For art lovers and fans of sci-fi and fantasy, few publications have shaped the genre as profoundly as Métal Hurlant and its counterpart, Heavy Metal. These magazines helped define the visual language of speculative fiction, inspiring generations of artists, filmmakers and storytellers. 

As House of Gog collectors know, the artists shaping the future today still draw from the wellspring of these legendary publications - including our own Pascal Blanché and Skinner, who can proudly count themselves among the select group of Heavy Metal cover artists, carrying on its legacy of groundbreaking art and storytelling.

Métal Hurlant: The Birth of a Revolution

Created in December 1975 by Jean-Pierre Dionnet, Philippe Druillet, Mœbius and Bernard Farkas under the Les Humanoïdes Associés banner, Métal Hurlant ('Screaming Metal') sparked a revolution, transforming the landscape of comics and science fiction with its groundbreaking art and bold storytelling. It wasn’t just a magazine; it was an artistic rebellion. Focused on adult-oriented science fiction, fantasy and surrealism, it offered a stark contrast to the mainstream comic book landscape dominated by traditional superhero stories.

More than just a publication, Métal Hurlant was the vanguard of a larger movement in 1970s France, one that sought to redefine science fiction as a medium for radical storytelling and artistic experimentation. This shift was influenced by the broader counterculture and intellectual trends of the time, particularly the rise of fantastic realism inspired by the 1960 book Le Matin des Magiciens (The Morning of the Magicians) by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier. This book, blending esoteric history, speculative science and conspiracy theories, suggested that reality itself was stranger than fiction. It had a profound impact on artists and writers looking to push the boundaries of perception and storytelling, which found a perfect home in Métal Hurlant.

A Sci-Fi and Countercultural Revolution

The 1970s were a period of profound transformation for science fiction in France. Inspired by the psychedelic movement, underground comix and radical political thought, artists and writers sought to break free from the rigid constraints of traditional storytelling. This era of experimentation extended beyond comics into cinema, literature and even philosophy. The Nouvelle Science-Fiction (New Science Fiction) movement embraced themes of dystopian futures, existential questions and the fusion of technology with mysticism.

In this landscape, Métal Hurlant became the ultimate playground for a new wave of European artists who would go on to redefine the industry. Mœbius (Jean Giraud) dazzled with his otherworldly, dreamlike visuals in Le Garage Hermétique (The Airtight Garage) and Arzach. Philippe Druillet’s bold and violent architectural compositions in Lone Sloane pushed the boundaries of comic storytelling. Enki Bilal’s dystopian visions and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s esoteric scripts laid the groundwork for works that would inspire Blade Runner, Dune, Star Wars and countless other sci-fi landmarks.

Beyond these giants, Métal Hurlant also featured the groundbreaking work of artists such as:

Caza (Philippe Cazaumayou) – Known for his surreal and richly detailed fantasy and sci-fi landscapes.

Jean-Claude Mézières – Co-creator of Valerian and Laureline, which heavily influenced Star Wars.

Serge Clerc – Renowned for his sleek, graphic style and retro-futurist aesthetic.

Yves Chaland – A visionary of the "atomic style" who blended classic Franco-Belgian aesthetics with modern themes.

Classic stories like The Incal (by Jodorowsky and Mœbius) and The Nikopol Trilogy (by Bilal) were serialized in its pages, influencing generations of graphic novels and cinema.

An Artistic Rebellion Against Convention

Métal Hurlant shattered the norms of the comic book industry by introducing nonlinear storytelling, mature themes and an unprecedented level of artistic freedom. This was a stark contrast to the traditional adventure comics of the time, such as those published in Pilote. The magazine's sci-fi stories often reflected contemporary anxieties about authoritarianism, ecological collapse and the nature of consciousness itself, making it not just entertainment but a form of intellectual and artistic resistance.

Its influence extended far beyond comics. The magazine directly inspired the visual aesthetics of Alien (1979), Tron (1982), The Fifth Element (1997) and even modern video games and digital art. The cyberpunk movement, with its fusion of technology and counterculture, owes much to the themes first explored in Métal Hurlant.

A Legacy That Endures

After ceasing publication in 1987, Métal Hurlant remained a significant cultural touchstone, inspiring artists, filmmakers and writers. The magazine saw an initial attempt at revival in 2002, but it was short-lived, lasting only a few years. However, in 2020, the magazine made a true comeback, embracing modern publishing methods, including crowdfunding campaigns.

Kickstarter Campaign and Relaunch (2021)

In 2021, Métal Hurlant returned in a new form, with a fresh generation of artists and writers while still honoring its origins.

The relaunch was spearheaded by Les Humanoïdes Associés, the French publishing house that originally produced the magazine.

The campaign successfully raised funds to produce a new run of Métal Hurlant, blending classic artists with newer talents to push the boundaries of science fiction, fantasy and surrealism once again.

The modern iteration focused on maintaining the magazine’s unique blend of philosophical, experimental and visually stunning storytelling.

The first issues of the revival included contributions from classic artists as well as new voices inspired by the magazine’s original aesthetic.

Heavy Metal: Bringing the Revolution to America

Recognizing the potential of Métal Hurlant, American publisher Leonard Mogel licensed the magazine for an English-speaking audience, launching Heavy Metal in 1977. While it retained much of the original’s DNA, Heavy Metal developed its own identity, bringing in North American talent and establishing itself as a countercultural icon in the U.S.

In addition to showcasing work by European legends like Mœbius and Druillet, Heavy Metal introduced American audiences to the likes of:

Richard Corben – Famous for his hyper-realistic, exaggerated musculature and moody horror-infused fantasy (Den).

Bernie Wrightson – A horror master and co-creator of Swamp Thing, contributing gothic and terrifying illustrations.

Vaughn Bodé – A pioneer of underground comics, known for his psychedelic and erotic aesthetic (Cobalt 60).

Simon Bisley – His kinetic, ultra-violent style redefined the look of Heavy Metal in the '90s (The Horned God in Slaine).

Geof Darrow – Creator of hyper-detailed cyberpunk worlds (Hard Boiled).

Among the most iconic stories serialized in Heavy Metal were:

RanXerox by Tanino Liberatore – A violent, cyberpunk tale of an android antihero.

The Long Tomorrow by Mœbius and Dan O'Bannon – A noir-influenced sci-fi story that inspired Blade Runner.

Elric by Michael Moorcock and Philippe Druillet – An adaptation of the legendary dark fantasy antihero's adventures.

With its mix of avant-garde storytelling, psychedelic visuals and a rebellious spirit, Heavy Metal captured the imagination of a generation. Its impact extended far beyond comics—Hollywood took notice, leading to the cult classic Heavy Metal animated film in 1981, a surreal anthology of sci-fi and fantasy shorts set to a rock and metal soundtrack.

The Revival of Heavy Metal

Unlike its French predecessor, Heavy Metal continued publishing uninterrupted since its launch in 1977. However, in the 2010s and 2020s, the magazine underwent a transformation to regain its cult status and expand its audience.

Kickstarter & New Ownership (2015–2022)

In 2015, Heavy Metal also used Kickstarter and crowdfunding platforms to fund new projects, including graphic novels and exclusive collector’s editions.

Under the leadership of new owners, including film producer Jeff Krelitz and later music industry veteran Matthew Medney, Heavy Metal pushed for a new era of storytelling.

The magazine began working with high-profile creators, including Grant Morrison (who served as editor-in-chief for a time) and artists like Blake Northcott.

Digital expansion and merchandise also played a role in Heavy Metal’s renewed popularity, bringing it to new audiences beyond print.

In 2022, Heavy Metal launched its own comics imprint, focusing on serialized stories in both print and digital formats.

Challenges and the Future

In late 2022 and early 2023, Heavy Metal faced financial difficulties, leading to distribution challenges and layoffs.

By 2023, Whatnot Publishing acquired Heavy Metal, with plans to revitalize the brand and continue its legacy of groundbreaking sci-fi and fantasy storytelling. This vision materialized in 2024 with Heavy Metal International, LLC relaunching Heavy Metal, bringing its revolutionary spirit and cutting-edge creativity to a new generation of readers.

The Enduring Legacy

Both Métal Hurlant and Heavy Metal remain cultural icons, influencing everything from modern comics and film to video games and digital art. Their successful crowdfunding efforts and revivals demonstrate that there is still a hunger for the kind of bold, boundary-pushing art and storytelling they pioneered. With new publishers and creative teams at the helm, their futures remain exciting for fans of illustrated sci-fi and fantasy.

Why It Matters to House of Gog Collectors

For those who appreciate the art and curation behind House of Gog’s collectibles, the lineage from Métal Hurlant and Heavy Metal is clear. These magazines have long been a proving ground for the greatest visual storytellers in sci-fi and fantasy and their influence can be seen in the intricate details and visionary designs of today’s top creatives.

With Métal Hurlant and Heavy Metal experiencing fresh revivals, now is the perfect time to rediscover these legendary publications - or dive into them for the first time. Whether through their pages or through the work of artists like Pascal Blanché and Skinner, their legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to push the boundaries of imagination.

So, what are your favorite Heavy Metal or Métal Hurlant moments? Let’s celebrate the art, the artists and the lasting impact of these groundbreaking magazines.

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