Hardware #43 (DC/Milestone Comics, September 1996)

This is a standard-sized American comic book featuring the character Hardware, published by DC Comics under the Milestone Media imprint. The cover art depicts the titular character in his high-tech armor, wielding energy weapons and a whip-like cable against a dark, debris-filled background. The masthead prominently displays the 'HARDWARE' logo in white block letters, with credits for creators Illidge, Rollins, and Caesar listed above. The 'Milestone' and 'DC' logos appear in the upper left corner. Visible physical characteristics include a glossy paper cover with a color printing process typical of the mid-1990s. The comic's condition is fair to good, showing significant signs of wear including vertical spine stress lines, color breaking at the staples, and noticeable blunting of the corners. There is a visible curve/bow to the entire book and some chipping along the right-hand edge. A UPC barcode is present in the lower-left corner indicating a direct sales distribution. This issue dates from the 'Modern Age' of comics and represents a key period in Milestone Media's history, known for its focus on diversity and social issues within the superhero genre. The craftsmanship reflects the higher production values of late-90s DC publications, though this specific copy lacks the pristine quality preferred by high-end collectors due to the surface abrasions and structural warping.