Denis Villeneuve praises Metal Hurlant as major inspiration as the legendary French sci-fi comic anthology makes its English-language comeback in a new quarterly edition this week, marking its 50th anniversary. The historic publication—created in Paris in 1975 by Jean Giraud (Mœbius), Philippe Druillet, Jean-Pierre Dionnet, and Bernand Farkas—is being relaunched by Humanoids in Los Angeles, aiming to bring its cultural legacy to a new generation of readers.
Metal Hurlant’s Far-Reaching Influence on Science Fiction and Pop Culture
Metal Hurlant, which translates to “Screaming Metal,” gained a reputation throughout the 1970s and 80s for its bold narratives and stunning visual storytelling, forever altering the landscape of science fiction. The publication has left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring major films such as Alien, Tron, Blade Runner, Akira, and The Fifth Element. Its inventive spirit touched generations of creatives, including filmmakers like Guillermo Del Toro, George Lucas, Ridley Scott, Hayao Miyazaki, Luc Besson, Jemaine Clement, and Nicolas Winding Refn. Influential musicians such as Air, Daft Punk, and Hans Zimmer have also drawn inspiration from the comic’s visionary approach.
Denis Villeneuve, director of acclaimed films such as Arrival and Dune, has publicly emphasized the impact of the anthology on his artistic development.
“I am a child of Metal Hurlant.”
—Denis Villeneuve, filmmaker
Ambitious New Edition Showcases Artistry and Innovation
The new English-language edition is described as Metal Hurlant’s “most ambitious iteration yet,” spanning 272 pages packed with cutting-edge artwork, imaginative stories, interviews, and essays. Internationally celebrated artists have contributed new visuals, and thought-provoking features from writers like Ted Chiang and Alan Moore elevate the anthology further. The volume includes both contemporary material from emerging storytellers and rare archival pieces from the groundbreaking original French run, many of which have never appeared in English or have been out of print for decades.
“Metal Hurlant icons, such as Mœbius and Druillet, were some of my earliest visual inspirations as a filmmaker,”
—Denis Villeneuve, filmmaker
“I’m grateful that an anthology of their work is finally available to English-speaking readers, so that they can also enjoy the extraordinary worlds created by this extraordinary community of artists and writers.”
—Denis Villeneuve, filmmaker
Special cover contributions from Mœbius, Peach Momoko, and Enki Bilal further highlight the comic’s ongoing creative energy. Each volume is thematically curated, blending the voices of established legends with those of rising talents on the global stage. The anthology remains committed to championing the boundary-pushing spirit that originally defined Metal Hurlant as a movement rather than simply a comic book series.
The Incal and Metal Hurlant’s Defining Legacy
Among the most celebrated works to emerge from Metal Hurlant is The Incal, a dynamic graphic novel written by filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky and illustrated by Mœbius. This sprawling space adventure merges elements of space exploration, politics, messianic prophecy, and satire, and even draws upon unrealized concepts from Jodorowsky’s ambitious but ultimately aborted adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune.
“I created ‘The Incal’ with Mœbius in Metal Hurlant 45 years ago, and it has since become one of the most widely read science fiction comics in the world,”
—Alejandro Jodorowsky, filmmaker and writer
“Metal Hurlant was the perfect place for it, as it was — and still is — more of a cultural movement championing artistic freedom and bold creative risks than it was a mere comic book anthology. The world desperately needs such a movement right now, so I am glad to see it expanding its reach.”
—Alejandro Jodorowsky, filmmaker and writer
The Incal stands tall among the best-regarded graphic novels ever conceived, with its influence notably extending to Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element, to the point where a lawsuit was filed for direct similarities.
Global Support Fuels Metal Hurlant’s Revival
In anticipation of the anthology’s English reboot, the publishers launched a Kickstarter campaign last year that resonated with fans worldwide, raising over $750,000 from about 5,000 supporters. This outpouring of enthusiasm demonstrates the cultural resonance and enduring appeal of the Metal Hurlant legacy.
“For fifty years, Humanoids has championed visionary storytelling that pushes the boundaries of graphic narrative. From our origins in France to our global presence today, we’ve built a legacy of artistic innovation and cultural impact that transcends borders and generations,”
—Fabrice Giger, CEO, Humanoids
“Bringing Metal Hurlant to English-language readers in its authentic quarterly anthology format represents a perfect celebration of our anniversary — honoring our roots while embracing our future. This isn’t merely a translation but a cultural bridge, offering today’s readers the same sense of discovery and artistic revolution that defined the original publication.”
—Fabrice Giger, CEO, Humanoids
Significance and Future Prospects of Metal Hurlant’s English Edition
As Metal Hurlant enters a new era, its return signals a vibrant resurgence of imaginative storytelling and visionary art. By making its influential content accessible to a broader English-speaking audience, the anthology not only honors its groundbreaking past but also ignites inspiration for future generations of artists, filmmakers, and readers around the globe. With backing from industry figures like Denis Villeneuve and Alejandro Jodorowsky, the movement’s blend of innovation, cultural connectivity, and artistic daring is certain to foster new waves of creativity and keep the legacy of Metal Hurlant alive for years to come.
