Hara‑Kiri No.158 (Novembre 1974), from the fiercely irreverent French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, known for pushing absurdism to its limits while commenting on social and economic anxieties of the 1970s. This issue uses deliberately exaggerated visual humour to mock the nationwide fear‑mongering that surrounded “la crise” — the economic crisis of the mid‑70s.

The cover presents a close, tightly cropped photograph of a human backside. The comedic framing turns the body into a graphic symbol rather than anything intimate, transforming it into a visual metaphor for scarcity, panic, and public obsession during crisis rhetoric.

Headline:LA CRISE :ALLONS‑NOUS MANQUERDE CUL ?(“The crisis: Are we going to run out of ass?”)A deliberately absurd extrapolation of France’s economic fears — parodying how the press sensationalises shortages of anything during crisis periods.

A cartoon speech bubble adds:Allons ! Allons ! Pas de panique !(“Come on! Come on! No panic!”)reinforcing the mock‑alarmist tone.

Cover details:

• HARA‑KIRI masthead in pale green

• No.158 – Nov. 74 – 6 F

• Tagline: journal bête et méchant

• Stock label: 1500

• Classic mascot logo bottom left

• High‑colour studio photography with humorous composition

Collectors value this issue for:

• its quintessential mid‑70s crisis satire

• bold minimalist design

• rarity of late 1974 issues

• its status as a memorable and frequently referenced Hara‑Kiri cover

• clean, iconic typography paired with a single striking image

Condition (from the photo):

• Light wear along the top edge

• Some sleeve reflections across the bottom

• Strong colour fidelity and crisp text

• No major tears or creases visible

• Spine appears intact with light age wear

A quintessential example of Hara‑Kiri’s fearless absurdist humour during the 1970s economic downturn.