2013-12-17
Explanation
The Joke
A man discovers what he believes is a genuine "Book of Revelation" -- a book containing horrifying cosmic revelations. He describes its contents: it speaks of "late ordinance" requiring certain "gifts" to be given (paraphrasing bureaucratic/corporate language). He says he cannot follow it because the instructions reference a particular fish. His friend suggests they just ignore it. But then the man reveals the terrifying truth: if they fail to follow the instructions on giving gifts, the consequences are catastrophic -- he says it is like the product launches and free giveaway events "went wrong." The final panel shows a menacing finger pointing at them with the word "GOOD" -- implying the revelation was actually just a corporate holiday shopping guide, and the real horror is consumerism.
The Humor
The comic plays on the trope of characters discovering an ancient, terrifying text full of dark prophecies -- a common horror/thriller setup. The twist is that the "horrifying revelation" turns out to be something mundane: the oppressive expectations of holiday gift-giving season. The humor comes from treating the ordinary stress and obligations of Christmas shopping as if they were apocalyptic cosmic horror. The characters react with genuine terror to what amounts to social pressure to buy presents, satirizing how consumerism around the holidays can feel genuinely overwhelming and inescapable. The ominous pointing finger at the end reinforces the idea that consumer culture is watching and judging you.