Labubu began as a character designed in 2015 by Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong–born artist raised in the Netherlands. Labubu was part of Lung's story series THE MONSTERS, which was influenced by Nordic folklore and mythology that he enjoyed during his childhood.
 
The three picture book series is populated with magical characters both good and evil. Among them, the most prominent one was LABUBU, a small monster with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth. Despite a mischievous look, LABUBU is kind-hearted and always wants to help, but often accidentally achieves the opposite.