Hara‑Kiri No.156 (Septembre 1974), from the relentlessly provocative French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, known for using absurd visual metaphors to parody public health messages, seasonal slogans and social behaviour.

This issue centres on the theme of September as a “healthy month”, twisting the idea into a deliberately ridiculous promotional campaign. The cover features a woman enthusiastically chewing on a large beetroot, with earth still clinging to its surface. Her smile is exaggerated, and the mess around her mouth heightens the comedic effect — a parody of forced wellness messaging and seasonal advice.

Headline:SEPTEMBRE, MOIS EN…MANGEZ DES BETTERAVES(“September, a month for… Eat beetroots”)

The humour lies in overstating the earnestness of diet trends and government campaigns of the era. The beet becomes a comedic prop rather than a realistic scene.

Cover details:

• HARA‑KIRI masthead in pink

• No.156 – Sept. 74 – 6 F

• Tagline: journal bête et méchant

• Stock label: 1498

• Mascot logo bottom left

• Warm brown‑red background colour that reinforces the harvest theme

Collectors value this issue because:

• 1974 issues are increasingly scarce

• the food‑themed satire covers are especially popular

• it represents mid‑70s Hara‑Kiri’s shift toward more photographic grotesquerie and symbolic humour

• bold colours and a memorable visual gag make it highly displayable

Condition (from the photo):

• Minor edge wear, especially upper right

• Sleeve reflections along the centre and lower half

• Strong colour saturation; text remains sharp

• No major creases or tears visible

• Spine appears intact with expected vintage wear

A vivid and humorous example of Hara‑Kiri’s seasonal satire, using food imagery as a vehicle for social parody.