I’m always looking for something fantastically different, and it doesn’t get better than the Métal Hulant revival from Humanoids. Humanoids plans to put out new issues quarterly. The first issue is available in both print and digital formats.
Métal Hurlant—French for “Screaming Métal”—was a revolutionary force in comics that reshaped the landscape of science fiction and fantasy storytelling. The original run lasted from 1975 to 1987, producing 133 issues. It was revived briefly from 2002 to 2004 as a Franco-American co-production under Humanoids Publishing, with 14 issues released in multiple languages. Métal Hurlant was never just a magazine—it was a creative revolution. Its revival isn’t merely a nod to nostalgia; it’s a bold continuation of a legacy that redefined the boundaries of what comics could achieve.
The resurrection of Métal Hurlant—the iconic French science fiction comics anthology that gave rise to Heavy Métal—represents a monumental moment for graphic narrative. Through Old Dreams, Young Visions, Humanoids breathes new life into the original’s legacy while charting an audacious creative direction, merging archival masterpieces with cutting-edge innovation.
This expansive 272-page collection presents a boundary-pushing celebration of speculative fiction across genres. The anthology thoughtfully combines legendary tales from the magazine’s golden era in the 1970s and 80s—including works by luminaries like Moebius, Jean-Pierre Dionnet, and Philippe Druillet—with fresh contributions from today’s creative pioneers, including James Stokoe, Frederik Peeters, and Elene Usdin. The outcome is a genre-transcending collection that honors its heritage while embracing radical reinvention.
The collection delivers a stunning visual experience. From Moebius’s dreamlike, intricately crafted illustrations to the explosive dynamism of contemporary artists, every tale represents a distinct artistic explosion. The subject matter spans from cosmic horror and universal paradox to sharp social commentary and deep philosophical exploration. Seminal works like “The Long Tomorrow” (the Moebius masterpiece that influenced Blade Runner) mesh seamlessly with modern pieces that embody the same spirit of imaginative defiance.
The anthology’s most significant achievement lies in its remarkable unity amid such creative variety. The curatorial approach is unmistakable: Métal Hurlant transcends mere nostalgic revival—it serves as a vital, evolving venue for experimental narrative art. The integration of critical essays and production insights enriches the experience, providing context for the magazine’s cultural significance and its lasting influence on filmmakers from Ridley Scott to Denis Villeneuve.
By reviving Métal Hurlant, Humanoids has achieved something greater than simple restoration—they’ve rekindled a creative laboratory. Old Dreams, Young Visions stands as a powerful testament to the medium’s potential when freed from commercial constraints and fueled by artistic ambition.
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