Hard to believe that Metal Hurlant started its 12 year run in 1975, almost 40 years ago.
Presented by Fonds Culturel Leclerc in Grande Halle des Capucins in Landerneau (Finistere, Brittany) the exhibit traces the history of two influential Comics (bande dessinee) magazines, the science fiction leaning Metal Hurlant and the more classic storytelling A Suivre.
First, Metal Hurlant (1975-1987) was published by Les Humanoides Associes, "a French publishing house specialising in comics and graphic novels founded in December 1974 by Mœbius, Jean-Pierre Dionnet, Philippe Druillet and Bernard Farkas".
The more classic storytelling A Suivre (1978-1997) featuring among others the work of Jacques Tardi, Jean Giraud and Milo Manara was part of roster of established Belgian publisher Casterman.
Based on an original idea from Michel-Édouard Leclerc (the Leclerc supermarket magnate and BD fan) and Jean-Baptiste Barbier, the exhibit's curator, brings to light 350 original artworks from both magazines.
To give sense of 2 magazines influence and put them in context, other French comics magazines like Pilote, Charlie Hebdo (satirical), L'Echo des Savanes (countercultural) influential in the 70's are on display as you can see in image below.
Pictured left to right (top row): Philippe Gauckler, Nicolas de Crécy, José Muñoz, Jean-Claude Denis, Enki Bilal, André Julliard, Jacques de Loustal, Alex Varenne, Philippe Druillet, Philippe Manoeuvre, Jean-Baptiste Barbier, Miles Hyman, Etienne Robial ;
Left to right (bottom row) Benoit Peeters, Serge Clerc, Jean-Pierre Dionnet, Michel-Edouard Leclerc, Tanino Liberatore, Jean-Michel Nicollet & Frank Margerin.
Metal Hurlant-A Suivre exhibit opened in Landerneau (Brittany, France) at Fonds Hélène & Édouard Leclerc pour la Culture on December 13, 2013 and runs until May 11, 2014, everyday from 10 am to 6 pm (except May 1, 2014).
Will I soon see a Robert Crumb exhibit presented by local supermarket chain Shoprite?
(* Photos from Fonds Hélène & Édouard Leclerc pour la culture Facebook page)