Loss (comic)

Loss comic

Loss, also known as Loss.jpg or | || || |_, is a webcomic strip from the video game-themed webcomic series Ctrl+Alt+Del by Tim Buckley. It was published on June 2, 2008, and quickly became one of the most infamous and widely recognized webcomics due to its serious subject matter juxtaposed against the typically humorous tone of the series. The comic depicts the protagonist, Ethan, visiting a hospital only to find out that his girlfriend has had a miscarriage. The starkness of the presentation, combined with the comic's departure from the series' usual themes, led to a significant reaction from the comic's readership and the internet at large.

Plot

The comic strip consists of four panels without any dialogue. The first panel shows Ethan entering the hospital. In the second panel, he is directed by a receptionist. The third panel depicts Ethan rushing down a hallway, and the final panel shows him standing beside his girlfriend, Lilah, who is lying in a hospital bed, suggesting that she has had a miscarriage. The simplicity of the comic, combined with its serious subject matter, starkly contrasts with the humor and video game-related content that Ctrl+Alt+Del is known for.

Reception and Legacy

Initially, Loss received a mixed to negative reception, with many readers finding the sudden shift in tone jarring and out of place within the context of the webcomic. Critics argued that the comic was an inappropriate venue for such a serious topic, and that the execution was clumsy. However, over time, Loss has become a significant part of internet culture, inspiring countless parodies, reinterpretations, and discussions. It has been transformed into a meme known as Loss edits, where the basic structure of the comic (represented by the arrangement of characters and objects in the panels) is applied to various other media and contexts. The meme often takes the form of the abstract representation "| || || |_," mimicking the layout of the original comic's panels.

The ubiquity of Loss and its meme status has led to a reevaluation of the comic itself, with some commentators acknowledging its impact on webcomic storytelling and internet culture. Despite its controversial nature, Loss has cemented its place as a notable moment in the history of webcomics.

Influence on Internet Culture

Loss has had a profound influence on internet culture, demonstrating the power of webcomics and memes in shaping online discourse. It has become a touchstone for discussions about grief, miscarriage, and the handling of serious topics in comedic or light-hearted media. The meme's persistence also illustrates the internet community's ability to collectively create, share, and reinterpret content, giving it new meanings and contexts over time.

See Also

• Ctrl+Alt+Del
• Webcomic
• Internet meme