The world of designer toys rarely witnesses a collaboration as unexpected and emotionally resonant as the intersection of Townsville’s fiercest protectors and the melancholic, teary-eyed world of CRYBABY. When POP MART announced the CRYBABY x Powerpuff Girls series, collectors were initially skeptical. How could the "sugar, spice, and everything nice" mantra of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup coexist with the signature perpetual tears of Molly’s (Nisa Sanyaluck) iconic character?

The result is nothing short of a masterpiece in modern toy design. This collaboration doesn’t just put the Powerpuff Girls in new outfits; it reinterprets their heroic identities through a lens of human vulnerability. It tells us that even the strongest among us—those who save the world before bedtime—have moments of exhaustion, sadness, and quiet emotion.

What Is the CRYBABY x Powerpuff Girls Series?

Released in early 2024, this series is a comprehensive collection that spans across multiple formats, including the classic 3-inch blind box figures, vinyl face plush pendants, and lifestyle accessories. The core of the collection is the blind box series, which features 12 unique regular designs and one highly coveted secret "chase" figure.

Each figure stands between 2.4 to 3.5 inches (6 to 9 cm) and is crafted from high-quality PVC and ABS. What sets this series apart is the tactical diversity: you have standard matte finishes, glossy "vinyl" faces, and the standout "flocked" or fuzzy textures on specific variants.

The Artist Behind the Tears: Understanding Molly’s Vision

To appreciate this collection, one must understand the philosophy of its creator, Nisa Sanyaluck, better known as Molly. The CRYBABY character was born from a desire to destigmatize crying. In Molly’s world, tears are not a sign of weakness; they are a necessary release, a form of emotional healing.

By merging this with The Powerpuff Girls, a show built on the foundation of feminine strength and 90s nostalgia, the collaboration achieves a profound contrast. Seeing Blossom—the disciplined leader—with a quivering lip and a giant crystalline tear in her eye humanizes her in a way the original cartoon never did. It taps into the "inner child" of millennial collectors who grew up with these heroes and now navigate a world where it’s okay to be both strong and sad.

A Detailed Look at the 12 Regular Figures

In our hands-on review of a full case, the first thing that strikes you is the weight and balance of these figures. POP MART has significantly improved its quality control for this series, with seamless joints and vibrant, accurate color matching.

The Classic Trio: Heroism in Tears

The standard versions of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup capture the essence of the characters. Blossom is in her signature red bow, Bubbles in her pigtails, and Buttercup with her defiant scowl. However, the addition of the "Crybaby eyes"—large, expressive, and brimming with moisture—gives them a soulfulness that makes them stand out on a shelf.

The Bunny Variants: A Tactile Triumph

Perhaps the most popular subset within the series are the "Bunny" versions (Bunny Blossom, Bunny Bubbles, and Bunny Buttercup). These are not your standard plastic toys. They feature a flocked finish—a soft, fabric-like texture that covers their superhero suits. In our experience, the flocked texture is incredibly fine and doesn't "shed" as easily as older blind box series. The contrast between the cold, smooth PVC face and the warm, fuzzy body is a sensory delight for collectors who enjoy the "art toy" aspect of the hobby.

Everyday Moments: The Girls at Rest

The series takes a creative turn with the "lifestyle" figures:

  • Brushing Teeth Blossom: A relatable scene of morning routine, complete with a tiny toothbrush and a look of sleepy resignation.
  • Bedtime Bubbles: Captures the innocence of the group's "softest" member ready for sleep.
  • Sleep Buttercup: Even the toughest fighter needs a nap. Her grumpy sleeping expression is a fan favorite for its comedic value.

The Supporting Cast: Nostalgia Hits

The collection wouldn't be complete without the residents of Townsville.

  • Professor Utonium: The father figure himself, looking characteristically concerned.
  • The Mayor: Complete with his monocle and tiny hat, his teary-eyed look suggests he’s once again overwhelmed by the chaos of his city.
  • Mojo Jojo: The standout villain. Seeing the genius chimpanzee in the CRYBABY style makes him oddly endearing rather than threatening. His oversized brain-cap and cape are rendered with impressive detail.

The Hunt for the Secret: Princess Morbucks

Every POP MART series has a "Chase," and for this collection, it’s none other than the spoiled brat of Townsville, Princess Morbucks. Clad in her golden "Battle Suit," this figure has a rarity of 1/144.

The Princess Morbucks secret figure is a masterpiece of "bling." The metallic gold finish on her suit is reflective and premium, contrasting perfectly with the signature red curls of her hair. Pulling this figure is the ultimate goal for any serious collector, as its secondary market value often triples or quadruples the price of a standard box.

The Vinyl Face Plush Series: The New Trend

Beyond the plastic figures, the CRYBABY x Powerpuff Girls Vinyl Face Plush series has taken social media by storm. These are larger, soft-bodied pendants designed to be clipped onto bags—a massive trend in "bag charming" across Asia and Europe.

Why the Plush Series Is a Must-Have

The plushies combine the best of both worlds: the detailed, expressive sculpt of a vinyl toy face with the huggable, tactile nature of a plushie.

  • Texture: The bodies are made of high-quality polyester, while the faces remain hard vinyl.
  • Versatility: Unlike the figures, which are meant for display cases, these are "active" collectibles. We’ve seen them styled on everything from high-end designer handbags to casual backpacks.
  • The Secret Plush: Just like the figures, the plush series has a secret—a rare Princess Morbucks plush with a 1/72 chance of appearing.

The Design Aesthetic: Sugar, Spice, and Emotional Depth

The color palette of this series is intentionally curated. While it uses the vibrant pinks, blues, and greens associated with the original show, the tones are slightly muted to match the CRYBABY aesthetic. The "tears" themselves are often semi-transparent, catching the light in a way that makes them look like real droplets of water.

From a design perspective, this series succeeds because it respects the silhouettes of the original characters while fearlessly overlaying a new emotional layer. It’s a study in how to do a "re-skin" correctly—by changing the soul of the character, not just the costume.

Tips for Collectors: Navigating the Blind Box World

If you’re new to the world of POP MART or CRYBABY, here is some practical advice based on our years in the hobby:

  1. To Box or Not to Box? Buying a "Whole Case" (12 boxes) guarantees you all 12 regular figures with no duplicates. If a secret figure is present, it will replace one of the regular figures. If you only want a specific character, the secondary market (where boxes are already "confirmed" via the identification card inside) is your best bet, though popular characters like Bunny Bubbles will command a premium.
  2. Beware of Counterfeits: Due to the massive popularity of this specific collaboration, "bootleg" or "replica" versions have flooded some online marketplaces. Authentic POP MART boxes will always have a holographic security sticker and a QR code for verification. The paint job on fakes is usually duller, and the "flocked" texture feels like cheap sandpaper rather than soft velvet.
  3. Displaying Your Collection: Because some figures have flocked textures, they are dust magnets. We recommend displaying these in enclosed acrylic cases rather than on open shelves. To clean a flocked figure, use a soft-bristled camera lens brush or a gentle puff of air; never use wet wipes, as they can ruin the fuzz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the rarity of the secret figure in the POP MART CRYBABY x Powerpuff Girls series?

The secret figure, Princess Morbucks in her gold suit, has a rarity of 1/144. This means that in every 12 cases (each containing 12 boxes), there is statistically only one secret figure.

Are the figures suitable for children?

While they look like toys, POP MART classifies these as "designer art toys" intended for collectors aged 15 and up. They contain small parts that could be a choking hazard and are designed for display rather than rough play.

What materials are used in the collection?

The main figures are made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). The "Bunny" variants and the plush series also incorporate flocked fabric and polyester fibers.

How can I tell if my figure is a secret?

The secret figure will be different from the 12 characters shown on the back of the box. Additionally, the collector card inside the box will clearly depict the secret character.

Is this a limited edition release?

While not strictly "limited" in the sense of a numbered run, POP MART collaborations typically have a set production window. Once the series is discontinued, prices on the secondary market usually rise as supply dries up.

Summary: A Landmark Collaboration

The POP MART CRYBABY x Powerpuff Girls collection is more than just a successful marketing stunt. It is a bridge between two iconic pieces of pop culture that celebrates the complexity of our emotions. Whether you are a fan of the high-octane action of the Powerpuff Girls or the soft, introspective world of CRYBABY, this series offers something unique.

The craftsmanship—particularly the mix of flocked textures and vinyl faces—elevates these from simple toys to genuine pieces of pop art. For collectors, the thrill of the unboxing is matched only by the satisfaction of seeing these teary-eyed heroes on display, reminding us all that even the bravest heroes need to cry sometimes. If you are looking to start or expand a designer toy collection, this series is, without a doubt, a mandatory addition to your shelf.