No, not the music genre (although based on a recent number one album, that might be true as well). The classic “world’s greatest illustrated magazine” Heavy Metal is back on the newsstands and comic shops with a new number one issue.
Way back in the mid 1970’s, National Lampoon was the premier comedy magazine on the stands. Looking to expand, they agreed to translate a new science fiction and fantasy comic magazine from Europe, Metal Hurlant. This American version of the magazine debuted in 1977 under the name Heavy Metal. Over 300 issues, many books, and two cult classic animated films, Heavy Metal entertained and prophesied.
Artificial intelligence, cloning, space exploration, climate change, global warming, social media – all of our modern science topics have been creative fuel for the writers and artists of this anthology decades before we had even heard the terms. Sure, the series is known for art featuring boobs, and swords, and robots. Many an amusement park ride and passenger van has taken inspiration from the magazine for their own airbrushed art. But inside contains some of the most thought provoking fantastic stories you’ll ever read. And a couple stories of a muscular half naked hero/heroine. There’s something for everyone!
After changes in publishing and editorial, Heavy Metal returns from a two year absence to provoke you from your nearest magazine rack. I picked up the first copy I could find and as a long time comic reader and an adult looking for something more than superheroes I read this cover to cover and I’m counting down for issue two.
If you’ve ever seen the original animated movie, you’re familiar with Taarna, and she is featured in two stories. One drawn by Joseph Michael Linsner (story by Matt and Shawn Fillbach) who draws beautiful covers every month but it’s been a long time since he’s done interior work. The other “Rebirth” (story by Leah Moore and John Reppion, art by Anna Morozova) details some of the dangers of Taarna’s planet and gives more thrills and chills in a few pages than most comics do in a full issue.
“Bug” is part one of a near future thriller as the world reacts to all digital information disappearing. “Mercenary” is a fun story of a knight and his winged horse landing on an island they’ll wish they ignored. “Millstone” will break your heart then speed it up and leave you wanting more (thankfully it is to be continued). “All American” could win an O. Henry award with its brilliant twist.
No, you’re not going to love every story. But that’s the beauty of anthologies. There is so much in here to read, to look at, to think about. $15 for 230 pages of comics in 2025 is a steal. Not only will I be stalking the stores for the next issue; I’m also inspired to find my way into this fine magazine one day. The only future Heavy Metal has not foretold is our own individual paths, aside from looking over someone’s shoulder as we read the next issue.
Huh. Didn’t know it had gone away. I wonder if Kevin Eastman still has a stake in it?