What if a rubber duck could make you the envy of every pop culture fan on your street? That is exactly what happened when the story behind Tubbz became one of the most talked-about journeys in the UK collectables market. These are not your standard bath-time squeaky toys. They are officially licensed, character-based figurines that sit proudly on shelves, spark conversations, and, for the most dedicated collectors, become genuine investments.
From gaming legends to rock icons, Tubbz has transformed the humble rubber duck into a cultural statement. Here is everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
• Tubbz collectables are officially licensed figurines created by Numskull Designs, a UK-based gaming and entertainment merchandise company.
• Despite their duck-shaped design, Tubbz are made from PVC, not rubber, and are designed for display, not water play.
• Limited edition runs and retired figures mean certain Tubbz have become highly sought after by collectors across the UK and beyond.
Street Fighter: Dhalsim TUBBZ (First Edition)
€24,99
Showcasing an esoteric yoga fighting style in the arena and fighting for his poverty-stricken people, Dhalsim’s path to enlightenment isn’t too far off! Even while in his duck form, he still retains his abilities to conjure fire and stretch… read more
What Is the Story Behind Tubbz?
A Brand Built on Pop Culture Passion
The origin story behind the collectable rubber duck figurines known as Tubbz is rooted in a simple but brilliant idea: take an object everyone recognises and reimagine it through the lens of pop culture. The result? A product that feels fun, familiar, and completely fresh at the same time.
Tubbz tapped into the growing appetite for novelty collectables that go beyond the usual action figure or statue. By giving beloved characters a comically cute rubber duck silhouette, the brand found a niche that resonates with collectors, gamers, film fans, and music lovers alike.
Who Created and Owns Tubbz?
The Company Behind the Duck
Numskull Designs, a company with deep roots in gaming and entertainment merchandise, created Tubbz. Numskull built its reputation producing officially licensed accessories and collectables for some of the biggest names in gaming, film, and music. Tubbz grew naturally from that foundation, giving the brand a lighter, more playful product line that could appeal to an even wider audience.
Numskull Designs owns the Tubbz brand outright. Every figure in the range carries its trademark blend of attention to detail and a genuine love for the source material.
Is Tubbz a UK-Based Brand?
Yes. Numskull Designs is headquartered in the UK, making Tubbz a proudly British brand in the novelty gift and collectables market. That UK heritage matters, particularly when you consider how well the range connects with British pop culture, from classic gaming franchises to iconic musicians.
Who Manufactures Tubbz and How Are They Produced?
Licensed Production at Scale
Every Tubbz figure is an officially licensed product. That means Numskull Designs works directly with rights holders, game studios, film companies, record labels, and talent agencies to secure the legal right to produce each character. No figure reaches a shelf without proper authorisation.
The manufacturing itself is handled at scale, allowing Numskull to produce both wide-release figures and limited edition runs. Those limited editions are what really fuel the collector community, creating genuine scarcity and demand.
How Long Has Tubbz Been Around?
From Launch to Cultural Phenomenon
Tubbz launched in 2019 and quickly built a loyal following. Within a short time, the range expanded from a handful of gaming characters to hundreds of figures spanning music, film, television, and gaming. The speed of that growth reflects both the quality of the product and the strength of the licensed character merchandise market.
Limited edition figurines released early in the brand's history are now retired and trade at a premium among dedicated collectors, cementing Tubbz as a serious player in the collectables space.
What Makes Tubbz Unique as a Product?
Are Tubbz Actually Made of Rubber?
Despite the name, Tubbz are not made of rubber. Each figure is crafted from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which gives them a solid, durable finish and allows for the fine painted detail that makes each character recognisable. That level of craft is what separates them from cheap novelty items.
Why Tubbz Are Not Bath Toys
Tubbz are display collectables, not bath toys. Submerging them in water risks damaging the paint finish and any applied details. They are designed to be shown off on a shelf, in a display cabinet, or alongside a broader collection. If you want to keep them looking their best, keep them dry and out of direct sunlight.
A Spotlight on Alice Cooper collectables
When it comes to music-inspired figures, Alice Cooper collectables sit among the most striking in the entire Tubbz range. They capture the dark theatrics and iconic look of the Godfather of Shock Rock in unmistakable duck form. Here are two standout editions:
Alice Cooper TUBBZ (Boxed Edition)
• A fully licensed Tubbz figure of Alice Cooper in his classic shock-rock look.
• Packaged in a branded Tubbz display box, ideal for gifting or starting a collection.
• High-detail PVC construction with painted facial features and costume design.
• Perfect for music fans and pop culture collectors alike.
Alice Cooper TUBBZ (Collector's Edition)
• An elevated version designed specifically for serious Alice Cooper collectables enthusiasts.
• Presented in premium Collector's Edition packaging with enhanced display presentation.
• A limited production run makes this a standout piece in any Tubbz collection.
• An essential for any dedicated Alice Cooper collectables fan or Tubbz completionist.
the Suicide Squad: Bloodsport TUBBZ (First Edition)
€24,99
Bloodsport is renowned for his prowess on the battlefield. As a world-class assassin and marksman, anything in his hands is a deadly weapon. Well, anything except rats due to his huge phobia of them! Coming boxed in an awesome displayable… read more
Are Tubbz Worth collecting?
The Most sought-after Tubbz figures
Yes, Tubbz are absolutely worth collecting, particularly if you focus on limited edition releases and retired figures. Early runs tied to major gaming franchises and music legends have seen strong interest in the secondary market. The most sought-after ducks tend to be those produced in smaller quantities or tied to anniversaries and special collaborations.
Music-related figures, including Alice Cooper collectables, consistently attract high interest given the crossover appeal between music fans and the wider collector community.
Tubbz in the Broader Collectables Market
The global collectables market was valued at over $400 billion USD in 2023 and continues to grow (source: Grand View Research). Tubbz sits at an accessible price point within that market, making it easy for new collectors to enter while still offering depth for serious enthusiasts. That balance is rare and is a big part of why the brand has sustained such a loyal following.
Conclusion
The story behind Tubbz is one of creative ambition, smart licensing, and a genuine love for pop culture. What started as an unusual idea, officially licensed collectables in the form of rubber duck figurines, has grown into a thriving brand with thousands of fans across the UK and worldwide.
Whether you are drawn in by the gaming heritage, the music icons, or the sheer novelty of the design, Tubbz offers something genuinely different from the standard collectable toy brand. If you are ready to start or expand your collection, explore the full range at TUBBZ and find the figure that speaks to you.
FAQs About the Story Behind Tubbz
What is the story behind Tubbz, and how did they start?
The story behind Tubbz begins with Numskull Designs, a UK company that launched the range in 2019, reimagining officially licensed pop culture characters as collectable duck figurines.
Who created the pop culture-themed rubber duck figures?
Tubbz was created by Numskull Designs, a British gaming and entertainment merchandise company with a long track record of producing officially licensed products.
Are Tubbz ducks actually made of rubber?
No. Despite the duck-inspired design, Tubbz are made from PVC, which gives them their durable, detailed finish. Part of the story behind Tubbz is choosing materials that support high-quality collectable production rather than toys.
Can Tubbz ducks go in water?
No. Tubbz are display collectables and should not be submerged in water, as this can damage the paint finish and detailing.
Is TUBBZ a UK company?
Yes. The story behind Tubbz is a British one: the brand is owned and operated by Numskull Designs, based in the United Kingdom.
