Love and Rockets #17

Published in 1986 by Fantagraphics Books, Love and Rockets #17 stands as a notable entry in the long-running anthology series created by the Hernandez brothers—Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario. Coming out of the mid-1980s alternative comics boom, the series was instrumental in establishing the viability of self-contained, character-driven narratives outside of the mainstream superhero industry. This issue continues the complex, interwoven storylines of the Locas in Hoppers and the residents of Palomar, marking a period where the brothers' distinctive visual styles were maturing into their signature aesthetic.

The cover and interior content reflect the Hernandez brothers' intent to blend punk rock sensibilities with deeply humanistic storytelling. By focusing on the daily lives, romances, and internal struggles of their characters, they moved the medium toward a more literary and grounded form of expression. The series was met with significant critical acclaim upon release, garnering a devoted following among readers who sought more sophisticated themes in comic books, eventually securing the Hernandez brothers' reputations as essential figures in contemporary American comics.