Imagine tearing open a box to reveal a surprise that could range from an ordinary item to a rare gem—such is the thrill of blind boxes. But amidst the excitement and anticipation, a pressing question lingers: are these enigmatic collectibles truly worth the hype?
Blind box culture has certainly developed over the years, with many more companies worldwide foraying into the market as Gen Z and millennials lead the dive into trendy collectibles as part of pop culture. The rise of social media in the past decade also helped accelerate the spread of trends among young people ― “unboxing” videos in which people film themselves opening blind boxes and recording their reaction to what is inside have popped up on my Instagram feed on more than one occasion.
The concept of blind boxes originated in Japan in the form of the fukubukuro, which means lucky bag. Japanese supermarkets and department stores offered these lucky bags containing items that were not selling well, and surprisingly, they became a hit due to the element of surprise they gave the buyers. Since then, the fukubukuro has evolved into the blind boxes we know and love today. Now, anything can be sold in a blind box. Toys, stationery, clothes, even air tickets and other goods and services can be purchased from a blind box.
The allure of surprise that comes with each blind box purchase is its main selling point. A blind box is a test of luck―to see if you are able to obtain the item you want just from randomly picking a box from the pile. The thrill of not knowing what item they will receive creates a sense of anticipation for consumers. Didn't manage to get the item you wanted? Don't fret, just buy another one! This is the marketing strategy used by companies, profiting off the consumer’s addiction to feeling “lucky” and instant gratification, encouraging them to make repeated purchases.
POP MART is one of the most well-known brands specialising in blind boxes and collectible figurines. A retail powerhouse originating from China, POP MART currently has five outlets and various pop-up vending machine stores located in Singapore. Collectors of their figurines have emerged since its grand opening in 2010 with many resellers placing their gains on online websites for sale, but its popularity has only started to increase exponentially in recent years. Founded by the then college student Wang Ning, POP MART began as a variety store that sold a range of knick-knacks and toys, with the Japanese brand Sonny Angels being the most popular. They soon expanded to include their own figurine series through collaborations with various artists.
Each series of POP MART toys include several characters, promoting a culture of collecting. Collectors strive to complete their sets, increasing repeat purchases. Special or rare figures, often termed “secret” figures, are especially sought after, adding another layer of excitement to the unboxing process. Some noteworthy series include Dimoo, SKULLPANDA, and Hirono, which have had entire collections sold out in the past due to their popularity.
Dimoo
POP MART Dimoo Zodiac Series
The Dimoo series takes on a cute style, often in pastel or translucent colours with gradients pleasing to the eye. Characters are easily identifiable by their cloud-shaped hair, which features a face that changes to reflect Dimoo’s emotions. Designed by Ayan, founder of YANSTUDIO, Dimoo is known for its imaginative design, often set in a fantasy world. Each character in the series is unique, demonstrating a blend of surrealism and contemporary art that makes the collection stand out.
SKULLPANDA
POP MART SKULLPANDA The Sound Series
The SKULLPANDA series seamlessly blends the macabre with the whimsical. Created by Chinese designer XIONGMIAO, the series features unique, skull-faced characters adorned in a variety of stylish, eccentric outfits taking inspiration from street fashion and traditional motifs. The dark, gothic aesthetics merged with playful, colourful elements gives the figures a mysterious, edgy allure, making it highly popular. The distinctive makeup of SKULLPANDA figures has also become a trend for cosplay among fans.
Hirono
POP MART Hirono City of Mercy Series
The Hirono series is an enchanting collection created by artist Lang. The characters stand out with their elaborate costumes, intricate accessories, and a rich palette of colours that evoke a sense of fantasy and magic. Often inspired by folklore, mythology, and nature, the characters in the Hirono series embody a blend of elegance and mystery, inviting collectors into a world where the fantastical becomes tangible.
Besides these exclusive blind box series, POP MART also often collaborates with other well-known franchises like Sanrio and Snoopy from Peanuts to produce limited edition figurines sold in blind boxes, which expands their reach to different audiences with varying interests. POP MART’S meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in every intricate piece allowed them to build a good reputation among figurine collectors across the globe.
While figurine blind boxes are all the rage right now, are they truly worth the price? Of course, this depends on individual preference and priorities. One blind box containing a figurine about 13 cm in height can easily cost $15 to $20. The cost can quickly add up to more than $100 if you are an avid collector buying a set in its entirety. The figurines only serve an aesthetic purpose, meant for displays in your house or office, and thus it is not meaningful in a conventional sense and may not be worth the high price.
However, if you are able to appreciate the intrinsic value of figurines as a unique piece of art, then it is highly likely that the price is simply a small price to pay and not much of a deterrent. In that case, blind boxes may be worth the hype after all.
Thanks for reading :)
Written by: Natalie
Edited by: Ryan
Designed by: Cayden
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