open-borders-2
Explanation
The Joke
This comic is a meta-comic in which SMBC creator Zach Weinersmith directly addresses his readers about his graphic novel on immigration policy, "Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration," co-authored with economist Bryan Caplan and illustrated by Zach himself. The comic is structured as an ad/announcement rather than a traditional joke comic.
Zach explains that about 5 months ago, he and Bryan Caplan launched pre-orders for a non-fiction graphic novel making a radical proposal for immigration reform. He acknowledges that this is "not for everybody" and that he has tried not to bug his readers about it. However, with the book finally coming out, he wants to make a polite request. He asks readers who plan to buy it to consider purchasing it during opening week, as early sales affect placement on bestseller lists and visibility. He notes that if readers are not interested, they can just sit back and enjoy today's regular comic content.
The Humor
While this is primarily a promotional comic rather than a joke comic, Zach employs his characteristic self-deprecating humor throughout. The humor comes from the awkwardness of a webcomic artist using his platform to sell a book about immigration economics -- a tonal shift he is clearly aware of and leans into. His reassurances that "if this doesn't interest you, please click anywhere on the comic for more info... oh wait" and his general sheepishness about self-promotion are the comedic elements. The final panel showing Zach holding up the book with a hopeful expression captures the universal discomfort of the creative person who must also be their own marketing department.
References
"Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration" is a real 2019 non-fiction graphic novel by economist Bryan Caplan and illustrator Zach Weinersmith (the creator of SMBC). The book argues for dramatically more open immigration policies using economic research and ethical arguments, presented in graphic novel format to make the academic content more accessible.