What is Skull Panda, the charm and history of POP MART's popular character, and an explanation of the series Read in Japanese

What is SKULLPANDA?

SKULLPANDA is a very popular character created by the Chinese toy brand POP MART. Designed by artist Xiong Miao, SKULLPANDA has been attracting collectors around the world with its unique worldview and artistry since its debut in 2018.

At first glance, the "skeleton-like helmet" has panda ears, but the face is covered with plump lips and long eyelashes. However, the skull panda's face, with its plump lips and long eyelashes, has a human-like delicacy .

The birth parent "Xiong Mao" and the background of the birth of the skull panda

Xiong Xiong, the creator of the Skull Panda, started his own studio after working in China as a concept artist for movies and games. In the process, he developed his own theme of "Universal Symbiont" and gave birth to the Skull Panda.
Through a collaboration with POP MART, the skull panda has quickly spread around the world in the form of blind boxes.

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August 2025] Summary of all the latest SKULLPANDA plush keychains｜L'impressionnisme...What is a SKULLPANDA plush keychain? SKULLPANDA" is a very popular character from POP MART. The figure has a strong impression...

Features of SKULLPANDA

• Skeleton-like helmet + panda ears = unique silhouette
• Long eyelashes and human-like expression = fusion of dark and cute
• World view is "existence that travels between reality and fantasy

SKULLPANDA L'impressionnisme series plush pendant

SL JAPAN

4,980 yen (as of 2025/08/25 00:45 | Rakuten Ichiba)

Amazon.com

Amazon

Mercari

Potip

Popular series and world view

Skull Panda changes its theme with each series, taking on a new appearance as if it were a different persona.

• Image of Reality: Drawing the boundary between reality and illusion
• The Sound: A series based on sound and rhythm
• The Mirage: A mirage-like fantasy world
• The Paradox: A philosophical series that deals with contradictions and paradoxes.
• L'impressionnisme: the latest series in 2025 that recreates the colors of the Impressionists

Also read

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Why so popular?

• Collectible: Blind box format, so you can get the thrill of going for the secret!
• Artistic: Not only cute, but also with deep meanings and themes.
• Social networking: The design has a global view and looks great in photos.

SKULLPANDA Winter Symphony Series Plush Pendant

SL JAPAN

4,480 yen (as of 2025/08/25 00:43 | Rakuten Ichiba)

Amazon.com

Amazon

Mercari (Japanese only)

po tip

How to get

• POP MART Physical stores in Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku
• POP MART official online store (Japan and global)
• Amazon and Rakuten (via authorized distributors)

⚠️ Note: Since some counterfeit products have already appeared in the market, it is safe to check the hologram seal, QR code, and UV light certification when purchasing.

Check the official online site frequently

Related article: POPMART

FAQ.

Who created the Skull Panda?

Chinese artist Xiong Miao created it in 2018.

What series of skull pandas are there?

There are many, including "Image of Reality," "The Sound," "The Mirage," "The Paradox," and "L'impressionnisme."

How is it different from Labubu?

Labubu is differentiated from Skull Panda in that Labubu is "bright with a touch of fugly" and Skull Panda is "dark and fantastic.

Conclusion

Skull Panda is one of POP MART's signature characters. With its philosophical view of the world and unique visuals, it has gained overwhelming support from collectors.
👉 In the next issue, we will explain in detail about "Skull Panda's popular plush key chain.