ROBOPRO - METAL HURLANT #79 BLADERUNNER ISSUE COVER

28" x 21.5" by Ralph Reese. Layered washes of acrylic on Strathmore artist paper circa 1970s. Cover illustration for Metal Hurlant #79, September 1982.

This fantastic illustration was used as the cover for one of the most iconic Metal Hurlant issues - the Bladerunner Edition. Packed with detail of a futuristic "Red Light District" replete with numerous highly advanced and fully loaded sex robots! Artist Reese comments on the inspiration for the piece, "This was during an era in NYC where the whole 42nd street area was crawling with hookers etc.. I just projected that environment into the future."

The French publication 'Metal Hurlant' (later giving rise to "Heavy Metal" in America), is considered to be one of the most influential artistic magazines providing sources of ideas in the design and concept of many of the most famous Sci-fi cinematic works. It had a profound effect on directors such as Ridley Scott for Bladerunner, and George Lucas for Star Wars. "Robopro" by Reese captures the decay of a future world that would make its way into films such as these. This specific cover and edition is one of the most referenced pieces in articles on the impact and influence of Metal Hurlant.

https://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/32448/1/the-french-sci-fi-comic-that-inspired-blade-runner-and-akira

http://www.openculture.com/2017/08/metal-hurlant.html

https://happymag.tv/the-daring-french-sci-fi-comic-that-inspired-akira-blade-runner-and-star-wars/