It’s because the comic strip’s style and history didn’t fit the story being told. If anything, it was a massive tonal shift compared to previous comic strips in the whole webcomic.
The author was used to the 4-panel comic layout, which was great for comedic setups and punchlines, and didn’t know to switch to something more appropriate for such a somber subject in Loss. That’s why Loss feels lifeless, rather than sad.
There are so many great ways to add tension and emotion in comic form through panel layouts, compositions, style, and shading; if Loss had employed any of those to convey a compelling emotional story, it would not have been so badly received, even if posted in the same webcomic series.
It’s because the comic strip’s style and history didn’t fit the story being told. If anything, it was a massive tonal shift compared to previous comic strips in the whole webcomic.
The author was used to the 4-panel comic layout, which was great for comedic setups and punchlines, and didn’t know to switch to something more appropriate for such a somber subject in Loss. That’s why Loss feels lifeless, rather than sad.
There are so many great ways to add tension and emotion in comic form through panel layouts, compositions, style, and shading; if Loss had employed any of those to convey a compelling emotional story, it would not have been so badly received, even if posted in the same webcomic series.