Anything Goes! #2

Anything Goes! was an anthology comic series published by Fantagraphics Books between 1986 and 1988, serving as a showcase for the vibrant alternative comics scene of the era. The series was curated to provide a platform for prominent underground and independent artists to experiment with diverse styles and narratives, moving away from traditional superhero tropes. Issue number two, released in 1986, epitomizes this mission by assembling a eclectic mix of creators who were pushing the boundaries of the medium’s visual and storytelling potential at the time.

The design and content of the issue were driven by an editorial focus on creator autonomy, allowing artists such as R. Crumb, Bill Griffith, and Drew Friedman to contribute work that reflected their distinct sensibilities. The series was well-received by critics and readers interested in the burgeoning independent publishing movement, establishing itself as a significant, if niche, artifact of 1980s alternative culture. Its historical value lies in its role as a collective snapshot of a period when comics were increasingly recognized as a legitimate medium for serious artistic and satiric expression.