Dark Horse Presents #86

Dark Horse Presents #86 was published in June 1994 as part of the long-running anthology series that served as the flagship title for Dark Horse Comics. During the 1990s, the series functioned as a creative incubator, allowing established creators to experiment with mature themes and independent creators to showcase their work to a wider audience. This issue arrived during a period when the company was rapidly expanding its intellectual property reach, focusing on distinct storytelling voices rather than traditional superhero continuity.

The issue is most notably recognized for its content featuring the character Concrete, created by Paul Chadwick. Chadwick, known for his contemplative and environmentally-conscious writing, utilized the Concrete series within the anthology to explore human nature through the perspective of an alien-bound protagonist. The art and editorial direction of the title at this time reflected Dark Horse's commitment to high production values and narrative complexity, which earned the series consistent critical acclaim and a reputation as a sophisticated alternative to the mainstream comics of the era.