Topps has officially announced its first collaboration with How2Work and Pop Mart, bringing Kasing Lung’s Labubu characters to the trading card format. The 2025 Topps Chrome Labubu 10th Anniversary release commemorates a decade of “The Monsters” story series with premium chrome card technology.
Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015 as part of “The Monsters” story series. The distinctive elf-like character with pointed ears and sharp teeth has become a prominent figure in the designer toy collectibles market through Pop Mart’s blind-box format.
The Collaboration
This marks Topps’ first partnership with both How2Work and Pop Mart. According to Topps Art Director Jacqueline Akerley in Topp’s “Behind The Design” post, “This was a very exciting opportunity for Topps to partner with How2Work and Pop Mart for the first time. Our collective vision for the cards, packaging, and even the key ring came together easily due to the strong creative style of Kasing Lung’s artwork.”
The collection features original artwork from Kasing Lung’s Monsters books, adapted to Topps Chrome technology. All card designs use Lung’s existing two-dimensional artwork as the foundation.
Chrome Technology and Design
The chrome format adds reflective depth and texture to Lung’s colorful illustrations. Akerley noted that “the patterns and colors used in the Labubu artwork really pop on the Chrome tech. It adds a liveliness to the already vibrant work.“
The team worked to preserve Lung’s playful visual style while incorporating Chrome’s premium finish and reflective properties.
Parallels and Variations
Base Parallel (1 per box):
- Base Refractor
- 10th Anniversary Logo Border Refractor
- SuperFractor (1/1)
Insert Cards:
- Artist Autographs (signed by Kasing Lung)
The 10th Anniversary Logo Border parallel was specifically designed to commemorate Labubu’s decade-long history. SuperFractor cards, limited to one copy each, represent the premium chase cards in the set.
Keyring Display Case
Each box includes a collectible keyring case designed to display cards similar to how Labubu plush toys are displayed. The case can be attached to bags, keychains, or other items, bridging the gap between card collecting and designer toy culture.
The Design Process
Because Lung’s artwork already existed in two-dimensional form from The Monsters books, the adaptation focused on enhancement rather than reimagination. “It was easy because the artwork featured on the cards was already two-dimensional from the Monsters books by Kasing Lung,” Akerley explained in the Behind The Design feature.
The design team balanced Labubu’s mischievous character with Chrome’s refined aesthetic while maintaining the original artwork’s vibrant details and patterns.
Product Configuration
Hobby Box Contents:
- 4 Chrome base cards
- 1 Chrome parallel card
- 1 collectible keyring case
- 5 cards total per pack
- 1 pack per box
- 20 boxes per case
Target Audience
The 2025 Topps Chrome Labubu 10th Anniversary set targets:
- Designer toy collectors familiar with Labubu plush figures
- Non-sport card collectors
- Fans of Kasing Lung’s artwork
- Chrome parallel collectors
Market Context
Labubu has established significant presence in the collectibles market through Pop Mart’s distribution. This release extends the character into the trading card category, combining Topps’ Chrome manufacturing expertise with How2Work’s design legacy and Pop Mart’s global collectibles reach.
The $50 price point positions these as premium collectibles within Topps’ non-sport offerings.
Additional Information
For detailed information about the design process and creative decisions behind the 2025 Topps Chrome Labubu 10th Anniversary cards, collectors can read the official Topps Behind The Design article.
