Burger King has always been the underdog of fast food chains. Well aware they cannot compete directly with Ronald McDonald’s rigorous campaigns, Burger King has always elected more niche-marketing schemes. Some darker than others, but each one has consistently mirrored their humorous nature.

We all remember the first time someone sent us a link to subservientchicken.com and being absolutely creeped out by it. And then laughing. And then creeped out once more at the realization that we can be entertained by this.

And let us not forget The Burger King – another creepy personification of the brand. According to the commercials, the King could show up unexpectedly in your bed, behind doors and walls and offer you food. Yet, despite the disturbing smile and sneaky inclinations, people seem to be eating him up. He’s made numerous television appearances; including a spoof on Jay Leno and product tie-ins like The Simpsons and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. He has his own game, Sneak King, and there’s a feature-length movie to be made? (Ugh.)

Just last year, BK advertised the discontinuation of the Whopper. Many customers were pissed (old Jay and Silent Bob 4:31), some were lost (guy in red shirt with kid 2:10), and others were just plain ridiculous (the Hipster kid 1:20). The campaign itself is tedious, but watching specific reactions from the most loyal consumers brought out a few laughs. Naturally, Youtube spoofs followed.

All in all, Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, Burger King’s ad agency, were heading in the right direction, but it just doesn’t seem to be enough. I, myself, haven’t been to a Burger King in years. Recently, the one by my house closed down. Will I miss it? Nope. Can’t say I will.

Addendum: Burger King’s latest imperialistic attempt: Whopper Virgins.