"Loss", sometimes referred to as "loss.jpg", is a strip published on June 2, 2008, by Tim Buckley for his gaming-related webcomic Ctrl+Alt+Del. Set during a storyline in which the main character Ethan and his fiancée Lilah are expecting their first child, the strip—presented as a four-panel comic with no dialogue—shows Ethan entering a hospital, where he sees Lilah weeping in a hospital bed after suffering a miscarriage. Buckley cited events in his life as inspiration for the comic.
It has received negative reception from critics and webcomic creators, especially for the shift in tone in the webcomic, and as an example of "fridging"—showing a killed or injured female character with the intention of provoking a male character. It has been adapted and parodied by numerous other creators and garnered a legacy as an internet meme.
Background
Ctrl+Alt+Del, abbreviated as CAD, is a webcomic series by Tim Buckley. Created in October 2002, the comic focuses on characters Ethan, Lucas, and later Ethan's love interest Lilah. Prior to "Loss", CAD focused on gaming...