Dark Horse Presents #21

Dark Horse Presents #21, published in August 1988, serves as a significant artifact of the independent comics boom of the late 1980s. The anthology series was created by Mike Richardson to provide a platform for creator-owned stories that challenged the mainstream superhero dominance of the era. This specific issue is particularly notable for featuring the continued serialization of Frank Miller's 'Give Me Liberty,' a gritty, satirical science fiction narrative that helped cement the series' reputation for high-quality, mature storytelling.

The editorial vision for the series was to balance established industry talents with experimental creators, and issue #21 reflects this through its diverse mix of noir, satire, and unconventional genre work. Designed with a distinct aesthetic that prioritized dark, cinematic visuals, the issue was well-received by critics at the time for its bold narrative choices and commitment to artistic independence. It remains a classic example of the 'Dark Horse' house style, which prioritized strong visual storytelling and subversive themes over traditional serialized capes.