Hara‑Kiri No.124 (Janvier 1972), from the legendary French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, known for its confrontational humour, anti‑authority stance and shocking visual irony. This issue opens the year with a bold piece of social satire targeting unemployment in early‑70s France.
The cover features a staged photograph of a woman wearing a sash reading “Miss Chômage 72” (“Miss Unemployment 72”), presented as if she were a beauty‑pageant winner. The contrast between the festive sash and the bleak economic message is the core of the joke. The bright magenta background intensifies the deliberately exaggerated, absurd tone.
Text on the cover:BONNE ANNÉEBON CHÔMAGE(“Happy New Year, Happy Unemployment”)— a provocative commentary on economic stagnation disguised as a cheerful greeting.
Cover details:
HARA‑KIRI masthead in black
No.124 – Janv. 72 – Mensuel 4,00F
Tagline: journal bête et méchant
Stock label: 1508
Strong colour contrast and classic early‑70s photographic style
Collectors appreciate this issue for:
its sharp political/social commentary
its rarity among 1972 issues
its bold, memorable New Year cover concept
its historical place just before major format and editorial shifts in the magazine
Condition (from the photo):
Light wear along edges, mostly top right
Sleeve reflection across lower area
Colours remain vivid and consistent
No major tears or visible structural damage
Spine appears stable with typical age‑related stress
A striking example of Hara‑Kiri’s fearless satirical style at the beginning of the 1970s.
