poseidon
Explanation
In this comic, a man excitedly greets Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, saying he is there to give thanks for Poseidon's "propitiatory offerings." Poseidon recalls that in ancient times, the best offerings he received were "some birds or burned goats, maybe felt." But now, modern humans have given him incredible riches: plastics, rare metals, computers, and literal megatons of food -- all dumped into the ocean.
Poseidon says "It's amazing!" and "You are welcome" is the reply. Then the human asks for "some more petroleum" and Poseidon agrees, noting "it won't be too long."
The humor operates on a satirical reframing of ocean pollution. All the garbage, plastic, industrial waste, and chemicals that humans dump into the ocean are reimagined as lavish sacrificial offerings to the sea god. From Poseidon's perspective, humanity has gone from paltry burnt goats to incomprehensibly generous gifts. The petroleum joke at the end adds another layer: climate change and rising sea levels mean Poseidon's domain will soon expand, which he views positively. The comic works as environmental satire, pointing out the absurd scale of ocean pollution by recasting it through the lens of ancient religious devotion.