The Best Born Loser comics are a timeless reminder that humor often comes from life’s simplest struggles. This cartoon review dives into Brutus Thornapple’s hilarious world — a blend of workplace chaos, family banter, and sarcastic one-liners that never miss. If you’ve ever had a clueless boss, a sassy kid, or a smart-mouthed relative, these strips hit home instantly.
Artist Bio: Chip Sansom
The Born Loser was created in 1965 by Art Sansom and is now carried forward by his son, Chip Sansom, who has kept the comic fresh while honoring its legacy. The strip won the National Cartoonists Society’s Best Humor Comic Strip Award in both 1987 and 1991. Known for sharp humor, minimalist backgrounds, and everyday relatability, Chip’s work shines in how he transforms mundane situations into laugh-out-loud moments. His characters — from Brutus to Gladys, Wilberforce, and Hurricane Hattie — remain icons of comic wit, balancing sarcasm and warmth in every strip.
#1 “The Replacement Plan”
Brutus tries to be helpful at work, but his boss casually admits he’s looking for a replacement — for Brutus himself. Classic dark office humor that hits way too close to home.
#2 “Lost with GPS”
When Brutus explains he got lost despite using a map app, the excuse is priceless: he misspelled the destination. Proof that technology can’t save us from human error.
#3 “Literary Differences”
Gladys dreams of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Steinbeck… Brutus proudly suggests Dr. Seuss. Bookworms, brace yourselves for this painful yet funny reality check.
#4 “Kewpie the Sled Dog”
The kids attempt a sled ride with Kewpie the family dog, but let’s just say Kewpie prefers naps over mush. Bed dog > sled dog.
#5 “The Oil Leak Dilemma”
Brutus vents about cleaning his garage floor because of oil leaks, only to be mocked for actually parking his car in the garage. A suburban mic-drop.
#6 “Soup Du Jour Surprise”
When the “soup of the day” turns out to be tomato soup, Brutus realizes he’s been tricked by fancy French menu wording. Relatable diner rage!
#7 “Loving Your Job?”
Brutus proudly declares his love for his job. His boss agrees: he must love it, because he never actually works. Brutal.
#8 “Lake Erie Whale Watch”
Brutus gets roasted for buying tickets to a whale-watching cruise — on Lake Erie. Geography never lies, but it sure does laugh.
#9 “The Flu Shot Miracle”
Wilberforce watches his dad sneeze post-vaccine and assumes the flu shot worked instantly. A perfect showcase of child logic at its funniest.
#10 “There’s a Nap for That”
Brutus looks for a sleep app, but Uncle Ted delivers the ultimate life hack: skip the app, just nap. Timeless wisdom.
#11 “Mount Rushmore Quiz”
When Hurricane Hattie is asked to name the four presidents on Mount Rushmore, she confidently answers: “One, two, three, and four.” A+ creativity.
#12 “Beef or Not to Beef”
At the diner, Brutus questions a “vegetable stew with beef.” Turns out the cook just ran out of meat. Honest advertising at its finest.
#13 “Lunch at 9 A.M.”
Brutus is caught eating at 9 a.m., but shrugs it off with: “It’s twelve o’clock somewhere!” The man deserves a brunch medal.
#14 “Homework Horror”
Wilberforce struggles with math homework, managing eight tries with eight different totals. Relatable to anyone who’s ever fought with numbers.
#15 “Abominable Slow Man”
After trudging through snow, Brutus is mockingly dubbed the “Abominable Slow Man.” Proof winter humor hits harder than the cold.
#16 “Best Summer Ever”
When asked what he accomplished over summer vacation, Wilberforce proudly replies: “Best summer ever!” The kid understands priorities.
#17 “Retirement Investments”
Brutus wonders where to put his retirement funds. Todd, in peak watercooler fashion, suggests… collectible dolls. Solid gold financial advice.
#18 “TGIF Forever”
Even in retirement, Uncle Ted celebrates Fridays — not for work ending, but for all-you-can-eat shrimp night. That’s real joy.
#19 “Late Logic”
Brutus oversleeps, but his logic is unshakable: since he’s already late, he might as well sleep longer. Iconic procrastination energy.
#20 “Blurry Newspaper”
Uncle Ted thinks he needs new glasses, but really, he just wore the wrong pair. A gentle jab at aging — delivered with humor, not cruelty.
Closing Thoughts
The Best Born Loser comics remind us why Brutus Thornapple has been making readers laugh for decades — his misadventures mirror our own daily mishaps. Whether it’s office politics, parenting struggles, or technological fails, every strip delivers a quick, witty punchline that feels timeless.
Credit: All comics are the work of Chip Sansom, syndicated through GoComics. And Facebook Page His sharp humor and classic cartoon style continue to keep The Born Loser relevant and beloved.
👉 For more hilarious strips and reviews, don’t forget to visit boredcomics.com
