A complete collection of 58 issues in 53 fascicules (5 double-issues) of the second series of the underground and counterculture French comics journal, together with eight supplemental volumes. Quarto and small folio (10 3/4 x 8 1/4 inches up to 12 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches). Original brightly illustrated side-stapled wrappers. Some light soiling, scattered edgewear, some very small scattered tears, overall very good condition. Paris: Nova Press, 1970-1975.

The first series of Actuel was published from 1967 to 1970, and dealt in large part with jazz music, hippie culture, the events of 1968, and other related topics. In May 1970, Jean-François Bizot had the idea to launch a second series of the journal and published the first issue in October of that year. In 1972, he founded the independent publisher Nova Press to produce the journal.

Bizot had a personal interest in alternative culture, and through him Actuel covered topics such as the hippie movement, psychedelic rock, homosexuality, anti-racism, the women's movement, ecology, abortion, drugs, sexual liberation, pornography, and politics. Actuel also helped introduce the French to Robert Crumb's comix, which were featured heavily throughout the issues. Additional artists include Rob Cobb, Richard Corben, Gilbert Shelton, S. Clay Wilson, Marcel Gotlib, Bruno Blum, Mandryka, and others.

The cover illustrations for the issues of Actuel are bright, eye-catching, and sometimes subversive. There are some cover illustrations by Crumb, along with other comics-style illustrations, photomontages, and caricatures. The interiors are a mix of comics and short articles and essays, often illustrated, with some pages printed in bright colors or on colored paper stock. The issues are a visual delight, full of captivating and revolutionary imagery.

Accompanying the full run of the second series of Actuel are eight additional volumes: four "Actuel Présente" volumes of only comics; a supplemental issue to Actuel; a volume titled Rire 2: Les Grandes Parodies d'Actuel; Almanach Actuel 1978; and Actuel Almanach des Années 80.

A rare complete collection of the second series of this spectacularly eye-catching journal with only scattered holdings in North America.

Book ID: 53124

Price: $6,000.00