What is the significance of the number 88 in the context of the 88 comic?

In the 88 comic, the number 88 is a central motif and a symbol of a specific subculture. It's a coded reference to 'Wei Hai Bing Chang,' a Chinese military base. Using '88' is a way for members of this subculture to identify each other and signal their affiliation, often associated with nationalist and sometimes far-right ideologies. The comic explores the complexities and potential dangers of this hidden communication system.