creator & Brand
Creator: Xiong Miao
Xiong Miao is a reclusive yet influential Chinese artist with a background in film, architecture, gaming concept art, and fashion. She founded her studio Beizhai in 2014 and later North Studio as the home for Skullpanda. In 2018, she launched the character to explore themes of freedom, uncertainty, and boundless identity—inspired by Picasso's spirit of breaking limitations. Her style fuses street culture, military elements, dark-cute contrasts, and high-fashion silhouettes.
- •Background in film & gaming art
- •Founded North Studio
- •Style fuses street culture & dark fantasy
Brand: POP MART
POP MART partnered with Xiong Miao to scale Skullpanda via blind boxes, turning it into one of their core long-term franchises. The randomized format drives addiction, while frequent thematic drops and global expansion fuel international success. In 2026, Skullpanda benefits from POP MART's diversification—strong resale momentum, zodiac/limited editions, and collabs—positioning it as a mature, enduring IP amid shifting trends.
- •Core long-term franchise
- •Global expansion success
- •Strong resale momentum in 2026
Major Series & Editions
Blind Box Series
Format
- 12 regular figures per series
- 1 secret (chase) figure
- Occasional ultra-rare variants
Themes
- The Sound Series (Music-inspired)
- The Mare of Animals (Dark aesthetics)
- The Ink Plum Blossom (Ink art)
- The Golden Gallop (Year of the Horse 2026)
- The Mirage / Winter Symphony
- You Found Me! (Plush pendants)
Large-Scale Editions
Collaborations include My Little Pony (2026), Kuromi (2025), and Wednesday (Nevermore Academy variants).
Market Impact
Skullpanda leads the "edgy fashion" niche in blind boxes, gaining as a Labubu alternative in 2026. Strong with young urban collectors, streetwear/fashion fans, and social media curators drawn to bold/dark aesthetics. Dominant in Asia and growing in Western markets.
Global Reach
Why It's Successful
- ✓High-impact visual identity
- ✓Fashion/theme versatility
- ✓Consistent dark-cute direction
- ✓Scarcity mechanics + seasonal hype
- ✓Triple-digit resale growth
Collecting Guide
Retail Pricing
Single Blind Box
$10–$25 USD (¥1,200–¥2,500)
Full Set (12)
$120–$250 USD
Secondary Market
Secrets from popular series (e.g., Celestial Horse, My Little Pony) resell 3–10× retail. Strong demand for limited zodiac editions and collaborations.
Collecting Strategy
Where to Buy
Official Channels
- POP MART physical stores (Global)
- POP MART website & app
- TikTok Shop/Authorized partners
Secondary Platforms
- StockX, eBay (authentication advised)
- Mercari Japan, regional apps
- Reddit r/PopMartCollectors, Instagram/X
Related Designer Toys
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