Love and Rockets #20

Published in 1987 by Fantagraphics Books, Love and Rockets #20 stands as a significant milestone in the long-running anthology series created by the Hernandez brothers—Gilbert, Jaime, and Mario. By this point in the mid-1980s, the series had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the alternative comics movement, celebrated for its blend of punk aesthetic, magical realism, and deeply nuanced character studies. This issue continued the serialized narratives of 'Palomar' by Gilbert and 'Locas' by Jaime, showcasing the creators' ability to weave complex, non-linear stories that challenged the conventions of mainstream superhero comics.

The visual identity of this issue, like others in the series, reflects the distinct yet complementary styles of the Hernandez brothers. Jaime Hernandez’s work is particularly noted for its clean line work and expressive, fashion-conscious character designs, which were influenced by his interest in the Southern California punk rock scene. This issue was received during a period when the series was gaining critical acclaim for its mature storytelling and its success in elevating the comic book medium as a literary art form. It remains a prized example of the independent comic renaissance that flourished under the banner of Fantagraphics.