Hara‑Kiri No.159 (Décembre 1974), from the audacious French satirical monthly journal bête et méchant, known for its dark humour, political provocation and surreal holiday‑themed covers. This issue uses an absurd, theatrical character to mock public debates around euthanasia and society’s inconsistent moral reasoning.

The cover features a person dressed in an elaborate turkey costume — bright red headpiece with large cartoon eyes, layered black and white feathers, and striking yellow‑and‑black striped legs ending in exaggerated claw‑like gloves. The figure is seated in a wheelchair, intentionally staged to create a surreal contrast between festive imagery and social commentary.

The headline asks:EUTHANASIEFAUT‑ILTUER LESDINDESDE NOËLHANDICAPÉES ?(“Euthanasia — Should we kill handicapped Christmas turkeys?”)

This is classic Hara‑Kiri—using shock phrasing not to target disability, but to ridicule how society selectively applies compassion, especially around the commercialised ritual of Christmas.

Cover details:

• Monochrome HARA‑KIRI masthead in deep burgundy

• No.159 – Déc. 74 – 6 F

• Tagline: journal bête et méchant

• Stock label: 1501

• Mascot logo bottom left

• Clean neutral studio background to keep focus on the costume’s surreal contrast

Collectors value this issue for:

• strong mid‑70s political and social satire

• its highly unusual, theatrical costume photography

• rarity of later Hara‑Kiri issues from 1974–75

• the blend of holiday commentary and absurdism, a recurring fan‑favourite theme

Condition (from the photo):

• Light wear at the top edge, consistent with vintage age

• Good overall surface quality; some sleeve reflection

• Colours solid and evenly preserved

• No major creases or tears visible

• Spine appears intact with mild age‑related softness

A striking, bizarre and politically charged late‑period Hara‑Kiri cover.