Hara‑Kiri No.138 (Mars 1973), from the subversive French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, well‑known for ridiculing public safety campaigns, government messaging and everyday incompetence through simple but sharp visual jokes.

This cover shows a man seen from behind, dressed in a heavy coat and winter hat, carrying a briefcase and a large fire extinguisher. The humour emerges when the speech bubble reveals his blunder:

“J’ai mis de l’essence dedans…”(“I put petrol in it…”)

This absurd admission transforms the fire extinguisher — the very symbol of safety — into an accidental hazard. It perfectly matches Hara‑Kiri’s tendency to mock both bureaucracy and the public’s misunderstanding of safety rules.

Main headline:PROTÉGEZ‑LES MALGRÉ EUX !(“Protect them in spite of themselves!”)

A sarcastic commentary on how some people actively undermine their own safety, forcing institutions to overprotect them.

The stark, minimalist background reinforces the comic focus on the lone character and the bright red extinguisher.

Cover details:

• HARA‑KIRI masthead in green

• No.138 – Mars 73 – Mensuel – 4,00 F

• Tagline: journal bête et méchant

• Stock label: 1489

• Mascot logo bottom left

• Clean, poster‑like composition typical of early‑70s covers

Collectors appreciate this issue because:

• it represents Hara‑Kiri’s shift toward visually simple, gag‑driven covers

• it deals with public safety themes, a recurring and popular subject in the magazine

• 1973 editions are increasingly hard to find

• the extinguisher gag is widely recognised as classic Hara‑Kiri irony

Condition (from the photo):

• Minor corner wear, especially bottom edge

• Sleeve reflections visible across the surface

• Age toning consistent with early‑70s paper stock

• No visible major tears or deep creasing

• Spine appears straight with typical vintage softening

A crisp, clean example of Hara‑Kiri’s deadpan visual satire — simple image, huge comedic punch.