Labubu V3 Big Into Energy Real vs. Fake: 7 Signs to Spot a Fake One

 

As the Pop Mart craze continues to sweep the globe, the Labubu V3 Big Into Energy series has become the "holy grail" for many collectors. However, with its soaring popularity comes a flood of high-quality counterfeits, often jokingly called "Lafufus," lurking in the secondary market. If you've just unboxed a new plush or are planning to buy one from a reseller, how can you be sure it's the real deal? In this guide, we’ll break down the essential authentication tips—from the subtle holographic box details to the hidden security features on the feet—to help you spot a fake before you spend your hard-earned money.

✨ Introduction to Labubu

Labubu is a signature designer toy character created by renowned Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. As one of the most iconic IPs in the modern art toy and collectible designer toy scene, Labubu has built a huge global fanbase thanks to its creepy-cute aesthetic, diverse themed releases, and highly collectible nature driven by low production volumes.

1. Origins of Labubu

Labubu comes from Kasing Lung's imaginative world "The Monsters", a universe filled with quirky, dark-fairy-tale characters.
Within this universe, Labubu became the most popular and recognizable figure, known for its mix of:

• Monster-like elements

• Fairy-tale atmosphere

• Dark humor

• Healing/comforting undertones

Early Labubu figures were mostly handcrafted resin pieces produced in very small quantities, making them exclusive to high-end collectors. Later, its popularity exploded after mass-production blind boxes were released in collaboration with POP MART, bringing the character into mainstream culture.

2. Key Visual Features of Labubu

Labubu is highly recognizable due to:

• Long, pointy rabbit-like ears

• Large expressive eyes (sometimes mischievous, sometimes cute, sometimes eerie)

• Small and compact body proportions

• Monster-style textures such as fangs, fur patterns, or fantasy costumes

Labubu's design blends cute and creepy, forming a signature "creepy-cute" aesthetic that fans love.

3. Why Is Labubu So Popular?

① Scarcity

Many Labubu releases are limited, especially artist editions, resin sculptures, and event exclusives.

② Strong artistic identity

Kasing Lung's distinctive art style has been embraced at international designer toy exhibitions.

③ Character versatility

Labubu can transform into countless themes—princesses, monsters, pirates, winter editions, macaron desserts, etc.

④ Blind box culture

POP MART's blind box model increased the IP's visibility, making Labubu a mainstream collectible.

4. Collectible Value of Labubu

Labubu figures vary widely in secondary-market price, with popular pieces selling for many times their retail value.
Collectors often examine:

• Facial expression

• Accessories and sculpt details

• Paint quality

• Release rarity

• Box condition and signs of tampering

💟 Introduction to Labubu V3 Big Into Energy

The "Big Into Energy" series is the third-generation product of the Labubu vinyl plush keychain line launched by Pop Mart. This series made its official debut in April 2025, continuing the popularity of the previous two generations while making bold advancements in craftsmanship and color design.

1. Core Design Highlights 

The theme of this generation revolves around "energy," and its overall style is more vibrant with striking visual appeal:

• Unique Tie-Dye Technique: For the first time, the "tie-dye gradient" process is introduced, making each Labubu’s fur texture unique, and each one becomes a "one-of-a-kind" piece.

• Upgraded Details:

  • Two-Tone Teeth: The signature nine teeth are retained, with one of them designed as a "fang," and the color of the teeth changes in accordance with the body's main color.

  • Exquisite Facial Features: The gradient-colored pupils are enhanced with glitter, and the nose and toes are coated with eye-catching "nail polish."

  • Improved Fur Texture: Compared to the previous generations, the third generation has fluffier, longer, and softer fur, providing an excellent tactile experience.

  • High Interactivity: An internal wireframe structure allows the head, arms, and legs to be flexibly moved, making it easy for collectors to pose the character in dynamic ways.

2. Style Distribution

This series includes six regular editions and one secret edition, with a total of six figures per box.

Regular Editions
Each of these represents a different positive energy:

• Love: Warm red tones.

• Happiness: Bright orange/peach tones.

• Loyalty: A pink and yellow gradient.

• Serenity: Fresh green tones.

• Hope: Deep blue tones.

• Luck: Captivating purple tones.

Secret Edition

• Name: ID (Energy Source)

• Appearance: Grey tie-dye fur with the most notable feature being rainbow-colored teeth and pupils that shimmer like a starry sky in a rainbow gradient.

• Probability: The odds of drawing this edition are usually 1:72.

3. Limited Editions & Special Versions

• Limited Editions: The third generation of Labubu often comes in limited editions, which increases its collectible value and rarity. These limited versions typically feature unique colors or additional accessories, further boosting their appeal among collectors.

• Special Editions: Special versions may be launched in collaboration with famous artists or brands, using more unique design styles and craftsmanship. These special editions often become more meaningful for collectors due to their distinctive nature.

4. Market & Pricing

• Market Positioning: Labubu's third generation is mainly targeted at the high-end toy market, especially appealing to collectors of art toys and limited-edition collectibles.

• Pricing: Due to its limited nature and exquisite craftsmanship, Labubu's third generation tends to be quite expensive, with prices varying based on version and market demand.

As the popularity of the Labubu V3 Big Into Energy continues to rise, counterfeit versions have become increasingly sophisticated. Some fakes closely imitate the original packaging, QR codes, and even overall appearance, making authentication more difficult than ever.
This guide consolidates verified buyer experiences and professional authentication insights, providing a detail-focused reference and testing method to help you confidently determine authenticity before or after purchase.

🧭 Labubu V3 Big Into Energy Real vs. Fake Guide

Quick Authentication Checklist 

Check Item	Authentic Characteristics	High-Risk Fake Signs
Box Material & Finish	Thicker, matte finish with clear printing	Glossy, flimsy, faded print
Logo & Text	Crisp, clear Pop Mart logo; vibrant holographic effects	Blurry or inconsistent logo/text
Authentication Code	Scannable QR code linking to official Pop Mart page	Non-scannable or redirects to suspicious sites
Insert Card	Pastel-colored card, textured finish	Darker, cheap material, blurry print
Figure Face & Paintwork	9 sharp teeth, even paintwork	Fewer/more teeth, uneven or blotchy paintwork
Ear Quality	Symmetrical, neat ears	Asymmetrical ears, poor alignment
Foot Engraving	“Pop Mart” and “© Kasing” clear engraving	Shallow or absent engraving
Joints & Proportions	Smooth, balanced, premium feel	Loose joints, unbalanced proportions, cheap materials
Additional Features	UV-reactive stamp, crisp details	No UV stamp, poor detailing

1. Packaging & Box Quality

• Matte Finish & Material: Authentic packaging typically has a matte, premium feel and slightly thicker material. The box will not be overly glossy or shiny.

• Holographic Text: The "Big Into Energy" logo should display a vibrant holographic rainbow effect with shifting colors when viewed under light. Fake boxes often have dull, faded print.

• Crisp Printing: The box should have sharp, clear print with no smudging, blurring, or pixelation.

• Pop Mart Logo: Check for the precise Pop Mart logo and official artwork on the packaging. Fake items often feature blurry or inconsistent logos.

2. Authentication QR & Serial Code

• QR Code: Look for a scannable QR code on the box or attached hang tag. This will take you to Pop Mart's official anti-counterfeit page.

  • If the code does not work, redirects to a non-official site, or is missing, it's likely fake.

• Serial Code: Some genuine products come with a unique 4-digit code on the packaging or certificate. This can be entered on Pop Mart’s site to confirm authenticity.

3. Insert Card & Certificate

• Card Quality: Authentic Labubu figures come with a light-colored, pastel-toned card with clear, crisp printing. The card should have a smooth, textured finish when viewed under light.

  • Fake cards are often darker, blurry, and made from cheaper materials.

• Certificate Details: The authenticity certificate, if included, should have a precise, well-defined font and high-quality printing.

4. Figure Details: Face & Paintwork

• Facial Features: Genuine Labubu figures, especially in the V3 “Big Into Energy” series, feature 9 distinct teeth, sharp outlines, and smooth matte skin tones.

  • Fakes often have fewer or extra teeth, or irregular paint finishes, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and ears.

• Color Consistency: The paint should be even and smooth, with no drips or streaks. Fake figures may show splotchy or uneven coloring.

5. Ear and Hair Details

• Ears: Real Labubu V3 figures have symmetrical, neat ears, positioned precisely. Fakes often show asymmetry or one ear being significantly larger or smaller than the other.

• Hair Quality: The hair should have a smooth, gradient finish with well-executed color transitions, especially in figures with multi-colored or tie-dye hair patterns. Fake figures may have harsh, poorly executed transitions.

6. Feet & Footprint

• Foot Engraving: Look at the foot of the figure for an engraved "Pop Mart" logo and possibly "© Kasing" (the designer's signature). This should be clear and well-defined.

  • Some authentic figures may also have a UV-reactive silhouette stamp visible under UV light, which fakes do not have.

• Proportions & Weight: Real figures feel solid and substantial with correct proportions. Fake ones may feel lighter or unbalanced.

7. Build Quality

• Smooth Joints: The joints of authentic Labubu figures are smooth, durable, and allow for subtle movements without being overly loose or tight.

  • Fake figures may feel flimsy, with loose joints, or glue marks where the parts connect.

➤  Common Red Flags – Likely Fake

• Inconsistent Packaging: Glossy, low-quality packaging or faded print.

• No QR Code: Missing or non-functional QR code for authentication.

• Loose Paint or Uneven Sculpting: Any visible mistakes in the painting, detailing, or proportions.

• Cheap Material: Figures made from flimsy plastic with rough, uneven finishes.

• Too Good to Be True: Unusually low prices or sellers offering discounts without a reliable reputation.

➤  How to Avoid Fake Labubu V3 Figures

1. Buy from Authorized Sellers: Purchase from Pop Mart's official website or verified retailers. Reputable secondary markets also offer authentication checks.

2. Check Authentication Codes: Always scan the QR code on the box or certificate to verify the product’s authenticity on Pop Mart’s official site.

3. Inspect Details Carefully: Look closely at the paint, engraving, and overall build quality of the figure.

4. Research the Seller: Avoid suspiciously low prices from unverified platforms like eBay or unknown third-party sellers.

5. Use Trusted Platforms: When buying second-hand or from marketplaces, ensure the platform provides authenticity guarantees.

🔔 Conclusion

Authenticating a Labubu V3 Big Into Energy figure ultimately comes down to careful observation and attention to detail. From the quality of the packaging and the accuracy of the QR authentication code to the sculpting of the face, the number of teeth, the symmetry of the ears, and the clarity of the foot engraving, genuine pieces consistently demonstrate a level of precision and craftsmanship that counterfeit versions fail to match.

By using the quick identification checklist and comparing multiple details rather than relying on a single feature, collectors can significantly reduce the risk of purchasing a fake. When in doubt, always prioritize verified sellers, confirm official authentication codes, and trust the overall build quality and finish. A real Labubu V3 should not only look right but also feel premium—reflecting the design integrity and collectible value that make this series so desirable.