More simply, detournement is subverting an old "
aesthetic element" so that it carries your message. One of the most basic techniques of
Situationist detournement is writing new words into the speech bubbles of pre-existing
comic strips.
For example (from "Lipstick Traces"), a
Beetle Bailey comic, two frames. In the first
Beetle Bailey is bringing a cake to a general. In the second the general looks surprised. The new speech bubbles have them saying:
Soldier: I made you a cake.
Tell me that I'm an artist and that I'm special.
General: You're an artist and you're special
Soldier: But I didn't make the cake and it may be poisoned.