2011-06-14
Explanation
This comic is a semi-autobiographical strip in which the author (depicted as a red-bearded man, representing Zach Weinersmith) recounts his nephew reading his comics for the first time. The nephew'''s first question is: "What does '''soda-mized''' mean?" -- a child'''s innocent mispronunciation/misreading of the word "sodomized." The author contrasts what he wishes his response had been (a smooth, clever deflection beginning with "Well, when a mommy and daddy love each other... and it'''s daddy'''s birthday...") with what his response actually was -- an awkward silence, shown by the two of them just sitting there with the book.
The humor comes from the inherent awkwardness of an adult comic creator being confronted by a child relative who encounters sexual content in their work. The "wished" response is itself funny because the "when a mommy and daddy love each other" framing is the classic birds-and-bees talk opener, but adding "and it'''s daddy'''s birthday" takes it in a hilariously specific and suggestive direction. The actual response of stunned silence is the relatable punchline.
The votey panel shows a handwritten note: "Dear nephew -- If you'''re reading this, '''soda-mized''' is when you get a soda for your birthday." This is the author'''s belated, intentionally unconvincing attempt to provide an innocent cover story for the word, adding another layer of comedy through its transparent implausibility.