All Comics
Born Loser, The

Born Loser, The

By Chip Sansom

"The Born Loser" began in 1965 as a strip with no central characters that revolved around the loser theme. Gradually, it developed into the comic we see today, starring lovable loser Brutus Thornapple, his wife Gladys, mother-in-law Ramona Gargle, boss Rancid Veeblefester, dim-witted son Wilberforce, and the mischievous neighbor Hurricane Hattie O'Hara.

Daily Daily
Sunday Sunday
Daily & Sunday Daily & Sunday
Digital Digital
Print Print
Strip Strip
Available in Color Available in Color
Available in Spanish Available in Spanish
Family
Men
Women

Editor's Picks

Two trick-or-treaters, one dressed as Batman and the other as a ghost, discuss receiving pickles instead of candy on Halloween night. A spooky background features a pumpkin and a full moon with a silhouette of a cat on a tree branch. Cartoon depicting a conversation between a woman and a man on Black Friday shopping. The woman, dressed in a purple coat, asserts that Black Friday isn't for the weak, while the man, lounging in a green chair, suggests shopping online instead. The scene humorously highlights the challenges of traditional holiday shopping versus online convenience. Two men sitting at a table in a café, engaged in conversation. One man, wearing a suit, appears curious, while the other, dressed in a trench coat and hat, responds thoughtfully. A bowl of popcorn is on the table. The scene captures a light-hearted exchange. A humorous comic strip featuring a child expressing excitement about receiving everything from Santa Claus, while an adult reflects on the financial support provided by credit cards, highlighting the blend of holiday spirit and consumerism. Cartoon depicting a man in winter attire standing on a snowy ledge, raising a toast to prosperity and success in 2025, with a sign reading Cartoon from 1983 featuring a man in a hat blowing air towards a surprised blonde woman, who is bracing herself. The scene captures a humorous interaction between the characters. A humorous comic strip from 1989 featuring two characters discussing a car that isn't moving. One character is pushing the car while expressing frustration, and the other is questioning whether the brakes are engaged. The comic highlights a comical misunderstanding about the vehicle being in park. Comic strip featuring a teacher instructing students to write about what they are thankful for before vacation, with one student humorously expressing gratitude for having no homework. Comic strip featuring two characters discussing a golf game. One character shares an anecdote about playing golf with a friend, while the other character seeks clarification on a previous question. The comic humorously illustrates their conversation dynamics. A humorous cartoon depicting a businessman discussing a new revenue stream by selling naming rights around the office, while a colleague reacts with surprise about having a plaque with his name on the water cooler.

About Chip Sansom

Chip Sansom is the cartoonist behind the comic strip "The Born Loser," which was created by his father, Art Sansom, in 1965. "I strive to provide a quick daily smile for everyone who reads The Born Loser," said Sansom. "Brutus Thornapple is a contemporary Everyman, who suffers the daily slings and arrows we all encounter. Being able to laugh at Brutus's misfortune makes it easier for the rest of us to face ours."

Sansom is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University and a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife, Brooke, have two daughters, Isabel and Jacqueline. In 1977, Sansom began apprenticing for his father on "The Born Loser," gradually assuming a greater role in the production of the strip, until completely taking over when Art passed away in 1991. "The Born Loser" is a two-time winner of the National Cartoonist Society's Best Humor Strip of the Year Award and has been nominated four additional times. Chip and Art also collaborated on the creation and production of the comic strip "Dusty Chaps" in the early 1980s. Sansom and his family currently reside in a Cleveland suburb.

Two men pose together in a cozy indoor setting, with one man seated in front, wearing glasses and a thoughtful expression, while the other stands behind him smiling. The image captures a moment of camaraderie and creativity, highlighting their connection in a professional or artistic environment.

Cast

Illustration of an older man sitting in a green armchair, looking pensive. The character has a round face, prominent nose, and is wearing a red shirt. The image features a simple, cartoonish style.

Brutus

A perpetually unlucky, lazy everyman who avoids work whenever possible. His schemes rarely succeed, leaving him stuck in a cycle of comic misfortune.

Cartoon character with blonde hair wearing a pink sweater, holding a white cup, smiling and enjoying a beverage.

Gladys

Brutus’s practical, patient wife who keeps the household grounded. She balances sarcasm with warmth, often managing Brutus’s laziness while maintaining quiet control of family life.

Cartoon character in a suit sitting at a desk with a thoughtful expression, showcasing a humorous take on a serious demeanor.

Veeblefester

Brutus’s demanding boss, stern and easily irritated. He represents authority and workplace pressure, frequently clashing with Brutus’s laziness.

Ramona

Gladys’s friend, supportive and observant. She often serves as a sounding board for Gladys’s frustrations about Brutus.