Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart's Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Cher.
Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a "cool" China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America.
Labubus, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in "blind boxes", meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive.
The dolls are "a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate", interior designer Lucy Shitova told AFP at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys.
"Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different."
While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein.
There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products.
"It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation," the University of Maryland's Fan Yang told AFP.
Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as "lafufus" and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity.
Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years.
"It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable," Yang said.
- TikTok effect -
Through viral exports like Labubu, China is "undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners," said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting.
Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image "similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo".
Video app TikTok -- designed by China's ByteDance -- paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally.
Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP that "TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China".
TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population.
The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital "refugees".
A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu.
- Labubumania -
Cultural exports can "improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services", CFR's Kurlantzick told AFP.
"I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government," he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might.
While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said.
"The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously," she told AFP.
At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation.
"It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it," Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova told AFP at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing.
Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue.
"In our country, they love Labubu," she said.
"So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China."
tjx/reb/fox
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
PlayStation boss Hermen Hulst wants to develop Astro Bot into an enduring series, calling it one of the consoles "most exciting recent successes"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. PlayStation boss Hermen Hulst has praised Astro Bot, calling it one of PlayStation's "most exciting recent successes." Astro Bot was a breath of fresh air for Sony's first-party output which has been relegated to cinematic third-person action games for the longest time, and embodied the spirit of Japan Studio (it getting shut down is probably the biggest blunder of Sony's 2020s, if you ask me). Since then the game has become one of the most beloved platformers of all time, winning Game of the Year at the BAFTAs and The Game Awards. Sony Interactive Entertainment's business group CEO Hermen Hulst gives the game praise during a recent video presentation (via Genki_JPN). During the talk, he calls Astro Bot one of PlayStation's "most exciting recent successes." Hulst adds: "Astro Bot was a smash hit, achieving universal acclaim among players and critics and sweeping industry award shows." When speaking about growing game IP into franchises, Astro Bot is listed as an "emerging IP," hopefully meaning that we should be getting more Astro in the future, (thankfully). Hopefully the success of Astro Bot shows PlayStation the value in having franchises that don't quite fit into that prestige AAA mold or the live service world. After Japan Studio was shuttered in 2021, it meant the studio which were constantly pumping out unique games and ideas were all but gone (the studio was merged into Team Asobi). But, in an era where big Sony series are taking longer to come out (the PS5 generation will probably almost be over by the time the next Naughty Dog game releases), little games like Ape Escape, Gravity Rush, and Patapon would go down a treat. Sony is "really thoughtful" about bringing PlayStation franchises like God of War and The Last of Us off console, and PS5 games going to PC is a matter of "if", not when.
Geek Vibes Nation
an hour ago
- Geek Vibes Nation
'The Golden Child' 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - Supernatural Eddie Murphy Adventure Gets A Premium Release
The eighties were a white-hot time for Eddie Murphy, who had broken out of Saturday Night Live to become one of the most bankable stars in the business. Nestled between early decade breakouts such as Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop and the phenomenon that was Coming to America, there is a title that is often labeled as the odd creative miss from this decade. The Golden Child is an oddity no matter how you look at it; this was Murphy's first foray into the realm of the fantastical, and it was also the first time he deviated from his standard R-rating in favor of a more audience-friendly PG-13. The results were not a complete disaster financially – it comfortably made its money back – but the response was more muted than everyone had become accustomed to for Murphy. As we are nearing the 40th anniversary of this polarizing film and Vinegar Syndrome has finally deemed it worthy of a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release, we take a look and see if the ambivalence towards this film is warranted. The titular 'Golden Child' is a mysterious young boy in a remote Tibetan temple who is capable of carrying out some truly astonishing miracles that have to be seen to be believed. When you have anyone with this type of power, there is also bound to be people mobilizing to control it or eliminate it. The group in opposition to this child is led by the devious Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance, Game of Thrones), who leads a deadly raid on the temple that leaves countless slaughtered monks and the miracle child abducted. Halfway around the world in Los Angeles, we meet social worker Chandler Jarrell (Eddie Murphy), a caring, unyielding man who seeks to protect the safety of children with everything in his power. Jarrell actually happens to have more power than he even knows, as he is told when the tantalizing Kee Nang (Charlotte Lewis) shows up to reveal his destiny as 'the Chosen One' who will save 'the Golden Child.' While this news sounds patently ridiculous to Jarrell, evidence starts to pile up that she may not be entirely off her rocker. Chandler Jarrell was considered a very atypical role for Murphy at this point in his career. Murphy was known for being loud and brash and unrepentantly shocking with his off-color humor. Jarrell, on the other hand, exhibited traces of these attributes while mostly remaining way more reserved than normal. This allowed Murphy to showcase a softer, sweeter side than audiences had seen, but it did not help in the comedy department. There are a few solid laughs in The Golden Child, but the film is extremely plot-driven in a way that stifles the natural charisma of Murphy. This might not be such an issue if the plot was compelling, but it really lacks momentum in that department, as well. There are so many elements that are introduced and shoved into the lore that it starts to become more than a bit convoluted. The basic elements are in place for the film to be good, but the script does not give anyone much to latch onto. Charles Dance is a really great villain, but inconsistent writing holds him back from being truly menacing. There are moments in this film that scream to be seen by a certain type of fan, but morbid curiosity might not be enough of a driving force for most viewers. As mentioned, this was the first time that Murphy delved more into the realm of fantasy, and it is understandable if this experience soured him on the genre for a little while. When you sit down for an Eddie Murphy film, you do not exactly expect to see a half-snake lady or full-on shape-shifting demons, but there the movie is getting more and more outlandish. I would argue that some of these elements could have been sort of cool, but some extremely rocky special effects just make everything laughable. The film is not a complete disaster, which we have seen on occasion from Murphy, but there are numerous script issues and technical choices that leave a lot to be desired. This film will never be known as top-tier Eddie Murphy, but it does deserve some recognition for inspiring Murphy to have a greater hand in writing many of his future films – many of which ARE extremely entertaining. Video Quality The Golden Child makes its 4K UHD Blu-Ray debut with an exceptional 2160p transfer in Dolby Vision/HDR newly scanned and restored in 4K from the 35mm Original Camera Negative. One of the biggest benefits of this new transfer is the splendid implementation of Dolby Vision for expanded color output. There are a lot of bold hues in the film that radiate off the screen with an immaculate vibrancy. The black levels are extremely deep and allow for true detail to come through well. Highlights likewise hold firm with nothing veering into blooming. Skin tones are natural and lend themselves to showcasing an amazing amount of detail. This presentation is a powerhouse that preserves the filmic look with proper film grain and texture throughout. The level of clarity and detail on this release is unbelievable, with only the occasional shot that looks a bit on the soft side due to optical effects. There are very subtle details in the lush production design that are more clearly visible than ever from minute details on outfits to some of the production design on display in the temples. Vinegar Syndrome has done an excellent job of restoring this, as all print damage has been cleaned up without messing with the natural look of the film. Those who have been waiting for this one to be given the ultimate treatment on 4K UHD Blu-Ray should be thrilled by the results Audio Quality The 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with both a DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio lossless soundtrack that sonically represents the film quite wonderfully. The activity focuses heavily on the front channels with the synth-based score from Michel Colombier filling the room appropriately. Music is used skillfully throughout the presentation, but it never overpowers the dialogue or other important information. The grandiose dialogue comes through clearly and never falls victim to any digital anomalies. Rear speakers get some occasional activity with ambient sounds, but it is not a standout in that regard. There is a substantial amount of low-end support when the scene calls for it, as well. Both tracks accomplish everything they need to do with great ease. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. Special Features Audio Commentary: Author/screenwriter Kelly Goodner and film historian Jim Hemphill provide a new commentary track in which they discuss the production of the film, the challenges of shooting on location, the career of Eddie Murphy, the background of the ensemble, the notes from the studio, and more. Throwing Elbows – Writer/Co-Producer Dennis Feldman on Writing, Selling, and Making It To Hollywood: A new 19-minute interview with the screenwriter in which he discusses his career, developing the idea for The Golden Child , the process of selling the script, getting Eddie Murphy attached, the legacy of the film, and more. Lover of Realism – An Interview with Matte Painter Caroleen 'Jett' Green: A new 13-minute interview with the artist in which she discusses discovering the art of matte painting, her background in art, working at LucasFilms, the paintings she worked on, and more. FX Man – An Interview with Academy Sci-Tech Award Winner Mark Noel: A new 13-minute interview with the creative in which he discusses creating some intricate special effects moments for the film including overcoming some difficult moments. The Demon I Wanted To Make – Designer and Sculptor Randal Dutra on Creating Sardo Numspa's Demon Form: A new 12-minute interview with the artist in which he discusses his background working on Star Wars and Gremlins , what he wanted to accomplish on The Golden Child , the challenges that stood in his way, and more. Master of a Lost Art – Go-Motion Supervisor Harry Walton on Animating The Golden Child's Go-Motion Sequences: A new 15-minute interview with the artist in which he discusses turning down working on Star Wars (twice), his specialty in stop-motion, working on The Golden Child , and more. The Chosen Ones: A seven-minute vintage featurette in which the cast and crew take a closer look at the script, characters, performances and more. Daggers, Design & Demons: The second half of this featurette runs seven minutes and takes the viewer on a journey through the technical details including the production design, costumes, stunt work, special effects and more. Archival Interview with Harry Walton: A five-minute archival interview in which the artist discusses the go-motion process as it pertains to the film. Theatrical Trailer (2:04) Image Gallery Final Thoughts The new release of The Golden Child brings a notable title from Eddie Murphy to 4K UHD for the first time. The film itself may not be a top-tier effort, but there are some elements that Murphy fans may want to check out if they have never caught this one. The 4K UHD Blu-Ray itself is quite wonderful with a stellar A/V presentation and a striking array of special features. If you are already a fan of the film, you will be very pleased by this release. The Golden Child is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Vinegar Syndrome has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
The Verge
2 hours ago
- The Verge
Astro Bot's director on making a PlayStation icon
Astro Bot is filled with whimsy and silliness that makes you want to pay attention to the details. But in a presentation at this year's Game Developers Conference, director Nicolas Doucet shared one particular aspect of Astro the robot that I hadn't noticed but blew me away. Doucet talked about how Team Asobi worked hard to give the game a good tempo with things like enemy placement and how you can interact with Astro's spaceship with the DualSense's gyro controls on loading screens. One thing that kept the momentum going was Astro himself and how he shows his impatience. Doucet showed a video of one idle animation where Astro is hopping up and down on his feet and pointing forward, almost like a little kid that's demanding you go to the playground. It's adorable — and was added 'very, very late' in development, Doucet says when I chat with him a few weeks after the presentation. While a lot of games have characters simply breathing or looking left to right while they're idle, Team Asobi thought that it could do something a little more fun. Since the game is about rescuing characters, the team started to tie the animations to the idea of looking around, Doucet says. The team even reduced the amount of time it takes for the animations to show as a way to more quickly remind the player of the goal to find the bots. Doucet thinks of this as a subliminal way to put players in the mood to move faster. Astro actually originates from a 2013 PS4 pack-in game called The Playroom that used the PS4 camera. In that game, the robot is named Asobi, but he looks a lot like the charming Astro from Astro Bot: Asobi has big blue eyes and a cute, pudgy robot body. 'Back then, the design of the character came from two angles,' Doucet says. One was that the development team didn't have much time, so they went for a simple character design instead of a human that might require a lot of facial animations. But they also picked a robot because of where it would be making its debut: a preinstalled game on (at the time) new Sony hardware. When you think about Sony or PlayStation, Doucet says that there is an 'aspiration to the future' or something 'a little bit science fiction.' Team Asobi uses the term 'techno magic.' The robot's design came from that: 'we wanted the playful fun character, but also coupled with something really cool and futuristic.' The PS5 hardware and Astro might share a lot of similarities — white plastic with black parts and blue lights — but that's an accident, Doucet says. Instead, both the character designers and hardware team were following similar values. While it's flattering to hear that people treat Astro as PlayStation's mascot, Doucet says that wasn't the design team's original intention for the character. Instead, a mascot needs to be something that 'grows naturally' and something that the users decide or feel. That happens through repeated consistency and quality, Doucet believes. In retrospect, the awards for the game — including Game of the Year at The Game Awards — are well deserved, but the goal was primarily to put platformers and family-friendly games back on the map and release 'as good a game as we can.' Doucet used to look at renowned PlayStation studios like Naughty Dog (Uncharted, The Last of Us) and Santa Monica Studio (God of War), and think they knew some kind of 'black magic' that Team Asobi didn't. But following Astro Bot, the takeaway was that 'actually, it became the sum of lots of small things that are carefully made.' If the team keeps that consistency and makes sure that 'every bit' of the game is done as well as possible, then 'the sum of it ends up being high quality.' No wonder Astro is impatient to explore.
