The End Part 2
Friday, February 5th, 2010And this is the end. I wrote it over 3 years ago. Looking back I’ve asked myself If I would have chosen this ending now, with the knowledge I’ve gained as a writer. And I have hesitated, it’s true. But so much foreshadowing had gone into it that I couldn’t change it. I’d left the ball rolling slowly ages ago and there was no stopping it just because I had grown attached to the people I was writing. But I realised that what I really was hesitating over was leaving these characters for good. They have become very good friends to me and as crazy as it sounds I do talk to them as if they are real people. So good-bye Anders. Good-bye Maria. I really will miss you.
My dear friend’s Stephen and Xania from Trike have done a beautiful, sad little song that they let me put up on my site as a tribute to Anders Loves Maria. Thanks guys!
Also tonight I will be having an impromptu celebration in Malmö at Ölkafféet, Södra Skolgatan 43, at 9pm if you want to come by and say hi! Send me a mail to info@reneengstrom.com if you are interested in coming so I know how many to expect.
And at the risk of sounding a bit tacky, If you feel like leaving a donation as thanks for all the years I would really appreciate it.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
absolutely beautiful. worth the wait.
an excellent job, Rene!
I’ll miss this storyline.
God, i have goosebumps.
Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations.
<33
February 5th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Incredible. Just… incredible. Well done Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
… Oh, man. I didn’t see that coming. How tragic, but at least Anders manned up in the end.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Beautiful.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Oh Rene. This is so very sad and not at all what I was expecting. Nonetheless, it was a fine conclusion.
Thank you for bringing us this story, and congrats on completing it.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Wow… Now to re read the entire series again!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Rene, this is one of the most touching things i have ever read in an animated web strip. *just not right to call this a comic* i can only hope the passion you put into your next project lives up to A<3M. Thank you for all you have done.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Wow, that was amazing and totally unexpected for me~~ A little sad too -.-;
Thanks for all the years of hardwork~ Your comic is amazing ^-^
I’m proud that such an amazing idea came from someone from BC ^-^~
If you plan on publishing a hardcopy, I will be sure to buy it!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
*sniff*
Congrats on finishing, Rene.
Still, though… *sniff*
February 5th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
My heart broke a little reading this.
Beautiful story, beautiful writing. I can’t believe how attached I was to these characters. Oooh my poor heart.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
So beautiful and so sad! I’m so happy to have found this story and been able to follow it along with everyone while I had the chance. Thank you for all the hard work. It really turned out wonderfully.
I look forward to your next adventure!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Three Men and a Baby? I shoulda seen it coming…
February 5th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Rene, Thank you for sharing this story. I’ve only been reading since last year but I’ve loved every second of it. I hope you’ll share more of your work in the future!!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
..the end. :’(
Masterpiece! That’s all I have words for.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I have never commented on this comic in all the time I have read it, but now, with the end here, I figured I would say what a treat this has been. I love the beautiful and compassionate way you handle all of your characters and their lives. I <3 ALM. Thanks so much for all your hard work!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Thank you.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I leave my first and last comment on this story, now that the stroy’s finished, I’ve been reading it for several months now.
Very original webcomic, that’s why I kept reading it, I suppose. I won’t give any negative critics, as I can’t probably do better than this.
It’s actually the first webcomic I read that has got “an end”… Kinda shocked by the sad way of ending though.
Won’t be able to give any other constructive comment on this, so I think “thank you” is surely the best thing I can say
February 5th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Erm… Wow…
Why it wasn’t unexpected, i’d grown attached to the characters over the year or so i’ve been reading.
I think the most stunning panel is him standing alone with the cot.
Thank you for taking the time to do this comic, and all the best in your future endeavours.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Oh god. I’m crying. Oh Maria. ;_;
February 5th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Thank you for such a wonderful story and all your hard work creating it.
And congratulations on having the courage to end the story and leave the characters behind.
You have created a thing of power and beauty here. It is a testament to your art and your writing. Excellent work.
You have given the world an perfect example of a comic being just as powerful, enticing and able to create an emotional connection, as any novel or movie.
Simply sublime work here Renee.
I must go now, to wipe the tears from my eyes.
Thank you.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
What´s that panel where Anders thinks “My fears were completely unfounded”, is that Tina being hit by a truck or something?
Little Maria is cute!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I came so close to crying after reading this.
Congratulations on finishing. I look forward to seeing what you’ll do next.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
It was the best tear to come out of my eye in a long long time. Thank you very much.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Beautiful. Congratulations on a job VERY well done.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Aww.. I just found this comic on the last update.. So, while I don’t really have a lot of attachment to these characters, I thought you should know this still made me tear up. ‘Course, after having my daughter (a bit over a year ago), things like this always make me tear up..
February 5th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Like you said, it’s the only way this story could have ended but I think we all still held out hope it would be different.
I can’t remember how I first found ALM, maybe through your guest strip on QC, but it’s been such a delight to keep up with it ever since.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
God, don’t read this while listening to Post-Rock. I have the feeling my heart broke into thousands of little pieces.
but it’s beautiful. the whole comic is.
thanks Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
I have to admit; I cried a bit when I read this. Beautiful comic. I’m sad to see it go!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
I hope I’m not the only one who’s crying right now. Well worth it. Thankyou so much.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
damn. I was not expecting this today.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
OH MAN. D: !
This was amazing…
. I wonder how old she is in this present?
I expected it, but I NEVER expected the maria with the baby bird to be maria jr!
And I love how she totally has 3 dads
Gosh… Great ending. makes me so sad, but so happy… aggghh *donates* kudos rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
:’)
February 5th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Hey! Trike! They’re friends of a friend that lives in Victoria (B.C.), I believe!
Anyway. Long time reader, first time commenter. Great ending. It’s always sad when something is over, but if nothing ever ended there’d be no room for anythin new I guess! Hopefully this won’t be your last web comic. Take care!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Absolutely brilliant. It has been a privilege to follow your story to the end. Thank you, Rene, for giving this to us.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
oh maria.
anders loves you.
thankyou so much rene, i’ve loved this comic since the beginning. the art, the story, the irregular updates. i’ve loved it all.
thankyou so much!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Wow. Wow. WOW.
This was so beautiful and wonderful; Thank you so much for all the enjoyment this comic gave me during its run. I don’t think I saw this ending coming. Now I want to cry!
Thank you Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Thank you.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Absolutely beautiful, I really hope you have more stories in mind, your a great writer- See you at the Toronto Comics Art Fest- I can’t wait.
Ps) I hope you have plans to put this in book form!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Kinda reminds me of Mulholland Dr. a little.. probably not in the way you initially think, though.
Keep plowing on, Rene- I look forward to your future works!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
I’m floored, I’m speechless. Well not quite, I caught on to ALM after Brad Guigar mentioned it on Webcomics Weekly and have been hooked ever since. This ending is touching and I rarely say that about anything. I enjoy your work, and look forward to whatever you have coming next.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
oh.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
wow. I was not expecting that. I actually felt all my muscles contract for a moment there. what an ending!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Oh wow! Very depressing. That’s not a criticism either. I guess I’d grown to care about the characters too and really hoped for some kind of reconciliation b/t Anders and Maria.
But thank you very very much for this comic. I’ve been reading it almost since the beginning and I’ve looked forward to seeing it for years. I’m definitely going to miss it.
I hope you start on something new good.
Thanks and good luck!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Oh Ms. Engstrom.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
^^^^^^^
In the second to last sentence I meant to say, “I hope you start on something new soon” not “good”. I just assume it will be good.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I am really unhappy.
There is no fault to find with the comic. Beautiful as always. But I’m going to pretend this didn’t happen.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
How amazing. Those people who were trying to explain Tina’s weird behavior now look silly in an awful way. And everyone who was being shut up by other commentators that Maria was going to never wake up know they were right now. So surprising how the ending was obvious to some and not to others. (I’m actually feeling a little nauseated now that Maria’s gone. I guess I saw Tina gone but not her.) I’m pretty sure that the only thing I got (pleasantly) wrong was that the little girl was Maria. How wonderful! Thank you so much for this. I can’t wait to buy it and have it on my coffee-table, ready to flip through whenever!
February 5th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I’ve been reading this for a while but this is the first time I’ve commented. I wanna start by saying you’ve created a truly lovely story and characters, and i’ve enjoyed reading since i started reading probably about a year ago. That said, I am kind of disappointed with the ending. Not that fact that Maria dies, the real world too is a horrible place and shit like that happens. (The whole story for maria seems pretty horrible, girl meets guy, guy cheats repeatedly on pregnant girl, girl dies in labor) But it feels like there are loose ends, like what ever happened with maria’s first pregnancy? And we never see if Anders has ended his cheating ways after looking back on his time with maria and thinking how much he hurt her on the way up to her death. I love the comic, and am so sad to see it end, but these things did kind of disappoint me.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Well that gave me a punch to the stomach and I’m crying now. I’m so sad to say goodbye. Thank you for all the years of hard work.
(any chance of an epilogue?)
February 5th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
@Tijgerkat
I think that panel is showing Tina committing suicide by jumping off an overpass.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
My eyes are welling up in tears.
Beautiful ending, thank you for the work you’ve done on this comic over the years.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Thank you, Rene… and congratulations on a job more than well done.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Congrats!
This is a spectacularly powerful ending. I love the post script, the moment with the bird, it gives us a wonderful little glimps of why we all fell for Maria in the first place.
Thanks for the wonderful story
February 5th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
oh, Rebecka’s right! what happened to Maria’s first pregnancy?
February 5th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Very beautiful. I hope you collect the series and release it in a book.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Thank you, Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
oh .. it’s over now. I always loved smaller women with dark hair and a exceptional powerful mind… RIP.
yeah make a print… no .. a movie, with lots of slow landscapes scenery flashbacks starting of with a babybird falling from a tree in slowmotion …
I loved it, thanks.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
“Did you touch the bird just so you could keep it?”
“… so?”
That brought me so close to tears because it’s just the sort of heart-breaking they do.
This was such a beautiful story, and I’m rather sad to see it go. I definitely will be rereading the entire thing… later, when my heart’s not so fragile. This was lovely in both story and art. I look forward to whatever other projects you take up.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I had a feeling that Maria wasn’t going to survive, but was hoping that feeling was wrong. Awwwww.
This was very beautiful and despite the tragedy, it really is a great ending. I like that Sven and Maria’s brother are still friends with Anders. I almost figured they would hate him, but I guess when the baby looks exactly like Maria, they couldn’t hate him for long. Again a wonderful ending to a most amazing story.
Are you planning on doing a new series in the future? I hope so, your art work and writing are simply amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
This strip has been the wonderful little surprise in my reader for years. I’ll miss it so much, more than what’s normal for “just a comic”. Thanks for sharing your tender, complex story with the rest of us.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Oh my goodness. Are you ever going to make a book of these?
February 5th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
To stimulate more happy ending: let’s pretend the dead-baby blond girl took part in raising maria.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Ew, Anders grew a neckbeard! :p
Lovely comic, Rene. The whole series was just fantastic. I’m sad to see it end like everyone else but there’s definitely a certain dignity in tying the whole thing up appropriately. Best of luck w/ whatever your next endeavor will be!
February 5th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
oh man, it’s finally over.
thank you thank you thank you.
now all the bird foreshadowing makes perfect sense.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Oh, wait oh, I didn’t see her there.
Jeeez
February 5th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Thank you Rene for the amazing comic, I can’t believe I became so attached to the characters and story. But for whatever reason I did. I thank you so much for this great story, and this was worth the wait.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
thats …Amazing. *sniff*
February 5th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
argh no :’(
February 5th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Dear Rene,
This is the first comic that’s ever made me cry. And I’m Jewish and I read Maus.
Signed,
SG
February 5th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Absolutely beautiful. Tears came to my eyes, but it was satisfying, too – I love the last panels.
Thank you so much for the entire comic. It is such a lovely work, and I’ve enjoyed it immensely.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Woah. So sad, but so awesome. Thank you!
February 5th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Yes…Anders loves Maria. And he’s raising her with the 2 other men who also loved her mother most. As to cheating ways, it seems obvious to me that any woman who wants to be a major figure in Anders’ life now is going to have to be prepared to accept that Little Maria is his priority, as she should be. There will be no ‘cheating’ on his child.
Great story, Rene. I do hope we get to come back and visit Little Maria one day.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
This was the ending I’d feared, but it was beautifully done.
Hats off to you Rene, hats off.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I must say, this really was a very beautiful and enjoyable story. The only thing that bothered my was Tina commiting suicide…I wasn’t her biggest fan, but I did hope that she would be strong enough to move on with her life instead of just ending it.
All in all though, I truly loved the journey that all the characters have gone through and am very sad that Maria died, but I thought that might happen with how the comic before this one ended…I was just hoping for the best.
Basically, thank you Rene for sharing this with us. It was well worth the wait.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Wow… I’ve been reading this ever since I stumbled on it a few months ago, and… just wow. I think I literally felt something ‘drop’ inside me as I looked at that one white panel, that’s an extraordinary way of conveying such a powerful emotion. An utterly unexpected but strangely fitting and absolutely beautiful end, thank you ^^
February 5th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I’ve been reading since about halfway through the series, and I have grown to love your characters more than just about any of the other 30 webcomics I read on a regular basis. You created a wonderful story and I can’t thank you enough for making this a journey so many people could participate in. It was a long wait to see how it finished, and it is sad to see it end, but I hope the best for you in the coming years. Anders and the world loves Maria.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Anders loves Maria after all.
Well done, Rene – a fantastic end to a fantastic comic.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
This has been such a fabulous story! I really do hope you make a print of it, either book or electronic download. I would purchase it immediately. You are so talented and it was such a joy to read all this time! Thank you!
February 5th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Ooooh, I don’t usually like stories that kill off a character I love, but the ending of this really made it worthwhile. I think it’s a beautiful twist on the title, as well.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
beautiful. thank you so much.
geeze now I’m all crying at work.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
This was beautiful, unexpected and completely heartrending.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
it was a pleasure
February 5th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
WHAT THE FUCK?! WHY DID SHE DIE?????
That’s not ok! where is the lived happily ever after!?!
February 5th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Wow! What a beautiful piece of storytelling. Tragic but joyous, wow – I’m moved. Thank you! Now I’ll have to read the whole thing again from start to finish!
February 5th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Thank you Rene!
Wonderful story. Tragic, Sad, beautiful, heartwrenching, wonderful story.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
This was so good. Thank you for sharing the story with us!
February 5th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
what was the deal with Anders’ mum?
i **kinda** wanted LS/lena follow up or something, but
I called it, baby Maria!
February 5th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
sometimes bad things have to happen to good characters for the sake of a great story. congratulations renee, anders loves maria is probably my favorite webcomic of all time! i hope you someday get to publish it in a book, i’d buy three copies in a heartbeat. thank you for the awesome ride.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
I cried like a baby. This is one of the most awesome webcomics I’ve ever read! Congratulations Miss Engstrom!
February 5th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Simply beautiful webcomic. The ending, although tragic, was perfect. Thank you for years of enjoyment Rene, Anders Love Maria was truly one of a kind.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Oh, and a second thought. I feel the epilogue is what makes this ending SO POWERFUL! This whole ending is just such a perfect resolution for all of the characters. NO, we don’t want to see any death, but there it is ! It is like a great movie, when you don’t want a character to die, but the movie would not be as great if they lived.
For months I just had this growing disdain for so many of the characters, their cheating, lying, and over all cruelty to each other. This ending makes me love them all so much that I wish I could give them all big hugs and tell them everyone is a good person and everything is going to be okay.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
I feel bad about Tina jumping fronm the bridge. I don’t understand why everyone hated her so much. But she deserved a better end. Also Anders got a better end than he deserved. So its very lifelike, huh? Hmmm…
February 5th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
My first and last comment. Ever since the last update I have been diligently checking ALM for the last update, to which my boyfriend kept telling me, “She’s never going to update it. “No!” I said, “Rene would never do that to me!”. You did not disappoint. Been reading for 2+ years and loved every minute of it! Thank you!
February 5th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I’m stunned. It’s hard to believe the story is over, and that it ended so tragically.
This is the first time I’ve ever commented. All I have to say is that you’ve made an incredible and complex webcomic that really leaves an impression. I wish I could’ve come to your party and congratulate you and say “Job well done!”. Your story has moved so many people, including me.
February 5th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I was half-way expecting this, but it still made me cry. this whole comic has been beautifully written, the ending included. this is literally my favorite webcomic, and I’m sad to see it end… I’m gonna miss the excitement I got from seeing Anders Loves Maria updates in my rss feed reader.
I am definitely buying the hardcopy of this if one ever gets made.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Wow… It is over.
It takes a lot to take a comic and see it through.
To finish it for good.
It’s not an easy task, by all means.
But once done, it is certainly gratifying.
So, congratulations on finishing the comic! You did an awesome job!
Thank you for doing it all!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Thanks for all your work on the comic. Best of luck with everything ahead of you.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Noooooooooo! MARIA! D:
That was /so/ worth the wait. Thank you!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Heartbroken. This was a wonderful story to the end. I think this conclusion tied what was important in the story really well, for the record. And now I am an emotional wreck. Thankyou Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
This ending effected me way more than I thought it would. My stomach’s all in a knot, now.
Thank you, Rene, for this beautiful story. And the beautiful ending.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
@Chachi: That WAS Anders with little Maria II. Other than that, Marias death *is* a bit formulaic. But the “foreshadowings2 and the bird story become cooler in retrospect, although it doesn’t shed a good light on Anders… well… as the consequence of things he did untintentionally, two birds (Tina and Maria) are dead. But the next little bird generation is safe in it’s nest, right?
February 5th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
At first I didn’t like Tina jumping. I just sort of thought “what? Bullshit.” and then realized I was thinking about how, like in so many suicides, “she had so much to live for.” Well done.
The bird thing is gorgeous. It took me a minute to get it, but I’m guessing she reminded him of some story Maria told him once–one of those moments when you’re with someone incredible and you both carefully expose chinks in your armor, scared and happy. Poor guy.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Chachi: you’re an idiot. That was Anders, and the kid Maria was the new baby. It was a flash-forward, not a flash-back.
Great job Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Amazing.
Chachi can fuck off.
Amazing.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Wow. A perfect ending, in my opinion. Very bittersweet, very sad – but perfect.
Once again, Rene: thank you.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
I was listening to User’s ‘You Belong’ while reading, and as the doctor told Anders Maria hadn’t survived the chorus started:
You belong to me
and I belong to you
and that I always thought I would hear
You belong to me
and I belong to you
but here I stand alone
What have you done to me?
I almost started crying. Beautiful work, Rene.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Had to say something on that last comment… I’m kind of disappointed with the ending since I was one of those people checking every day multiple times a day but if you pay attention you would know that the guy who looks like anders is anders… Epilogue = story after the story or the conclusion.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Like so many others have said, the ending of this made me cry.
I also want to personally thank you for creating this story and drawing it so, so beautifully. I have been following for several years now, and have gotten quite involved in the characters’ lives and this story line. It has been a source not only of entertainment but of comfort when I needed it. If you publish a hard copy of this I will purchase it immediately.
<3
February 5th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Congrats on finally reaching the end! As sad as I am at the way things turned out, and that we’ll not see more of Anders and Maria, I’m excited to see what’s next from you Renee!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
there are totally some things i would’ve liked to have seen resolved (maria’s first pregnancy, the piece of art she made that was beautiful in Ander’s eyes to replace the Mario/Vagina piece, even just a quick flashback to the start of their relationship) so while I admit I don’t love the pacing of the ending in terms of updates or plot, I do think that this has been a gorgeous comic and I do hope that the book might include some of the things that myself and other people see missing.
Congrats on an amazing achievement, to have such a moving comic with a complete resolution is an amazing thing.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Hmm, I’m actually more saddened by Tina’s death than Maria’s. Tina was happy to live her life out in peace and Maria ruined it for no other reason than jealously. Anders and Johan then follow suite and then each of them has the thing they care about the most robbed from them afterwards. It’s almost karmically satisfying.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your hard work and talent with us all. I really wasn’t expecting this ending but I’m very satisfied with it nonetheless. I am disappointed the end has come because I too have become attached to the characters.
I wish I could purchase a book of this comic…*hint?*
February 5th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
So sweet. My only regret is not finding this comic until last week, but I guess that means I got to read the whole thing in one go, which was pretty amazing. Thank-you!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Congratulations! Wonderful
February 5th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
I want to buy this in hardcopy. It was such a good story. Can’t say I was surprised at ALL of the ending, but the epilogue was very sweet. You write a damn good story, chick!
Can’t wait to see what’s in store from you next!
February 5th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Well done.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Wow … and … I could’ve never seen this coming.
Probably Tina’s suicide, yes.
But not Maria dying. A part of me hoped to see a cheesy Anders-Maria-Baby family; a part of me expected a reconciled if separated Anders-Maria-Baby family.
Hell with it. It’s a very nice – VERY nice Björn-Anders-Maria-Johan-Baby Bird family. Not what we hoped for, not what we expected, but it’s the best possible ending.
Great job, Rene. And, THANK YOU. (:
February 5th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Congratulations! Thanks for the great story!
February 5th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
In love and memory, Maria Holm. Good luck Anders. Renee, thank you for sharing with the world. Put this in a book form and I will gladly remove from my wallet as much cash as it takes to have a copy in my home.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
an absolutely beautiful ending, I missed some things the first time I read this strip that I only picked up on when I read through it again … I love how you pulled them all together.
i would love a hard copy some day…
and – you captured that sense of loss brilliantly… i have had 2 nightmares in my life and each time was of me losing someone so close to me.. and the sense of being alone in a vast, empty space is captured perfectly here. i read this ten minutes ago and I’m still shaken by the reality of it.
wonderful. well done. i am sad to see it go.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Oh man, I’m among those who didn’t see that one coming at all !
I’m too shaken right now to write a coherent comment, apart from : You really got me.
Look at me, I’m crying.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
OMG. Thank you so much for this story. What an amazing, moving ending, and so beautifully rendered. Really, really wonderful.
Looking forward to your future work.
-David
February 5th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
okay. I’ve been waiting like whole year for this moment.
why’s it gotta be so sad?
I suppose if it was ended any other way it wouldn’t be as satisfying though. Atleast Anders manned up and raised the baby. Congrats on the ending.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Completely expected… as you said, Rene, you’ve been dropping hints the whole time, and the title was actually a dead giveaway, no pun intended. Still, it was a nice ending, and I like how Bjorn and Maria’s brother stayed in Ander’s life after Maria’s passing.
And for those of you who didn’t really pick up on it, Tina’s body is being thrown up in the air, and there is a large truck driving beneath her… either she jumped in front of it, or jumped off a cliff over it. Either way… suicide. She’s gone.
And as for Maria’s first pregnancy, she had an abortion. There was a whole comic page dedicated to it.
A nice ending, a job well done Rene, it was almost worth the wait.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Cool story, Sis!
February 5th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Wood Says:
“Oh man, I’m among those who didn’t see that one coming at all !
I’m too shaken right now to write a coherent comment, apart from : You really got me.
Look at me, I’m crying.”
All Wood said, and so much more. I’m still crying here, and not even really from the sadness of Maria, but just… I feel very raw right now, very– something. Overwhelmed, though I can’t coherently explain how and why. I’m going to take a deep breath and finish my coffee, and just try and let this all sink in in the shower. Thank you for everything, Ms. Engström, and enjoy your beer tonight; you’ve earned it and a million more pints!
February 5th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
thank you for such a beautiful story.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I loved the ending but it was so sad! I wonder if Anders will feel remorse for how he treated Maria when she was alive. I am so sad about her dying…. she never got to really bring herself into her own. I wish she had the baby and was alive and was able to just show Anders that she can live without him and make him become a man and realize what he had put her through… snif…poor thing… im so sad shes gone.
Ill miss you maria…. but I love the new little maria…. there should be a story of her and her dad now.
Good job on the comic and it will be missed!
February 5th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Lovely.
I found this comic originally through QC almost a year ago and I’ve been checking it at least weakly ever since. This was beautiful. I’m really close to tears, and if you knew me, you’d know how much that means because I almost never cry about fictional things. Even if you might have wanted to tweak the ending towards the end, I think you made the right decision to leave it as you originally intentioned. I don’t think it was trite at all–just lovely. I loved the characters, and though I have more questions that will never be answered (What’s up with Ander’s mom? What happened to Little Shit? Lena?), I’m still completely satisfied!
Thank you so much for this, Ms. Engstrom! I only hope for the opportunity to see your work in the future!
February 5th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Aw! I have waited soo long for this, however I was also in dread. Both because I did not want it to end and I suspected what was going to happen. I was heart broken and had to step away from my computer for awhile. after I came back I had to read it again.
Thank you soo much for the years.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
you usually get beseiged with comments rene, so i’ve held off, but i have to say that this was a beautiful comic, and should you go print, or even print on demand, I’d order a copy in a heartbeat. Great stuff. Your work has certainly been more enjoyable and better executed than the vast majority of the stuff that i find on the graphic novel section of my bookstore. You did an amazing job. Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing with us.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Also ,
Why does Anders look so old and the others still look young?
February 5th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Well, I feel like an ass now. See, I got ery angry with you. Firstly because of the wait. Enough said.
Secondly, because my first time reading the ending I didn’t get it how the last scenes are a flashforward. Stupid of me I know, but this made really angry. Why the hell should it end like this, with a scene from years ago?
Then I reread the thing and understood what you did there. And lo and behold I was amazed.
Two things I would like to say then: I’m sorry for being an angry bastard (stupid one at that too) and thank you for a wonderful story.
This type of storytelling is unusual today, especially in the webcomic genre.
I’m hoping to be able to enjoy more of your work soon.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
wow. I cannot express how moved I am by this. It was such a heartbreaking but true ending to a thoroughly well-done story. From the panel on the page before, with Anders’ peaceful face, you gave the idea that all would be well and peaceful, to the shocking news that left that stark and stripped raw feeling that was encompassed in the bold black and white of Anders alone with Baby Maria, until the end, where you’ve brought life around to cycle anew. I applaud you. *wipes tears away and stands to clap*
February 5th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Will Anders Loves Maria stay online for us to reread? Are there any plans for a book? I would happily purchase one if it were to ever become available.
I wish I hadn’t seen Maria’s death coming… And I agree, I would have liked a conclusion/resolution between Anders and LS and Lena. I would have liked to know what happened to Maria and Bjorn’s child… Abortion, miscarriage, adoption? And I really do not get Ander’s mother’s behavior regarding little Maria’s birth. Guess I’ll have to reread from the beginning again to see if I missed something.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Thank you for this beautiful story, Rene. I had a feeling this was how it was going to end for Maria and cried at both the last update and this one. Happy endings are a dime a dozen, what you gave us was real and sad but fitting. I agree with feeling terrible for Maria, though. She really didn’t even want to get pregnant until Anders sort of talked her into it, then fooled around on her. Maria wasn’t a saint, of course, but she did seem to get the worse of the endings.
I too cannot wait for a print edition, so that I can read ALM all over again in conspicuous places and have people ask me “what’s that you’re reading?” so I can spread the awesome even further. Thank you again. <3
February 5th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Wow.
And now it’s… over.
Congratulations on your comic. Well done.
If I happened to be in Sweden, I’d totally go there to shake your hand.
Now, do you.. have plans for a new webcomic project in the future? (I don’t mean it like Scary Go Round, that ended but continued almost exactly as before, just… something. I like your work. Cheers)
February 5th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
I can only echo what the people before me have said .. lovely, beautiful, heartbreaking, and somehow still warm and full of hope. I too will miss these characters and hope to see them collected in print form.
Thank for for such a wonderful story.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Wow. Just wow.
I’m really shaken by this. Thank you, Rene.
But I’d also like to know what happened to Maria’s first kid? Please let us know.
Oh, Tina…
February 5th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
I cried I cried I cried. I was wondering for the longest time how you could fit in one final strip what maria was going to do. But it all makes sense now. I’m happy with this ending. thank you for this
February 5th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Such a sad yet wonderful ending. Thanks so much for creating this beautiful series.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Oh Rene, Thank you so much.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Every time I come back and read the words “Maria never woke up” I get closer to crying.. also while I saw it as a possibility, I didn’t know whether she was going to die… I even had a dream where Maria died after the previous post.
Anyway… my thorough freak out of amazement this morning aside, thank you for the wonderful story, Rene. I look forward to your future work.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Man. I teared up. Its too sad!
February 5th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Wow… just… wow.
Thank you Rene, for sharing this story with us all…
February 5th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
At first, I was pretty pissed about this ending. How could you kill of one of the title characters? Then I thought about it, and it was really the only way for it to end without it being either horribly unsatisfying, or unrealistically happy.
There are a lot of loose ends, though, that bother me.
What happened with Maria and Bjorn and their baby? I’m guessing it was a miscarriage, but how did things end with Bjorn and start with Anders?
What about Lena? I was disappointed not to see her in the finale.
I’m also curious about the dynamic going on with Bjorn, Anders, and Johan.
All-in-all, I’ve enjoyed this comic, though I feel that if you’re going to take on something like this (especially if you’re going to ask for donations), you should have some responsibility to your fans and update regularly.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
What a beautiful but heartbreaking ending.
It was perfect in every way.
February 5th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
I keep thinking Maria was reliving meeting Anders and her first pregnancy while she was waiting for her during her current pregnancy; and the reason we don’t know how that worked out is because…she died.
Also I love how the final word is “So!”
February 5th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
So, can anybody explain what’s up with Ander’s mom?
please?
February 5th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
XD I have to confess, at first, I didn’t get the ending – I thought it was another flashback. Fortunately, I read through it, and I was like *facepalm* HE NAMED THE DAUGHTER MARIA!! GOD I’m a moron.
But I LOVE the turnaround there…. It’s still called Anders Loves Maria, except instead of Maria his girlfriend, he loves Maria, his daughter. So adorable… when I realized that, I realized I wouldn’t have it any other way….
But I’m still sad that Maria didn’t make it….
I agree with some of the other posters who talk about Lena. It would’ve been cute to see her with the guys, that she forgave Anders for everything that happened with Little Shit… but that’s not entirely realistic, maybe….
February 5th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Is that Lena jumping off a bridge?
February 6th, 2010 at 12:10 am
I’m just going to leave this here:
FUCK
February 6th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Congratulations, Rene. Beautifully done. I look forward to this being published in hard copy if you wish to do so–I would definitely purchase.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:44 am
Thank you so much for the story!
It was such a sad ending, but very beautiful!
I am looking forward to your future projects!
February 6th, 2010 at 12:51 am
I can honestly say, i never followed anders and maria. I followed this link from Jeph Jaques, and only from reading the last two comics, i’m left in awe and amazement at how i feel. I can only imagine how those who followed the rest of the storyline must feel after reading it, something i intend to dedicate some time to very soon.
Bravo, and from what i’ve read, the webcomic world will miss Anders Loves Maria always.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Beautiful. Brilliant. My breath caught in my throat and wouldn’t return until the very last panel. A bittersweet ending, powerful and fitting for a wonderful comic. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:24 am
I have been waiting so long for this day, and now my eyes are filled with tears, Goodbye, Maria.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:28 am
Random thought. “Anders Loves Maria” could well refer to the father’s love for his daughter. I don’t know if you did that on purpose, Rene, but, if you did, it’s even more brilliant. Thank you for a wonderful story.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Ending made me lose a tear. ;_; the story is wonderful, I love it. Thank you, thank you thank you. You’re a wonderful writer and story maker…
February 6th, 2010 at 1:52 am
Oh my, all I can think of is Maria being excited about tea bags in the beginning and I can’t stop crying.
This has been so very lovely.
Thank you for everything and best of luck for the future.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:52 am
OMG! Tina! MARIA! Maria! The last time I cried during a comic was SiP. Thank you Rene!
February 6th, 2010 at 2:24 am
Here’s a thought: this is a beautiful comic about some incredibly selfish people screwing each other over again and again. I loved it for a lot of reasons, but most of all because it read like an indictment of an entire generation of vapid twenty-somethings (the opposite of something like Questionable Content). The ending you wrote is suitably tragic and almost feels like a form of punishment directed against the (deserving) male characters. But I don’t know, I’m a little sad because it just seems too easy to kill off both your major female characters in the final panels, especially using suicide and childbirth complications. I was kind of hoping you’d let everybody live on to go on screwing each other over, because that would be the most tragic ending of all. But, really, you’ve done a wonderful job over the last few years. I can’t wait to see what you do next!
February 6th, 2010 at 2:29 am
Thank you for all of your hard work Rene. This has easily been my favorite webcomic for a long time now. Beautiful.
Now let me just get this speck of dust out of my eye!
February 6th, 2010 at 2:31 am
Nice Funky Winkerbean reference here!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:00 am
Awwww unexpected ending! Ah, so bittersweet. This was a really great story, thank you so much for doing this!
I look forward to whatever you do next (that is, I hope you choose to do more stories, because you are clearly very good at them!). =0
February 6th, 2010 at 3:03 am
Gahhhh my favorite webcomic is no more, and there is still so much story to tell…
Like the bringing together of everyone, the funeral, the baby asking about what happened to mommy, anders holding her in remembrance…
These characters were built up so well, and it just has the potential to go on forever, which I know would be a pain in the ass haha, but I can’t help but to want more from these characters.
You did too good of a job, and now I’m without my crack rock which was named Anders Loves Maria. WHAT AM I GOING TO SMOKE NOW?!?!?!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:08 am
Hum, it was really a very good ending, but then I got to the “SO! >:/” at the end and it rather ruined the whole mood of the piece. But that’s your call!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:08 am
Words escape me…so very bittersweet.
Thank you for all of the beautiful and brilliant comics over the years.
February 6th, 2010 at 3:53 am
This was a very interesting, well-crafted comic. Still, I wish it hadn’t turned out that the two characters punished by death were women and one possibly towards the end of character development in her boyfriend. This may seem cynical but it’s a trope seen to the point of cliche in many comics, as well as elsewhere. Women make mistakes and die, men live. Girlfriends die and men become different people by being forced to live without them.
I liked little Maria and the many shades of her mother that were within her, even if she is her own person.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:39 am
I’m in shock.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:50 am
thank you so much for this wonderful story, rene!
February 6th, 2010 at 5:01 am
After leaving my comment in the morning (about being nauseated), I’m still nauseated. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to decide if I liked this ending. I still love the comic and appreciate an ending though. I will buy the book and read the ending if I don’t plan on eating for some hours.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:08 am
Also, please publish this, if you can. I would certainly buy it in a heartbeat, and I’m sure other people would as well.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Good job.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:40 am
Thank you for a beautiful story, Rene. I’ve loved watching it unfold and watching you grow as an artist. Wonderful work! I hope you will consider writing another comic someday. You are a very gifted writer and cartoonist!
February 6th, 2010 at 6:00 am
OMG, that was so sad and sweet. Kinda reminds me of the Kanon Movie ending.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:20 am
As much as I wanted this to be up earlier, it wouldn’t have had the impact then that it does now… a friend of mine had this happen just this past month. She went into labor, had complications, had a c-section … and never woke up. She died last week.
Thank you for not making the ending trite.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:26 am
That was one of the most beautiful things i’ve seen in the internet. Thank you so much for this, Rene. Please get A<3M out in book form. Greetings from south america.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:33 am
Wow. This brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed this story and the characters within until reading this last strip.
Thank you for something so wonderful and heart-wrenching! I look forward to your upcoming work.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:39 am
i feel the worst for tina, for some reason.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:54 am
I had so hoped in these last weeks that this would end with Maria still here. When I got up this morning, I was so excited, I refreshed the page in till I had to stop and leave for school. During class my mind was running through different endings, when I realized, Maria and Anders would never be able to stay together. It just wouldn’t work. So when I came home and read that Maria had died, it wasn’t a huge shock, but none the less brought tears and a flood of emotions.
I have only been reading for about a year or so, but I’ve grown to love this cast, especially Maria. You’ve done a absolutely beautiful job, Rene, with their story, and I can’t wait to see more of your work. <3
February 6th, 2010 at 6:55 am
My friend (casey hawkins) has been telling me about your web comic for years and I just never got around to reading it. And then tonight he mentioned it was the last piece had been put up and he showed me so I could see the art style….I just read the entire thing in one sitting! Its funny that I find I can relate to the characters even when the situations are nothing that I have ever been through. Very wonderful!I would definitely buy the book if it was ever published. I hope one day I can create something so touching.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:08 am
This was such an excellent webcomic. It’s too bad it’s over, but all good things come to an end. Spectacular comic, ms. Engstrom. i hope to hear from you in the future, your work is amazing. I have never looked forward to a comic as much as I have Anders Loves Maria. Thank you so much for sharing this with me, and us all.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:13 am
this has by far been one of the greatest stories i have ever read. thank you
February 6th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Oh dear God it’s beautiful, really beautiful.
I don’t want to say goodbye to Anders and Maria yet.
GOD!
I will need to start over and read it again.
Much love for you Rene I am waiting for the next amazing story you have for us.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:50 am
I’m sure I won’t add anything somebody else hasn’t already said, but what a wonderful and sad ending for a wonderful and sad story. I reread the entirety of Anders Loves Maria today and even knowing the ending it was absolutely heartbreaking. Thank you for this amazing story and these beautiful characters. This whole thing was such a heartfelt, earnest, humorous, rollercoaster of a comic and it was a great experience.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:05 am
THAT.
WAS.
Oh god I can’t even say it coherently now. This was such a beautiful webcomic and it shows how far the medium can stretch. It shows how comics are still a beautiful medium for telling such great stories.
I will miss Anders and Maria. (MARIAAAAAA T_T)
Oh god. And I love how little Maria probably has like, three daddies now.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Thanks so much for the great story, Rene
. It’s been a fun ride.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Simply fantastic ending. I laughed at the irony. I was wondering whether or not you’d kill poor maria off. At least we know that anders loves this maria.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Oh my goodness!
I have been reading this comic for quite awhile. I think for over a year/almost two?
I don’t know.
Anyway, this has been one of my favorite comics and I am so sad to see it end,
but it was beautiful and I loved every word and of it.
I have grown really attached to your characters, and it was heart wrenching to read those words that Maria never woke up.
Oh my.
I didn’t really see it coming, mostly because I avoided the idea of a not-so-happy ending.
But, it was a great story, and thankyou. <3
February 6th, 2010 at 8:29 am
So, after this ending killed me a little on the inside,
I’m rereading the comics, and I saw how comic #192 – Maria
Is Ander’s daughter Maria. That blew my mind.
I honestly doubted your work in the beginning, I came in on the second to last comic, and spent the whole night playing catch up, and then waited like a month for the ending, I’m a little heart broken.
But know I see how much you actually put into this comic, and I really enjoyed it.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Supremely lovely imagery. I’m – as ever – stunned by the range and imagination of you graphic portrayal of their lives.
Having said that, I’m really torn about the ending. There was no other way you could have brought closure (short of baby Maria dying) within a single posting. BUT killing Maria and Tina is so melodramatic, over-the-top. Like Maria sr only purpose in life was allowing Anders to grow up, and Tina had no further purpose so she had to go. Tastes a bit like those 19th century novels.
But I’m probably too old and too cynical to see the light.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:38 am
I cried.
I don’t cry for anything, and this made me cry. To lose a love like that and gain a little someone to love and take care of that seems to be everything her mom was. I just lost it. Today was a very bad day for me and reading this just pushed me over the edge. I needed this.
Thank you for making this comic. Thank you for making something so sad and so wonderful at the same time. I love every page, and I hope you do something else just as wonderfully Loving, and longing and sad and sweet and make us cry.
The world needs to know it’s okay to be sad.
B~
February 6th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Oy wow. It’s finally over. )=
February 6th, 2010 at 10:28 am
i almost cried…. never even saw it comeing ;(
February 6th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Greensis) I think Maria’s purpose in life wasn’t making Anders grow-up. I mean, she was too busy learning how to grow-up, herself! All the characters, in some way, were learning how to grow-up and take responsibility during the course of the comic. Well, maybe all except Bjorn. (And Anders’s mom.)
Like the end of any story, people have to learn to either change or die. While I wish Tina had lived, her death makes sense more than Maria’s. Tina just wasn’t strong enough to change. She was stuck in her old town, stuck on two boys she couldn’t have, and stuck in a very teenage mentality. She was also too fragile to take responsibility and deal with the consequences of her actions. Yet she was sympathetic and, beneath all her ridiculousness, essentially good. She was also very sad and confused, which no doubt contributed to her suicide.
Now, though I think this ending was executed beautifully, I do find Maria’s death problematic. I had an inkling it would happen during the last update but hoped it wouldn’t be true. Maria’s death solves a lot of things very cleanly. She and Anders no longer have to continue working on their relationship or, if the relationship fails once again, they don’t have to figure out who keeps the baby. Maria Sr., who was an incredibly imperfect and difficult person, also ends up being sainted, in a way, at least in the memories of the men she loved best in life. While her death was a little too neat for the story, however, I do like the implication that while Maria “wins” against Tina (she manages to have a baby and people who love her) they both end up dying, anyway.
I’m glad that it’s implied Anders learns how to take responsibility for his actions and deal with the consequences.
It was a good comic, Rene. I look forward to the next one.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:58 am
You have me in tears, Rene!! I will miss this, and I think many others share that sentiment. This comic is a gem, and you are an inspiration.
Thank you so much.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Oh my gosh, Rene…
I have goosebumps. That was amazing. I just can’t believe how well you did the ending. I kind of thought there would be complications though
Did you ever think of a name for the baby?
<3
February 6th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
never heard about this comic until today. read it front to back over the last 3 hours, now I am on the verge of tears and shivering.
Great work!
February 6th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Absolutely beautiful. I will miss A<3M.
February 6th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
I’m just going to go and say that I loved this ending. I guess I almost saw it coming (Maria’s death) but I just loved the flashforward with Anders and his daughter. This comic was one of the best I’ve read and every update was worth it. Congrats on finishing and thank you.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Absaloute masterpiece. Seriously breathtaking. You really created your characters, and made your readers care for them. Maria’s death hit my heart! I’m going to miss A <3 M
Congratulations Rene, best of luck for the future!
February 6th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Maria was clearly killed by shoddy Swedish socialized healthcare. Congratulations Rene on giving us this powerful political message.
February 6th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
@Ama and @Greensis pretty much posted what kept irking me, but I couldn’t quite find the words. That’s it. And it keeps bugging me.
(That a few loose ends are left open keeps bugging me too, but just because I am a control freak.)
Although this is, of course, still above all the webcomics who don’t have a story to tell at all and live off keeping pretending doing do for years on end before nobody, oncluding the author, can still pretend they knew how to put some sense into the arc, let alone end it. I also think an actual story beats daily updates a 1000 times
I think I’ll re read this soon, with some time on my hands.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
congratulations, rene!!
also, what a sad but BRILLIANT ending.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Tack Rene!
February 6th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I’ve also been reading for awhile, but this is my first comment. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
February 6th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
>>you should have some responsibility to your fans and update regularly.
@Freshmaker: And one apple spoils the bunch. Did you miss the memo when she got seriously ill, and various things that chalked up to Life Happened? And in spite of all that: here she is, and did her damn best to get to this point. She also was responsible- she kept us updated when we worried about not the comic, but HER. Stop the entitlement already!
Bitching aside, amazing end. I teared up. ;-; I especially am sad for Tina; I wish she didn’t have to end that way. But it’s been an awesome ride, and I appreciate the story you were able to tell. I will also purchase a hardcover/paperback version should you ever decide to print.
As for the “SO?” I think it fits- remember the baby birds from Ander’s childhood? The full significance escapes me, however… I may speculate more in the forum. :3
February 6th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Absolut otrolig serie. Det bästa jag läst på länge, synd att det är över.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
oh man…..my hear sank when i read this. its so sad but at the same time so beautiful. congrats on a job well done
February 6th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Thank you for this.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Very well done, rene.. I will miss all the characters in this beautifull story. Please take the hint and release it as a hardcover, it would be beautifull!!
I hope to see some more work from you in the future
Have a beautifull life!
February 6th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Is it silly to say that the entire time I’ve read this story, I haven’t viewed it as a comic? It always seemed more like an animation. I don’t know if it was your beautiful art style or my overactive imagination, but that’s just how I always was able to see it. If I had a say, Anders Loves Maria would be an animated film.
After the finale, I went back and read through the whole story again. Your art style has grown and changed so much over the years; it really is an amazing process to go back and look at. The style with which you told this story is also to die for.
There are a few loose ends that are nagging at me. Did Maria abort her first pregnancy, or was it a miscarriage caused by the drinking? Either way I know she doesn’t seem to be too upset about it (Bjorn either), but it would be nice to know. Also, Lena and Little Shit? Are they still in Anders’ life? Part of me wants to know the answers, but another part of me is happy you didn’t elaborate on them. If anything, it’ll have me coming back and re-reading the entire archive multiple times, trying to come up with my own answers
The entire comic is just breathtaking; the ending is no exception. I cried for Maria’s passing and Tina’s suicide, but I couldn’t help giggling as I read the very last panel. Little Maria really does take after her mother, both in looks and attitude!
I will be eagerly awaiting your next project, whatever and whenever it is. Even if it takes you ten years to start up anything new, I’ll be checking your site for updates regularly until then. Congratulations on the completion of this work of art.
February 6th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Wow. Massive congratulations on becoming living proof that the medium of webcomic can portray stories just as powerfully as any of the more traditional medium.
I’m totally a sucker for endings like this, I love getting that taste of the future and then filling in the blanks myself. It’s both very sad and heartwarming.
February 6th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Nice.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
That’s fucked up, life is fucked up.
Thanks for the great comic.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
A powerful but painful ending. You are a true writer. Well done.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
What an ending. I didn’t see Marias death coming so I’m a bit sad. She fought so hard and had to go through many things…
Thank you for bringing us this wonderful story!
February 6th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I hope you make this comic into a book. That would be amazing.
February 6th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
God, that’s so sad. Goodbye, Maria. *tear*
Btw, please leave Sex and the Suburbs up on the site for donation. I’d love to read it, as soon as I can convince the credit-card man in the house that he should pay for it.
Thanks for Anders loves Maria. It was all so beautiful, I’ve loved reading it. It’s gonna be hard to stop my fingers from automatically typing it in whenever I log into the internet. Maybe I’ll start from the beginning and read it all again.
<3
February 6th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
I started reading this around nov of 08 and have been following it since. It’s sad to see the story end like this, but not everything has a happy ending. It seemed fitting for the world you created.
I really enjoyed it and left a tip for you
Hope you come up with something new just as enjoyable.
February 7th, 2010 at 12:06 am
A very bittersweet ending.
Thank you.
February 7th, 2010 at 12:25 am
I was wondering, back when Maria told Anders that the cheating didn’t bother her so much as it was cheating with Tina, and then she said “drunken sex can happen to anyone,” was she implying that the baby could be someone else’s and not Anders? Since the daughter looks just like Maria (even the hair, mommy Maria’s real hair colour was that light) it is impossible to tell, no?
February 7th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Now that the comic is over, I need to re-read it.
Looking forward to the next comic you make.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:21 am
This was beautiful. Thank you for all this years. I’ll miss her.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Thanks Rene for such a raw story. Very real until the end. And even if it took me by surprise the tragic ending (I was still hoping for some sort of happily ever after), I really loved it.
Congrats for such an awesome work.
~From Buenos Aires
February 7th, 2010 at 2:00 am
Brilliant. Congratulations on your achievement.
May your next venture be even more luminous and successful.
February 7th, 2010 at 2:07 am
Wonderful. Though the idea might be daunting, I look forward to anything else you decide to do.
February 7th, 2010 at 2:39 am
I take back my earlier comment – I just noticed that little Maria’s hair sticks up exactly like Daddy’s does.
February 7th, 2010 at 2:52 am
FFFFFFFFFUUUUUU–
Thank you for creating such a masterpiece.
;_;
February 7th, 2010 at 3:21 am
I.
Nearly.
Bawled all over the place.
Beautiful ending, I love it so much ;u;
February 7th, 2010 at 4:10 am
I read the whole comic today…I was supposed to be working on my own characters but yours distracted me! It’s absolutely amazing! It’s such a bittersweet ending but I am inspired by the choices you made with your story telling.
I hope you get to publish this! I’ll buy a copy in a heart beat!!
February 7th, 2010 at 4:32 am
MELISSA! The baby has Anders’ hair! The little stick-up cowlick thing in the front is supposed to represent Anders in the baby.
February 7th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Ha, and I didn’t read through all the comments. Whoops! Sorry Melissa. Again, does anyone know what’s up with Anders’ mom and what the girl was talking about up there when she said “there is a comic” about Maria’s abortion?
February 7th, 2010 at 4:56 am
I really didn’t think a comic could make me cry like that. Wow. You do really great work.
February 7th, 2010 at 4:57 am
wow. bravo, rene. I don’t think i was expecting this to be the way this ended, but it’s a really beautiful way to do it. goodbye maria, but also, hello.
February 7th, 2010 at 5:40 am
Unfortunately I read the second part of the end without realizing it was the end. I then read the first part and subsequently choked a bit.
Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this comic, it was truly a heartwrenching tale to read.
February 7th, 2010 at 6:03 am
I nearly cried during The End Part I– I’m reminded of some the high points in literature. This is a beautiful, rich work, Rene, and I would love, more than anything, to see it in print.
February 7th, 2010 at 6:15 am
You just broke my heart, a part of my life is over…great work do, beautifull storyline, gorgeous characters, i will miss them…Poor lonely Andres….
February 7th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Yeah just found this last week and power read through everything in one sunday night to the end.
That was tragic, heartbreaking and pretty all in one. Mind you though my initial reaction to her death basically amounted to yelling at the screen for half an hour…..
February 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
I knew I would be sad when this comic ended, but I did not expect the last strips would make me cry. But they did.
Thank you for Anders Loves Maria. It was an excellent story done very well. I count myself lucky to have been able to read it.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:42 am
you should be incredibly proud
i just read it all over again from the start and it was nice to be able to pick out the hints to the ending.
anders loves maria is such a beautiful story,
thanks so much for sharing it and all the hard work you put in to each strip.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:52 am
I read it all between Friday and Sunday EST. I was so intrigued that I just kept going. I loved it and did get sad at the end. It was an interesting little romp through their lives, and a sad one.
February 7th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Thank you so much for this beautiful story.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:18 am
What an amazing ending. Like the comic itself, it managed to be so real. Just like life, a certain happy ending did come true – Anders seems to have grown emotionally with having a daughter – but, there was also sadness in Maria’s death. I can quite honestly say this is the most emotionally effected I’ve ever been reading a comic, online or not.
I could go on and on about the various undertones of philosophical and emotional rebirth and whatnot in these two comics, but instead I’ll just leave it at this: Anders Loves Maria is the best written comic I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, and this was the perfect way to end it.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Great job, it’s nice to see a completed work. Alot of web comics stretch on because people just can’t let go, this was a good story full of really real fucked up people. And like most stories full of real people it ended leaving you a little sad and with out ever knowing what’s going to happen to the people you’ve come to care about, but still feeling satisfied.
Good job and thanks for all the hard work.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Renee, you’ve done stuff I absolutely love. I fell in love with your characters, you various art styles, all kinds of things.
But this ending was absolutely unsatisfying. You (and your story and characters) just left us all at the train station and took off for parts unknown, never to return. I feel so unsatisfied with this ending, I can’t find words to explain to you the many reasons. I’ll post a more reasoned critique later if I can summon the energy, but I couldn’t imagine a less satisfying end. Hell, we don’t even know [i]why[/i] Anders loved Maria! We saw them meet in a flashback.. that’s it! We have no idea why these creatures care one stitch about each other! Why flashback to when they met if not to explain this?!?
February 7th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Utterly beautiful. I almost cried in front of my girlfriend reading this.
My only issue is that Bjorn’s baby was never explained; Maria was pregnant when she met Anders, and then the baby magically disappears and isn’t explained.
It’s obvious that the pregnancy was terminated or miscarried, but it’s a whole story we didn’t see; was it that she would die had she given birth to Bjorn’s baby, then, knowing that when Anders explained his desire for one, gave the excuses in the beginning up until the accidental pregnancy? Because then the story changes to one of sacrifice; Maria wanted Anders to be happy, and a baby would make him happy, and so she gave him a baby knowing she would pass. Or did she just get rid of the baby because she loved Anders and not Bjorn?
February 7th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Wow. I kept checking on this nearly every day. I found myself actually getting frustrated when I didn’t find any update. xD This is probably one of the most touching stories I’ve every read. Not speaking solely for web comics. I found myself getting attached to the characters. I suspected Maria wouldn’t make it; regardless, the ending was beautiful. I love her daughter. Exactly like her mother. And it seemed even more tragic that despite all of his screw up, even to the end, Maria still forgave him and was happy he was there. I don’t care what people say, the ending was lovely. You shouldn’t be compelled to add cliche conclusions to satisfy people’s limited imaginations. This story is deserving of publication. Though I am curious about Bjorn and Maria’s child…
February 7th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I’m really going to miss waiting for the updates on Anders and Maria =(
Such a beautiful story and no matter which way I look at it, it couldn’t have ended differently!
It’s incredible.
February 7th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
…I wish I had words to describe how wonderful this story is.
Thank you Rene. Thank you soooo much. Although it wasn’t a happy ending, it was still wonderful. Anders Loves Maria is a story that I will remember for years to come.
February 7th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Oh my God.. Rene, this comic has been a joy and very inspireing. *applauds loaudly*
February 7th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
This comic was beautifully done and I loved reading it through to the end. I’m really sad to see it go, especially with the way it ended, but then again I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this comic. I can’t wait to see what work you do in the future (hopefully something a little more lighthearted at some point, heh).
February 7th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
I’m guessing that the thing with Anders’ mom is that she’s just kind of psychologically fucked up (but she’s in a position of more power–more money, more talent, more family, more to keep her going in life, than Tina, who is also psychologically fucked up, but ends up so desperate she kills herself). Remember that she hasn’t left the house since Anders graduated or something like that–she has problems of her own keeping her from engaging with the rest of the world. So as Anders is maturing and reaching out to others, she is withdrawing into her own world and can’t stand the intrusion of the outside world (in the form of Anders and the baby and “normal” granny-hood). Even Anna is a little disgusted with her selfishness an inability to overcome her fears and step up to the plate here. But a lot of times parents/adults can’t overcome their own issues enough to be there for their kids and that is another one of the tough things Anders has to face at a time when he might need the support of his mom the most.
At least this is my interpretation
February 7th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Maria TT, mariiiaaaaa!!!
Love everysecond of it tough.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Thank you.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
With this ending I also have a thought now. Does Andres love MARIA… or… his little girl Maria? I just didn’t get the feeling he loved her enough to not cheat and to get mad at her so easy and want to leave her for other woman when they had simple fights. So, does it come down to him loving his daughter? That’s where the title came from?
It just makes more sense to me that way. It’s just not fair that Maria got the shit end of the deal all the time. Rough childhood and being poor and then he cheated on her and then she dies… she never really got to grown on her own. Its just not fair. I wish it could be different… I wish she was still alive… it makes me so sad….:( Why does Anders get to live and be happy??
February 7th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Thank you for telling this story.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
An absolutely beautiful ending…
I re-read the whole story this morning, and just about cried my eyes. out.
Thank you for creating such a gorgeous story.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Absolutely beautiful. I found myself crying afterwards.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
The next time some one complains that comics are for kids or are not comparable to real literature point them to this.
I’ve never seen so many ‘real’ moments between characters in ANY medium.
The 2nd last update reminded me vividly the fear and wonder I felt when my son was born.
I have never seen a ending fit a story so well. Ever.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Hej. Första gången jag kommenterar…och så är det sista sidan. Känns lite märkligt.
Jag hittade denna för kanske…två veckor sedan, efter att ett fan av min egen webcomic velat diskutera den med mig. Hon trodde jag läst den. Antagligen för att jag också är Svensk. För alla Svenskar känner ju varandra.
Pff.
Vilket fall som helst är jag glad över att jag blev tipsad. Jag började läsa och sen satt jag en hel dag och läste, för den lättsamma och orginella stilen fascinerade mig. Även att den var så…svensk. Jag har mött _många_ svenska webcomic artists ute på nätet, men aldrig någon som faktiskt gjort en SVENSK serie, med SVENSKA namn i SVENSKA miljöer. Jag älskar detta med denna.
Det är dock inte bara stilen som fascinerade mig, utan själva storyn också. Dramat och intrigerna och personerna. Lyckan och olyckan och den råa atmosfären och…alltså, VERKLIGHETEN. Du skriver verklighetstroget, eller, du har gjort en verklighetstrogen serie. En som är lite svår att läsa.
Och ahaha slutet. Tragedi är ju så vackert, egentligen. Även om det är svårt att läsa och se. Slutet är vackert.
Jag sörjer lite över det faktum att jag hittade denna så sent. Men jag hittade den!
Och jag grät jättemycket.
Tack
<3
February 8th, 2010 at 1:01 am
Whilst it is a beautiful ending, I feel somewhat dissatisfied with it.
I adore the beautiful bird symbolism. The story Anders tells all the girls he meets, and then li’l Maria touching the bird so she can keep it. I guess at the end of the day, Anders touched nests he shouldn’t have (Tina, Maria) and has had to deal with the fact that they both ultimately died for him, but he has a chance to redeem himself with li’l Maria.
However, I felt we didn’t learn enough about how Anders and Maria Sr. got together. And what about Maria’s comment “Drunken sex can happen to anyone”? Where did Sofie go? How did Maria lose her first baby? So many questions.
I thank you sincerely for sharing your story with us, but I feel you rushed it. Sorry. Just my opinion.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:54 am
Beautiful, Renee. Thank you.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:09 am
Like someone else had said, I was frustrated for a long time by the treatment of these characters towards one another. They just never seemed to care about each others’ feelings and constantly screw one another over and spit in each others’ faces. Anders’ own immaturity was only eclipsed by Maria’s, and then by Johan’s, and then by the next character’s, and I never could get over a bunch of so-called adults (older than me!) acting like such vapid children, especially with a baby on the way.
But from the time when Anders got the call to come for Maria to have the baby to the end of the comic, I completely changed my mind.
It’s a tale of redemption, in a way. Anders loves Maria. Anders fucks up in a thousand ways and loses Maria. But he gets her back, too. He saves the baby bird that falls out of the tree instead of killing it, and he gets a second chance.
I actually thought Tina’s ending was suitably tragic for a very lost, very broken character.
I’ve never commented before, but very well done. x
February 8th, 2010 at 2:18 am
Answering Feefee’s post:
I don’t think Anders got to live “happy ever after”. I’m sure soon after Maria Jr.’s birth, he heard about Tina’s suicide. He’ll certainly live with a heavy consciousness, knowing two woman who cared for him (and he cared for them, especially Maria) most likely died because of his own mistakes.
This comic is filled with tiny gestures and acts that bring massive consequences. If Bjorn didn’t care for Maria’s future and happiness with her career in arts, he would have never interfered with her process to get into the art college (forgot its name), and she would have never meet Anders. We also never got to know what happened with Maria’s first pregnancy (if she was pregnant at all).
And if Maria hadn’t decided to teach a lesson to a previous date from her best friend, she would have never gotten herself in a fight, nor Anders, and they wouldn’t need to hide away in Maria’s hometown. And Anders would never meet Tina. But still, given Maria’s conditions with pregnancy, I wonder if her death was connected with the events, or if it was something already bound to happen from the start.
This is one of those comics that should be part of high school classrooms, as material for studying the characters and plot-line, and bringing up our own conclusions, the same way it is done with famous story books. I know I have felt like Tina and even “Little Shit” a couple of times in the past.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:20 am
Oh, forgot to add:
It’s a sad and touching ending. But I don’t think there’s any other fitting ending for this story.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:47 am
You know, throughout reading the comic I had to question if the comic’s title was supposed to be just a little bit sarcastic, especially during those intense, dark moments and their long time apart. But now it makes sense. Perfect sense.
I didn’t see Maria’s death coming, but I couldn’t see the two of them staying/getting back together. They’d care about each other and their child would be a part of both their lives, but I just had a feeling that relationship was broken beyond repair. My hope is that after little Maria was born, Anders was smart enough not to do stupid things like coke or punching people in public anymore. Even up to the day of his daughter’s birth, he was still a pretty immature person and maybe this event snapped him out of it. Still, from that one page, I have a feeling he became a really great father.
I do wish we could know what happened with Maria’s first pregnancy.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:57 am
I think this may be the first time I have ever commented. If I have left words before it was a long time ago and I don’t really remember. This whole story is so beautifully written. I can’t wait for the print edition. I would love to teach this in my language arts class next year.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I have to admit I cried at the end. I’ve never gotten in to a story that much.
Beautiful..
February 8th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Dear Renee,
I have been reading this story for a while now, and have absolutely loved every moment. To me, the end was completely, and horribly unexpected. Someone called it a masterpiece, and I agree! Thank you so much. I cannot imagine the pain of creating these characters, and then having to lose them…
If there will be a hard copy, I would be very much interested in buying a copy.
Warmest wishes,
Anna
February 8th, 2010 at 7:32 am
You done good.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:37 am
You know, I only came here because you were linked on Wonderella. Justin provided a link to your very first page. I didn’t know what to expect. I was thinking something funny, along his lines. Boy was I surprised. Instead I found this absolutely captivating story, with amazingly developed characters that somehow became so – despite very, very little overt character development. And I sat here and read every single one absolutely incapable of putting it down. What a great story. Amazingly well done Rene.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Great ending. Thanks….
February 8th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Congratulations Rene! Thank you for the wonderful characters, it has been truly brilliant
February 8th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Beautiful. Heart-wrenching. My tears didn’t stop for a while. Well done, Rene.
Being an art student named Maria, I had an instant connection to the story when I started reading this, especially as I have friends who are very similar to some of the characters in how they interact- and I actually even have a friend called Anders.
I have so much love for this story. Please put out a print edition. I want this to exist forever.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Thank you for an excellent story. I’ve been following your comic for a couple of years, and I can’t believe it’s all finished!
I loved the different art styles you used at different points, and will be keeping an eye out for your next project.
Well done! I think ALM will be remembered as one of the great webcomics for a long time.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:33 am
this is a good thing, and you should feel good.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:51 am
wow, you know I’ve been reading web comics for a while and i never thought id see the day where one had a last page, its over, its done and now there is nothing left to do but remove it from my bookmarks, but i believe i will carry on the memories in my heart for a while, farewell maria you sweet little brat, goodbye anders you confused individual goodbye to you all and to the author of this story, you may be across the waters but your story has moved me, maybe not as much as a true fan but something inside me stirs as i think about it, so goodbye and may your life be full of happiness and love from your fans.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Rene – awesome work. I love that you decided to end this; a lot of web comics could learn from you.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:07 am
you know your a great author when readers from around the globe become so attached to your characters. Wonderfully done Rene. i had been so anxious for your finale but excitement turned into a broken heart. i could tell by your art that there was a complication with Maria during her labor but I wasn’t expecting this. I wish i didnt end this way but thats to be expected when death of loved ones occur.
BTW i love Johan’s haircut.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Wow, i really wasn’t expecting that, congrats on such a great comic
Have fun with future comics/endeavors.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Well, as totally expected as this ending was, it’s still sad. The saddest part, I think, is Tina. I liked her so much more than Maria.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hm…I don’t know whether to like or dislike this ending. The Webcomic has been interesting and fun to follow, I wasn’t thinking too hard about the characters but was merely enjoying the reading. Definitely going to re-read it again. Great work done, looking forward for the next one
February 8th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Wow! I still can’t believe it! I still don’t think it has all set in. Never thought a web comic could twist my emotions like this…
February 8th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
I really wanted her to woke up, now I’ll be depresed the rest of the week D:
so good rene
so long maria….
February 8th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Beautiful story and an ending I never expected. I felt a pain in my heart as I read last pages.
It is always a remarkable thing when a work of fiction can evoke such emotion. An excellent and highly commendable job Ms. Engstrom. Truly a work of art.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Ouf.
I followed this web-comic for about 18 months now, among some other web-comics i came to halt by the years. It was – is – different from all the others both by graphic art and by storyline. It is hearttouching in a very realistic way. It seems like happening in the neighbourhood.
And now – when the little hints in the last two updates come to lighten an echo in the backside of the head, the feeling of a circle closing in – the end still hits me like a hammer.
Thank you very much for your (art)work. I will miss them.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I can’t believe how much the ending of this webcomic has really touched me. It’s a testament to what a great artist and storyteller you are, Rene, that so many people have been so moved by this strip. Not to be cheesy, but thanks so much for sharing the story with us.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
While I enjoyed the little girl being Maria’s daughter twist, I can’t help but feel let down at the way all of the other threads were simply ended because of the death/birth. So much has happened to Anders and so many of the things he’s still going to be on the hook for and yet it’s all just cast aside. I get that death is a huge force but I’m more interested in seeing how one deals with things things after someone has died (the answer is: not well) than simply letting the death equal the end. It’s a shame, because it is far, far too tidy of an ending for an otherwise quite interesting comic. Oh well, I enjoyed the rest of it immensely.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
All kinds of thoughts are running through my head but I can’t seem to string the words together. You have created something beautiful.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Åh Rene… Vilket vackert slut.
Satte på musiken i bakgrunden när jag läste och blev alldeles blödig.
Längtar så efter att läsa den i bokform!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Please reconsider and make this a dream again for Anders… and make maria alive and show us how they fight and there trials and tribulations and eventually get back together and be happy in the end….:(
Thanks would be amazing!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I am with so many others, I loved the whole thing even the sad ending but all the unanswered questions will drive me Batty!!!!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I’d like to start by saying thanks for a captivating story, which I truly enjoyed. But I feel uncomfortable about the way the story ended for Tina, depression and suicide are things I feel strongly about. I can’t shake the feeling that there is something faintly misogynistic about the way this story has closed, I feel like redemption was granted for some characters and not others. I suppose this is unavoidable with an ending of this style.
I look forward to being able to purhcase a copy of Anders Loves Maria in print, its the kind of story I’d like to hold onto.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
aww man, I’m kinda sad that its over now. I think I might have to go back to she start, and read it again so i have the whole story in one.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Wow.
I grew attached to those characters too, and since I saw these last two pages at the same time, the whole impact of the story hit me hard. It was amazing, thank you for this amazing journey. A++ will read again, want to buy book.
February 8th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I came across your webcomic this morning Feb 8, 2010. Sat at work all morning and through lunch on my slow, slow computer and connection. Not only do I have goosebumps having read this whole comic, and I want to go cry. I’m not that sort either.
Amazing. Beautiful. This is the highest form of Art I’ve seen in years. Thank you so very much.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Been with you since Hipster Batman, and while you’ve lost me at times, you’ve always sucked me back in again. I’ll miss the comic, but hope to see more from you someday.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:56 am
this was beautiful…but….whatever happened to the flash backs?! that didn’t end?
February 9th, 2010 at 3:03 am
I just found this comic today, because ryan north from dinosaur comics commented on it and said it was sweet. I’ve read it from the beginning, and I must say, the story was really touching. I’m shivering right now.
You’re a great writer and a great comic drawer. The style of telling the story, the use of flashbacks, the way you hid parts of the past of the characters until you actually wanted to let us know, the conclusion of the story, everything was perfectly arranged.
February 9th, 2010 at 3:23 am
DUUUUUUDE!!!! this is one of the most touching story that I’ve ever read, a friend o’ mine introduced to me today, I read it all from start to end, I cried, and the characters just touched my heart, congrats, you are AWESOME
February 9th, 2010 at 3:38 am
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your strips before, but like many above me, I feel a need to now. I have to say, though the ending seemed a bit abrupt, it was beautifully done, and you should be immensely proud of yourself. Your handling of both Maria and Tina’s deaths was tasteful and dignified, and the way the story came full circle is nothing short of brilliant. I’m an aspiring writer myself, and I can only hope to write characters as captivating and sincere as those in A<3M–in any medium.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:08 am
I wanted to cry, these characters have become so real to me. The suddeness of Anders standing alone with the crib said more than words could how I felt upon reading the words about Maria. Thank you so much.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:18 am
I am sad to see the comic end. i’ve been reading since page one day one. But it’s been an awesome journey, it was sad to see maria go but also great to see the ray of hope at the end.
thank you
February 9th, 2010 at 7:22 am
Simply truthfully beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work with the world Rene. If you ever make a book of Anders Loves Maria you can be sure I’ll be of the first to buy a copy. Congrats on finishing an amazing piece of artwork.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:23 am
wow, i just discovered this comic today and read the entire thing. it’s fantastic, and i wish i had been following along the whole time.
thank you!
February 9th, 2010 at 8:10 am
Following this comic for a year has really attached me to this story, to Maria, Anders, Bjorn, etc. etc. I felt like I knew the characters and related to them a little. The final comic really broke my heart, I still can’t get over it. I feel like you’ve given a little piece of your soul to your readers with Anders Loves Maria, and thank you for doing so!
February 9th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Rene–
I regret that I post this now, on the final page, after becoming a fan nearly a year ago. Never have I seen a comic style I have fallen more in love with. So expressive and beautiful. It always strikes me with awe how one panel with no dialogue can elicit a stronger emotional response from me than many more text-filled, lengthy comics.
Also, I have yet to cry over the last two panels, but that’s a good thing. When something take me to my saddest, it takes a lot of contemplation and grappling with the weight of it before it really strikes me. I was very attached to these characters, as silly as it may seem to some.
You are amazing, and I hope your work will take you far.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:28 am
I just read this entire webcomic tonight and I have to say, I don’t think I have ever cried so hard for a work of fiction than I have just now. It is now 1:30AM where I am and I have school tomorrow… this was worth the sleep deprivation.
Fantastic work. Thank you for writing such a beautiful thing.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Hey Rene, I was just reading the old Moomin stips and thought that it would be so cute to do a ‘tales of Mini Maria’ in the same type of format
It may also stop alot of people crying too ;D
February 9th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I actually avoided checking for the final update for a few days because I wasn’t sure I was ready for it. After reading this comic for years it feels sad to finally come to the ending. Sad, but bittersweet.
I can’t wait for a book version to come out, so I can read it all over again.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Found your comic by accident this morning (was lucky enough to have been directed to the first entry).
Holy smokes.
Somehow you managed to make me give a damn about people who I’ve never met, living on the other side of the planet, who don’t really exist,
Outstanding stuff. Thank you.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, Rene. Can’t believe it’s finally over but it feels *right*. Thankyou for sharing this story with us xx
February 9th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I’m in tears.
Thank you Rene, what a beautiful story.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Ave Maria.
I didn’t think I would care this much about the ending, until I did. Thank you for continuing your work through the years. It meant more than I knew.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Tack.
Jag hittade din webcomic igår och har läst den maniskt fram till slutet. Den är otroligt vacker och känslig och fick mig att fundera över mina egna relationer. Jag hoppas den kommer ut i tryck någon dag.
Tack igen.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Long time reader, first time commenter.
Brilliant read, you did a great job.
That’s all.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Another first time commenter, long time reader…thank you. Like so many others, it made me cry, I cared about these characters and their little baby so much. Now I need to figure out how to get back to the beginning of the story so I can read it again and catch all the details I missed first time through! Thank you for sharing your vision with us all.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
And I kept wondering whether they’d get back together or not :\
Little Maria is so cute.
I think this is the perfect epilogue.
February 9th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
I admit, I kind of saw this coming when the nurse said “she hasn’t woken up YET”. The title of the comic gave it away: of course, Anders loves Maria. It was too poetically perfect for Maria not to die, and create a more pure, perfect love between Anders and Maria Jr.
Been reading ever since The Abominable Charles Christopher alluded to ALM in one of his raccoon comics. Two years, maybe?
As frustrated as I was over the delays in updates…it was SO worth the wait. How could I mentally rush you? Very silly of me. This is art.
February 9th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
It takes a certain brutality to make a masterpiece. Tina’s death cast away as a footnote, captured as a background. Fade to black with the baby of the woman you loved.
Thank you for a true tragedy of imperfect people.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Beautiful story, attention grabbing drama, amazing characters and just the best webcomic I’ve ever read. Rene truly my hats off to you. I for one am sad because of the ending I would have loved to see Anders and Maria become a whole family with little Maria but I actually saw her death coming although I didn’t what it to. Being in the medical field and knowing it the subtle little hints gave it to me. I loved how Anders stepped up to be the father he had to be…no better yet needed to be because it gave him the challange and opportunity to truly love and fight for that love. Which also forged a strong relationship with maria’s brother and Bjorn who had loved Maria with equally if not more then Anders had that he time of Little Maria’s birth and throughout the time they had all known Maria. One thing I would have wanted to see was Tina living but being momentarily weakened by pain, depression and loss can do that to people, I know from personal experience. It would be nice to know what happened to “Little Shit” to know if Anders and her ever expanded their relationship or left it as is because it would be nice to know if Little Maria has any female influence in her life and if Anders had decided to just focus his entire life on just Little Maria or try to pick up the pieces of what was his life learn from his mistakes and become a better man for Little Maria while finding love and a stable relationship to help support, care and love Little Maria. Also to know how Anders mother reacted to Marias’ death and if she had done anything to support, help or encourage Anders to be strong for Little Maria. This was truly an amazing story and I look forward to reading it again and also your future works Rene.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
I got this site off of “nerf-this” and I read the last page before i started, it took me all morning to read the whole story, and I will tell you that it was amazing, I cried through several of the strips and I listened to all the music that you mentioned. I was almost late to work because I just could not stop. bravo, bravo and again I say bravo. you are an amazing and creative artist. I feel honored to read your story.
February 9th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
This was lovely. I was linked to this today and read through the entire storyline in one go. Thank you and the ending was moving.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
I think many of us are in mourning now. I would occasionally click on my bookmark to anderslovesmaria, simultaneously hoping for a comic and not. I came in about a year ago or so… and have loved the story. thanks so much… I finished yesterday but could not comment until today… Had to let it all sink in. Bye Maria! thanks Rene… and I am very looking to a book… I would to have this little gem to look at again. Well done.
You always apologized for not getting things out in time or that they weren’t finished.. pfffft. anyone who had a problem with that didn;t know what they were reading. Thanks again….
After reading the last two entries… I just had to get up and walk away from my computer for awhile. your little creatures here have touched us.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:30 am
…
Oh wow.
The ending is so sad, but in a good way. I’m glad Anders finally took responsibility. *sigh*
This is the only webcomic that has ever been able to make me cry. It has been a great experience to read it, and if I had money or a job of some sort, I’d donate in a heart beat. So, until then, I guess all I have to offer is my thanks and best wishes.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:39 am
As a reader of this comic for a long long time, I must say that its sad to say such a good series end, but the ending was heartfelt and emotionally insurpassable for what you have created. Congratulations on a job well done.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:56 am
I just started reading this last month and was really anticipating the end. It was well done, if a little sad. Thank you for writing this delightful series and finishing it beautifully as it deserved.
February 10th, 2010 at 7:32 am
I know amongest the sea of comments this (like many others) are likely to not be read, but I feel the need to say it. You’ve done amazing work here. The story, the art, the thought and feeling you put into everything everyone did was simply stunning. The emotion thats felt through the entire series was, in my opinion, perfect. Although the ending struck a heartcord, and took me a few times reading it for it to click in properly.. It was well ended. With that said, Congratualations on a spectacular job. I would be seriously interested in a bookform if ever it is available.
Thank you for all your time that you’ve poured into this project, may you do well in everything.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:03 am
I hate the story ended this way. Er, not meaning I hate the ending, it’s a beautiful story and i just hated that Maria had to die at the end. And for those of you who said “women with healthy pregnancies normally don’t die” forget Maria didn’t have a healthy pregnancy. First off, she’d already had an abortion, which CAN affect future pregnancies. It happened to my Aunt. Secondly, Maria had other problems with this pregnancy, the one where she bled after her and Anders both got hit by the butt-licker guy, something about her placenta or something was low; I can’t remember. Then all the stress with the traveling they did and the stress of her and Anders arguing. Then there were the issues during delivery. Something had to be wrong with her medication because she should have felt SOMETHNG. I hope you make a sequel to this or a spin off or something, I truly loved this story and was sad to see it end.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Oh wow, Rene.
I wasn’t expecting that at all. I feel a little teary.
Thank you for such a wonderful comic. We’ve always appreciated that you took time out of your day to give us this.
The ending, unexpected as it was, was perfect.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
That little girl is a firecracker like her mum. It’s a shame she and her mum never got to know each other.
February 10th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Aaaarggghh, this is the second sad ending I’ve experienced in the last two days – I can’t take it anymore!
Seriously, though, sad but really strong and beautifully done.
Thank you so much for this whole comic, it’s been wonderful to follow.
February 10th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Amazing. Simply amazing.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
What an ending. But I love little Maria’s and Anders’ interactions.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Read it in just one day. Very nice artwork.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
thank you so much for an amazing story.
through out this comic i was able to realize how much i love your stories, art and the comic in general that it inspired me to go to school for illustration.
thank you so much and i hope to see more of your future projects.
my heart dropped when i read that Maria never woke up.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:31 am
Oh, man…
Rene, thank you for the last three years of your life.
I was worried this is how it would end, but that doesn’t change the fact that it was a wonderful ride.
February 11th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Admittedly, I’m a little confused as to how Tina went from walking barefoot on railroad tracks to being hit by a truck [I'm assuming that's not a train since it's rather short and because she flew through the air instead of becoming a new coat of paint].
For those wanting it to “just be a dream” …That’s probably the worst thing you can do in a story. This ending is much better than a “lalala tragedy, oh wait, SYKE!” ending.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Well done!
February 11th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Thank you for a beautiful conclusion. I enjoyed the strip very much and I also fell in love with the characters. My heart breaks for their tragedies and cheers for their triumphs, the making of a truly wonderful story. Looking forward to whatever you have in store for us next!
February 11th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
It was a good ending, although I can’t help but feel disappointed with its abruptness.
Oh well.
Good story. :]
February 11th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
This was so beautiful and touching! What an amazing story!
February 11th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
sniff. ahhh, i can’t help flpping through the entire thing again and again. and sniffling. marrria. ):
anyway. Rene… i’m definitely coming to see you at TCAF! but will you sell bound copies of ALM there? i would really adore teh full story!
February 11th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Wow. This webcomic…web graphic novel…it’s up there with Blankets.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Also, railroads often have bridges that go over normal roads and freeways. She jumped off the railroad bridge onto a freeway far below.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Ahh, a nicer ending then the other ending page, a good epilogue. The last page otherwise made me rather sad, just at the fact there was a whole load of unhappiness with some glimmer of happiness – which is shown more here.
Good comic if a little schizophrenic sometimes (your style changes go by very fast reading a whole load of comics at once, and some points didn’t seem to get cleared up or end so much as lost in the thread, although assumptions are easy to make).
Glad I read it all over the last few days, took some effort but was worth it. Thank you
February 11th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Heather is right… this is up there with Blankets.
Rene, thank you so much for this story. I have loved every minute of it over the past few years, and it breaks my heart to see it end (let’s not even go into how crushed I am about Maria).
I am eagerly awaiting your next project… your use of colour is up there with Bill Waterson in my book.
February 12th, 2010 at 12:27 am
I just reread the whole story, which I really recommend for anyone who hasn’t read all of it or doesn’t remember ever single detail. Everything makes more sense and everything ties together. It works better read over a few days than a few years, I must say. What that really means is that you need to print this in a single volume.
Rene, this is an amazing story. Both your talent with the storylines in explaining not just how relationships are but why, and your skill in communicating through the drawings are fantastic. If this were a novel I would have read it in high school lit class and enjoyed it, but this medium suits it so much better than words alone.
Please please please please please please start on something new right away.
February 12th, 2010 at 1:55 am
That is quite the ending to the story. It’s very brave to decide your own characters to die. Even though it’s drawn, they are alive somehow.
I doubt I can add anything new after the 350 replies above me, but I’m still going to say: Superb job, very unique style and thanks for it all!
February 12th, 2010 at 2:10 am
I just heard about the final strip through QC and I trust that guy! Just read the whole ALM in the past two days, and I loved every moment. Happy endings are nice for sure, but bittersweet endings are much more thought-provoking. Thank you so much for doing this.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:55 am
I just read this from beginning to end in one sitting (man, you get sick a lot) and I wanted to say that I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.
February 12th, 2010 at 9:11 am
The loss is palpable. I’m touched. Thank you.
(I’m really excited to see what’s next, it’s the only thing that is keeping me from crying!)
February 12th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Thank you so much…
I discovered this site and never lost track of it. I am so sad it had to end this way, for everyone.
Little Maria, I hope your life is filled with happiness, wherever you are.
February 12th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Thank you, Rene!
February 12th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Not one hour ago I read a story about fictional characters that I grew up with, they had married and the wife had died in childbirth. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and that enhanced the already heart-wrenching story of Anders Loves Maria. You’ve done beautifully, it wouldnt’ve been appropriate to end it any other way. Thank you for all you’ve contributed to the world. ~ <3
February 12th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
finally got to the ending – I’d been saving it for when I had time to read the last few strips all together and I have to say I was floored. I knew people were saying things about the ending but I honestly didn’t expect maria to die. never crossed my mind. this is one of the few comics that made me cry and I expect part of that comes from my being a relatively new father and the whole mess of pregnancy, birth and child-rearing getting at an emotional core that is hard to touch with other subjects. bravo! big props to your wonderful art and the story. can’t wait to see what you do next and can’t wait to get this in print. THANK YOU RENE!
February 13th, 2010 at 1:01 am
I’d just like to say congratulations and thank you, from start to finish this was truly something special.
February 13th, 2010 at 6:53 am
Wow…it’s all over now, it was kinda sad, but it looks like everyone is okay in the end.
Been reading this since the beginning, never left a comment before, had some mixed feelings about some of the characters sometimes, but i understand how and why they did what some of them did. Life can be messy, and not make any sense sometimes, but it doesn’t mean someone is completely all flawed or that forgiveness is not an option.
I’m not sure what I was saying, I was just impulsively typing how the comic as a whole made me think and feel ^_^
Wow…what a journey. I really like how the ending played out, and how everyone all came together because of Little Maria! Heheh…she looks as adorable and mischevious as her mum! <3
February 13th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Just re-read this comic. Great ending, great foreshadowing toward it. But reading the first few pages again, its almost like reading an entirely different webcomic! The story evolved a lot, and it came to this great conclusion. Thank you.
February 13th, 2010 at 11:48 am
I only wish that I stumbled across this series sooner. Still, the three or so days I spent catching up was well worth it….One would be hard pressed to find a webcomic with such lovable characters.
Thank you for staying at it.
-A. Fortin
February 14th, 2010 at 2:46 am
One of the most powerful endings I’ve ever read.
;-;
Way to go.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Thank you for your hard work and i wish you good luck on your next project….Anders loves maria is the best comic I’ve read so far. I will always remember your characters like if they were real people. Goodbye Anders and goodbye maria… thanks for entertaining me and giving me joy when i was passing through hard times.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Thank You. I never expected such emotion inspiring power from a web comic. It’s so hard to accept that it’s over – I’d become so attached to the characters that the deaths seem real to my heart and those left still living, it feels as if they moved a world away leaving me to wonder. I think I need to take the rest of the day off now.
I look forward to your next project. :’)
February 15th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Beautiful. Worth the wait.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:52 am
… why am I so sad?
February 16th, 2010 at 10:17 am
I’m just speechless, tnx Rene for the great story and the perfect art
February 16th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Beautiful and powerful story. Both of the lead women died though…I’m honestly not sure how I feel about that. At least, it says something interesting about you, Rene.
February 17th, 2010 at 5:22 am
I wish the ending turned out a little bit happier. But that’s the thing with life, it doesn’t always turn out the way you expect. Long time reader, but this is the first time I’ve commented. Your work was beautiful right to the very end.
Thanks
February 17th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Me and my father are huge fans of this comic and he read the ending before I got to it and he was so very emotionally touched because that’s how my mother went too.
I’m also feeling sad but in the end Anders too lost something precious and got something for it.. I admit I got sad because it’s too much to see someone so full of life to go too early
I’m such a baby I can’t stop crying lol
February 17th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Hi Rene,
I’m just back from a month holiday and I didn’t thought that you had ended already! But Rene I really LOVED it! Thank you so much! It makes me a little bit sad that’s over now, but al good things end.
Thank you again!
Dain
February 17th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Anders and Maria were like family, and I will miss them duely. Thank you, thank you, thank you; for having such a beautiful heart and knowing how to show it off.
All my love.
A x
February 18th, 2010 at 7:18 am
Thanks for this amazing little piece of a soul
February 18th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I want to thank you so much for this webcomic. I love the surrealistic bits in the forest like this the most–vividly remembering the ones with the mushrooms. I thought that was brilliant. I started off like Anders fair enough and hating him halfway through, as well as Maria. Nevertheless, the ending got me really sad. I love Johan though! It’s a bit of an abrupt ending, too..
Plus, it’s so sad that Maria died when noone expected, because she wasn’t even in pain, nor was any warning given.
Thank you once again. I will miss this. I wonder if you’re going to start any new projects after this? That would be great. (: Good luck in all you do.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:59 am
oh my word. i was shocked. poor anders. poor maria.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:24 am
by the way, was this a reference to:
http://anderslovesmaria.reneengstrom.com/2007/05/07/2005-05-07/
?
February 19th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
*waaaaaaaaaaah*
*snif*
February 19th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Sorry for spamming. Just finished re-reading the comic from start to finish.. Sigh my rust literature skills are failing, I roughly get the idea of the many appearances of birds in the comic, and the almost-identical scene in the 2008-08-29 and 2009-02-10 strips, as well as the forests, but one thing I still don’t really get is the significance of the Mario characters.
Is it significant to Maria because Tina and Johan ostracized her with that game in childhood? Or is that a personal reference..
If anyone sees this, I recommend reading from start to finish, because during the long lapses you might have forgotten some details. I only “got” the whole story when I read it all at once.. (like how the gynae did mention at the start that Maria MIGHT suffer some birth difficulties due to the placement of her womb or something similar)
I have to say I really pity Tina.. It sucks to be so vulnerable.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Ah shit I meant to add on one more question but pressed the button too quickly.
Are these characters autobiographical? Based on yourself or friends?
February 20th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Long time reader, first time commenter.
I’ve been reading this comic from the very beginning, and I must say, Rene, there’s nothing crazy about talking to Anders and Maria as if they were actually your friends. I’m probably not the only reader that formed a sort of attachment to Anders and Maria. Thanks for such a beautiful and endearing comic.
February 20th, 2010 at 11:06 am
when i found this series a year ago, I caught up on the entire storyline in less than a day. Now that its now a year later, and it is over, I don’t know what to think. I really enjoys this..
Maybe I’ll go read the whole thing again haha
February 20th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Oh wow.
I’d spent the vast bulk of this comic going “the name ‘Anders loves Maria’ doesn’t really fit”. Now it does. Perfect.
February 20th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Strong ending!
February 20th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
I’ve only read the comic off and on but I find this final page really moving, the art and the writing, everything. The way Maria’s blue boots stand out and clash with the rest of the strip. Brilliant.
I look forward to your future projects.
February 20th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Oh my god, oh my god I can’t stop crying.
MARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA TT_____________________TT
So tragic.
So… oh god, I don’t even…
;-;
February 20th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
I’m sad to see another story with characters I’ve become so interested in end, but I’m also happy to have seen it all. Thanks for a great story.
February 21st, 2010 at 2:17 am
good bye anders loves maria!
February 21st, 2010 at 2:35 am
Wow, Renee…I went back and looked through the entire comic. And my heart skipped a little when I read #62…
“But that’s just a myth”
You have done a wonderful job here. I love that little Maria is wearing Tina-style clothing, has Anders hair and Maria’s gigantic eyes. You have created an amazing story. Thank you so much.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:21 am
Rene, I’m nearly moved to tears. This has been a wonderful adventure with amazing characters, and I’m glad to have been a part of it by being a loyal reader. Thank you.
In complete honesty, ALM has been one of the things that’s reflected the beauty and tragic love of life, and the ending has not betrayed me one bit. This story has helped me find a glimmer of hope and truth through a lot of rough times, and I commend artists such as yourself for pouring your heart into such a beautiful masterpiece.
Bravo, Rene. Bravo.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:19 am
Amazing story, thanks! Like so many others, I’ll buy a hardcopy (and some for my friends) if you publish this. I’ll keep checking this site for news on that.
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 am
Rene, I just wanted to say that I feel honoured to have been a reader of ALM. Your writing and art are so totally unique and beautiful, and have taken a special place inside me. I’ve been reading this from the age of 14 (I am now 17) and so it feels like I’ve shared a journey with real people. I am eagerly looking forwards to any future projects you may have in mind. Until then, may you enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:22 am
Three years ago, my English teacher explained to us the idea of catharsis: the use of literature to emotionally cleanse or purify. I had never really found an example that has been able to do such a thing for me until now.
This story, I feel, has set an emotional refresh on me.
I’ve only read your comic for three days now, and it was quite a lot to gather. Many different characters, different relationships… having seen all of this… it punctuates this ending.
The end.
It’s just this sudden realization
of how
Anders Loves Maria.
A wonderful series, Rene, and I hope for the best for your future works.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Sad to see it end. I really hope that you will go back and ‘clean up’ the earlier pages, then publish this story. I would love to have a version I can hold in my hands.
February 24th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I found this using StumbleUpon when I should have been studying Organic Chemistry. I was physically and mentally unable to pull myself away from this. I read the first to the last in one sitting and I have no regrets. I have not been so touched by any story in a very long time. This experience will stay with me.
Thank you Rene.
February 24th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
But, but, Maria wasn’t too happy with the ending!
She says she’s too cute to die so young!
Still- a powerful story, very artfully done.
Thankyou!!!!
February 24th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
I have to be honest, this is the first webcomic to ever make me cry. Truly a great story. Thank you for sharing it!
February 26th, 2010 at 12:00 am
i hadn’t read this in a while since the birthing scene because my computer was down, but to suddenly go back only to find that it ends! it ENDS! oh my GOD, what an ending!!! i NEVER would’ve guessed. i thought there would be more angst, not sadness. SOOOO SAAAAD. so tragic. but so very VERY wonderful. great ending.
i’m really going to miss maria, she was so quirky. and all of them too. poor andgers. a WONDERFUL story.
February 26th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Hey, I’ve literally just read through this entire archive of this comic and it’s a really well written comic. The ending made me cry and at first confused me, but then I understood it. It’s a very lovely comic and you did a great job with it.
February 26th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I absolutely loved the comics…plain awesome.
Final thought:
Book?
February 27th, 2010 at 2:46 am
I keep visiting this site, hoping for something new. Book? Bookbookbook? I’ll buy a million and give them out as birthday presents to all my friends for a year. Love!
February 27th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Just blew through this comic in a few hours and all I can say is thanks, it was a great ride. I’m grateful I just found it now, I don’t think I could stand the anticipation of waiting for the next comic. I look forward to reading your next work, whatever it may be. Man. I’ll have to wait for that one I guess… *sigh*.
February 28th, 2010 at 6:09 am
Thank you so much for creating this, it is amazing.
I read this while my marriage crashed into a divorce, I connected with Maria on so many levels. She brought me back to better times in my life I saw so much of myself in her and I thank you for a lot that you have done by making this. I was Maria once, so alive, I knew who I was, I read these panals and it reminds me of the girl I use to be.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:56 am
I wanna cry. :[
February 28th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Wow. I read the entire thing in one sitting. Just wow.
Thank you for telling this beautiful story.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t stop reading at all once I started.
Congratulations on successfully bringing your story to such a gripping and powerful conclusion. I can’t wait for your next project, whatever it may be.
March 1st, 2010 at 5:00 am
Bookbookbookbookbook.
Terrific stuff! It is really phenomenal, thank you.
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:29 am
Congratulations on crossing the ice, Rene. So many projects get started and are never finished – especially on the interwubs – it’s always something special when you manage to write ‘The End’.
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Couldn’t help myself from reading this in one sitting. Beautiful! Thank you.
March 4th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Congratulations!
This comic is wonderful, I’ll miss it.
Thank you very much for all your work.
March 5th, 2010 at 12:29 am
I still can’t bear to take this off my bookmarks toolbar. I keep checking back and reading the last page again.
March 5th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
wow – *……….* speechless… stunning work, Rene you have a very gifted spirit, congratulations and looking forward to your next work.
March 8th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
I just linked here from questionable content yesterday. I’d never read it before and I read the ending before realizing the story was over. I read probably the last 15 comics in reverse, then started at the beginning and I just finished. It was both very interesting and heart-wrenching even knowing the story was over and the ending while reading the comic.
I really enjoyed it and I wish I had an Anders Loves Maria bumper sticker, so people would ask me about it.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
That was a horribly depressing ending. Very enticing story and very well told. It made me cry and appreciate what I have a little bit more. Thank you.
March 9th, 2010 at 1:55 am
beautiful story. left me heart-broken. but i can’t help but note that the maternal mortality rate in Sweden is 5 per 100,000 births. An extremely uncommon occurrence.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Did not see that coming, wow, so well done.
I’m curious though, what’s next? I love your art so much i’d hate to see you slip away from my screen.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
I will leave a comment amongst the crapload that have already been left. I think everyone who’s praised this story has said everything I felt needed to be said. I will say though, if this story were ever to be printed as a graphic novel. I would buy at least one copy and possibly a few for gifts. More than likely so would at least half the people who commented.
I might donate anyway just as a thank you. Please write more stories.