'Comrade Labubu': Chinese doll makes its way to Karl Marx's grave in London; post goes viral

A photo of a Labubu figurine placed on Karl Marx’s tomb in London has gone viral on social media.

The photo shows the viral toy placed at the foot of Karl Marx’s grave in Highgate Cemetery . Online users pointed out the irony, since Marx was a strong critic of capitalism and stood for socialism and communism .

The incident has drawn attention to a growing trend known as necrotourism , where people visit cemeteries to pay respects and also to engage with history, art, and culture in new ways.

There is a Labubu at Karl Marx’s grave. (Probably presented by some Chinese tourists or pilgrims)
The glorious Triumph of Capitalism in one picture (there is nothing more capitalist and consumerist than Labubu, it’s pure useless garbage) pic.twitter.com/tO2V7mDxp7

— Manju (@mandate2049) July 22, 2025

Recently, Labubu dolls are hugely popular among collectors, with long lines at toy stores, waiting lists, and a resale market as intense as the buzz once seen around Supreme streetwear.

Cemeteries like Highgate are now seen as cultural spaces . With old tombstones, historic trees, and well-known names buried there, they attract millions who come not just to remember the dead, but to reflect, explore, and even enjoy a quiet picnic under the cypress trees.

What started as a niche interest has now become a billion-dollar industry. Known as necrotourism, cemetery tourism is changing the way people see death and history, turning quiet graveyards into lively spaces full of stories and culture.

Social media users had mixed reactions to the viral incident.

So capitalism won

— nigina (@thatuzbek) July 22, 2025

Icon of modern consumerism on his grave he would have hated you mfs

— ray! (@stinkytotoro) July 22, 2025

Wild seeing Labubu at Marx’s grave. Peak irony capitalism packaging nostalgia for profit. Wonder what the next meta drop is?

— Serena (@serenaearn) July 22, 2025

😆… some fan left Labubu dolls at a Karl Marx statue in London.

Labubu is, of course, the toy brand from China, and its founder is a billionaire who embraced all the wonders of capitalism.

Marx proposed an impossible world without private enterprises or even private property.… pic.twitter.com/KdBf1Wcx1F

— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) July 22, 2025