Warning, some contents of web comic may be offensive and not suitable for younger readers.
Loserz is another recent acquisition of mine, thanks to a Boardie friend of mine. The comic can be quite funny, true-to-life, and touching… but it can also turn quickly into something offensive. The Kittens still haven’t forgiven Erik Schoenek (who writes/draws the comic) for the “let’s offend everyone” strips which included such things as beating a box of kittens to death with bats. This, along with the sexual situations and constant swearing, is why I actually labeled the above link with a warning.
The thing is… Loserz is actually funny, when Erik doesn’t think he has something to prove. Of course, this type of review is probably offensive to him because it makes it sound like I’m trying to censor him or something… and that’s not it at all. It’s just… I wish he’d focus more on Ben, Jodie, and Eric.
And I identify with these characters. 19 years ago I was in their shoes. I was the outcast loser as well (though I did hang out with the cheerleaders and popular girls – I was probably considered harmless and amusing enough, and they knew I’d not ask most of them out). I could understand what it’s like to be in this soulless environment (school culture – not that school itself is bad… it’s just that students can feel alienated by their peers, and the one group they’re supposed to turn to for help (the teachers) are “the enemy” in their eyes because they’re “grown ups”).
The recent storyline has been amusing enough… but also predictable as well. Eric’s been dating Alice, one of the “popular girls” and has gained at least one enemy for this – a “socially minded” girl who feels that Eric is overstepping his bounds. She seems intent on turning Alice on Eric using the oldest trick in the book – jealousy about Jodie (who is rather promiscuous). I honestly can’t see Ms. Popularity getting hoisted on her own petard (though it would be a nice twist), so very likely Eric is going to have to choose – friendship with Jodie or dating Alice.
I can guess what his choice will be. Eric’s too decent a chap to abandon a friend, especially one who’s been going stir-crazy of late. Anyway… I definitely have to suggest Loserz as a comic to read. But if you’re offended by frequent swearing, sexual situations, rear-nudity, and occasional bouts into Political Incorrectness… you might want to avoid it. At the very least, you’ve been warned.
Addendum note: Fixed a mixup with Ben and Eric (Eric having started as a self-insertion character for the author Erik). As for the Ben/Eric mistake, there is also the fact that Jessica showed considerable interest toward Ben, and Ms. Social Conscience basically told Jess (within hearing range of Ben) that he was a complete loser and idiot, and not worth her time. So I think the mistake is an honest one, no? Still, if you see any other mistakes, let me know over the forums.
Addendum the Second: Loserz itself is gone into the vast internet wasteland of dead comics. There’s still early comics over at the old Comic Genesis site, but those archives are nowhere near complete. I’ve heard rumor that it may be appearing on Slipshine, but that’s only rumor.
