Comic Relief during Moderate Tension

While reading the latest Naruto chapters, I found a little comic relief. I didn't care much of it; there could have been more content.

It commonplace for serious stories to have it. The time that used to create it could have been used to progress more into the plot. Sometimes the funny stuff does have a place in the plot for certain reasons. Sometimes it just destroys the intensity of the tension.

I'd prefer it in the beginning and in the end usually where you're learning the character and when everything is being wrapped up. Maybe a dash of it in the middle though it depends on story.

Thoughts?

I don't mind comedy relief in certain mangas, I believe it just gives a quick break from the main plot and allows you to relate with the character more. From the manga I have been reading (i.e. claymore, Negima, Naruto, etc..) I don't mind at all, but as you stated it really depends on the type of story/plot.

For me it really depends on how the general mode me the story is, if it's a dark or depressing story like Death Note it can ruin everything if you suddenly decide to add some comic relief, but if it on the other hand is a more easygoing or generally little comedic story like One Piece I don't mind it. As long as it goes along well with the story.

true, random comic relief just kills the story