Hara‑Kiri No.139 (Avril 1973), a Pâques (Easter) special, from the scandalously irreverent French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant. This issue is one of the magazine’s most audacious religious parodies, using theatrical staging to mock the way Western culture endlessly reproduces, commercialises and sensationalises images of Christ.
The cover features an actor photographed from behind in a crucifixion pose, wrapped in a simple cloth. Instead of showing the traditional religious iconography, Hara‑Kiri presents the “hidden side” — a visual joke about what imagery is never depicted in religious art. To heighten the parody, the figure is surrounded by dotted cut‑out lines, as if he were a paper‑doll version of the crucifixion scene, poking fun at mass‑produced devotional imagery.
Headline: HARA KIRI RÉVÈLELA FACE CACHÉE DU CHRIST(“Hara‑Kiri reveals the hidden face of Christ”)
This is not an attack on faith but a satire of how society markets religion like a product — trimming, editing and packaging images according to taste.
A small text bubble printed near the right hand marks the wound’s position with a simple red stamp, reinforcing the cartoonish nature of the scene rather than aiming for realism.
Cover details:
HARA‑KIRI masthead in bright blue
No.139 – Avril 73 – Mensuel – 4,00 F – Canada 85 cts
Tagline: journal bête et méchant
Easter corner banner: PÂQUES 73
Mascot logo bottom left
Bold yellow background referencing religious poster art and pop design
Collectors value this issue because:
Easter specials are among the magazine’s most controversial and sought‑after editions
religious parody covers consistently rank among top collectors’ favourites
strong pop‑art composition with minimalist colour blocking
early 1973 issues are increasingly rare
instantly recognisable in the Hara‑Kiri visual canon
Condition (from the photo):
Mild corner wear at the top edges
Sleeve reflections across the surface
Excellent colour saturation — the yellow remains vibrant
No major creasing or tearing visible
Spine appears straight with typical age softness
A bold, culturally significant Hara‑Kiri cover blending pop‑art visuals with subversive Easter satire.
