it sort of depends on the types of comic you're interested in, but a lot of 'paper comics' have a goal sort of similar to SNL; touch upon the topic du jour in pithy ways to keep your core readership and publisher happy, and lightly enough so as to avoid scaring away potential new readers.

but for a real hurried and simplified explanation : a lot of them exist to parrot a talking point that has been pre-approved by their publisher and coincides with the group think surrounding the publisher and their affiliates.

If you look at Dalewyn's post below, you'll find your answer.

Ever read MAD magazine?