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Mutafukaz
Theatrical release poster
Directed by
  • Shōjirō Nishimi
  • Guillaume "Run" Renard
Screenplay byGuillaume "Run" Renard
Based onMutafukaz
by Guillaume "Run" Renard
Mutafukaz: Operation Blackhead by Team Chman
Produced by
  • Anthony Roux
  • Eiko Tanaka
  • Frédéric Puech
Starring
Edited byIvy Buirette
Marie-Laure Vanglabeke
Music byThe Toxic Avenger
Guillaume Houzé
Production
companies
Distributed byTamasa (France)
Parco (Japan)
Release dates
  • June 13, 2017 (2017-06-13) (Annecy Festival)
  • May 23, 2018 (2018-05-23) (France)
  • October 12, 2018 (2018-10-12) (Japan)
Running time
94 minutes[1]
CountriesFrance
Japan
LanguagesFrench[2]
Japanese[2]
English[2]
Box office$461,724[3]

Mutafukaz[a] (Japanese: ムタフカズ －MUTAFUKAZ－, Hepburn: Mutafukazu; released as MFKZ in some markets)[4] is a 2017 adult animated science fiction film based on the comic series and the short film of the same name.[5] The film was a co-production between French studio Ankama Animations and the Japanese Studio 4°C,[2] directed by Shōjirō Nishimi and Guillaume "Run" Renard.[6] The comic would be published in English as MFKZ by Sumerian Comics' beginning in June 2021.[7][8] Mutafukaz was released in France on May 23, 2018, and in Japan on October 12, 2018. At the end of December 2022, it was added to Hulu's streaming platform.

Plot

[edit]

A red-haired woman carrying a baby is chased by a group of black-suited men. Some of the men are killed by a Black labrador who sprouts tentacles. The woman manages to hide the baby in a dumpster before she is killed by one of the men.

22 years later, the baby is now a man named Angelino, who lives in a run-down apartment in a Los Angeles-like city named Dark Meat City (DMC) with his friend Vinz and countless "pet" cockroaches. While making a delivery, Angelino is distracted by Luna, a beautiful young woman, and is hit by a truck. This causes Angelino to start having headaches and hallucinate. The MIB, which is led by a white-suited man named Bruce, begin pursuing Angelino. Angelino calls his friend Willy the fruitbat, and they hide in the rundown crime neighborhood of Palm Hills. Angelino and Vinz are later found again by the MIB, who engage the local gangs in a gunfight, killing people from both sides. Elsewhere, a Luchador tells his comrades about a vision he had about a potential evil they must combat.

In the restaurant they frequent, Angelino and Vinz run into Luna, who is actually working with the MIB and gets the two captured. Luna's father, Mr. K, is the leader of an alien race called Macho who have infiltrated the Earth including politicians and the police in order to eventually colonize the planet. Angelino is the child of a Macho father and a human woman which results in unpredictable and potentially powerful combinations that Mr. K wants to exploit. Mr. K tries to brainwash Angelino and convince him to kill his friend Vinz, while Luna switches sides after witnessing Angelino's past. They are rescued by the group of Luchadors who have followed Angelino's pet cockroaches that instinctively tracked Angelino down, and are joined by a scientist named Fagor who was the only one out of several kidnapped scientists working with the Macho.

Randy Crocodile, an agent of the MIB arrives at Willy's house and holds him hostage. Angelino and Vinz decide to return and Angelino rescues Willy. The Luchadores and Fagor launch the rocket, triggering it to snow across the country, freezing and killing all of the hidden Macho, while causing a news helicopter to crash, destroying Willy's house and killing Crocodile. Angelino, being half Macho, begins freezing, but is saved by Luna's kiss and she apologizes to him. Bruce arrives for a climactic fight against Angelino, who saves Luna from being killed and refuses to use his Macho powers. Before Bruce takes the opportunity to kill Angelino, the local gangs gun him down as revenge for previously invading their hood and for shooting their leader in the eye.

Two months later, everything goes back to "normal" with people forgetting about the incident. Vinz finally gets a job at the restaurant they frequent. Angelino writes letters to Luna who disappeared after his fight with Bruce despite not knowing where in DMC she is. Willy, who also disappeared after the fight, creates his first music single. Mr. K is shown to have survived and has set up a base on the moon, where he begins sending UFOs to potentially invade earth.

Voice cast

[edit]
Character French Japanese English
Angelino- A down-on-his-luck young man who was born the crossbreed of a human and Macho and discovers that he has extraordinary powers that he activates when he is in high-stress situations. Orelsan[1] Tsuyoshi Kusanagi Kenn Michael[9]
Vinz- A neurotic and cynical humanoid with a flaming skull for a head and is Angelino's best friend. Gringe[1] Tokio Emoto Vince Staples[9]
Willy- An obnoxious and cowardly anthropomorphic orange bat with braces who is a friend of Angelino and Vinz. Redouanne Harjane[1] Shinnosuke Mitsushima Dino Andrade[4]
Mister K- the sinister leader of the Machos and Luna's father who is interested in abducting and indoctrinating Angelino. Féodor Atkine[1] Hidekatsu Shibata Giancarlo Esposito[4]
Luna- A young Macho woman working for Mr. K and Bruce to capture Angelino but has a change of heart over realizing that it's possible to live a better life through reading his mind. She is Angelino's love interest. Kelly Marot Sumire Uesaka Dascha Polanco[4]
Bruce Macchabée- A ruthless human hitman working for the Machos, is Mr. K's second-in-command, and is the one responsible for murdering Angelino's mother when he was an infant. Julien Kramer Hayato Fujii[ja] Danny Trejo[4]
El Diablo- The leader of the luchador vigilantes who wears a demon-like mask. Julien Kramer Kazushi Sakuraba Antonio Alvarez
Randy Crocodile- Bruce's violent right-hand-man. Emmanuel Karsen Songha[ja] Michael Chiklis[4]
El Tigre- A cynical luchador with a tiger head instead of an actual mask. Alain Dorval Yuki Nakai Jorge R. Gutierrez[4]
Professor Fagor- a scientist who betrays the Machos and works with the luchadores to save the world. Gilbert Lévy Minoru Kihara Bill Lobley[4]
Popeye / Shakespeare- a large and imposing gangster and supposed leader of the Grapez who speaks in Shakespearian quotes. Frantz Confiac Songha RZA[4]

Release

[edit]

Mutafukaz had its world premiere on June 13, 2017, at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.[2] The film was released in France on May 23, 2018. Parco released the film in Japan on October 12, 2018.[10][11] GKIDS released the English dub of the film in a limited theatrical run in the U.S. and Canada on October 11 and October 16, 2018, with an R Rating for "bloody violence, language and some sexual content", the first GKIDS release to have that rating.[4][12] MFKZ was added to Hulu's streaming platform at the end of December 2022.

Reception

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a score of 39% based on 18 reviews with an average rating of 4.90/10.[13]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mutafukaz

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mutafukaz (English: MFKZ) is a French adult series written and illustrated by Guillaume "Run" Renard, comprising five volumes published from 2006 to 2015 by Éditions under their Label 619 imprint. Set in the sprawling, dystopian metropolis of Dark Meat City—a chaotic blend of , violence, and hidden threats—the narrative centers on Angelino Brown, a laid-back boy and living with his best friend Vinz. After a seemingly mundane scooter accident, Angelino begins experiencing vivid hallucinations and bursts of , revealing his ability to see interdimensional demons infiltrating human society. This discovery propels him into a sprawling conspiracy involving shadowy Men in Black agents, rival street s, Mexican wrestlers with mystical ties, and a global plot to control the world through fear and manipulation. The series draws heavily from diverse influences, including science fiction B-movies, hip-hop aesthetics, lucha libre wrestling, video games like , and cinematic works such as and films by , resulting in a tone that mixes dark , irreverent humor, explosive action, and on urban alienation. Renard's distinctive art style features bold lines, vibrant colors, and dynamic paneling that amplify the frenetic energy of the story, earning the series critical acclaim in with over 300,000 copies sold worldwide as of 2021. Originally conceived as an animated short film, Mutafukaz: Operation Blackhead, directed by Run in 2002, the project expanded into the comic format before inspiring a 2017 feature-length animated adaptation titled MFKZ. Co-directed by Run and Shōjirō Nishimi, the film was a Franco-Japanese co-production between Ankama Animation and Studio 4°C, premiering at the Annecy International Animation Festival and later distributed by GKIDS in North America. The English translation of the comics, published by Magnetic Press, gained further traction through a 2025 Kickstarter campaign for a deluxe collected edition, introducing the series to new audiences.

Background and creation

Creators

Guillaume "Run" Renard, born April 20, 1976, in northern , is a French , director, , and who serves as the sole creator, writer, and illustrator of the Mutafukaz comic book series. Renard, who operates under the Run or 777Run, drew from his background in animation and urban pop culture to develop the series, which debuted in 2006 and spans six volumes. Prior to Mutafukaz, Renard created the acclaimed comic series Doggybags, a gritty urban thriller that established his reputation for blending hip-hop aesthetics, violence, and satire in format. As the head of Label 619, his imprint under Éditions, Renard has overseen the publication of Mutafukaz in French, emphasizing its roots in West Coast comics and pulp influences. The comic series has been published internationally through partnerships, with Titan Comics acquiring English-language rights in 2015 for and collected editions in English-speaking markets. In May 2025, Label 619 launched a campaign via Magnetic Press for The Complete MFKZ Series by Run, a deluxe English-language collection compiling all volumes into a 600+ page hardcover edition with enhanced artwork and extras; the project exceeded its $7,500 goal by 1,876%, raising $140,693 from 1,148 backers and concluding successfully in late May. Renard extended his creative involvement into animation, co-directing the 2002 short film Mutafukaz: Operation Blackhead with Yann Blary, which introduced the franchise's world visually. He later co-directed the 2017 feature film adaptation with Shōjirō Nishimi, a collaboration between Ankama Animations and Studio 4°C that brought his comic's explosive style to full-length animation. This transition from comics to film highlighted Renard's dual expertise in illustration and directing, with the adaptations produced under Ankama's animation arm.

Concept and influences

Mutafukaz is set in a dystopian sci-fi universe centered on Dark Meat City, a sprawling metropolis inspired by the urban grit of and the border dynamics of , where urban decay intertwines with alien conspiracies and satirical takes on pop culture. The core premise revolves around a world of government cover-ups involving extraterrestrial beings known as the Macho aliens, who infiltrate society to orchestrate a planetary takeover, blending elements of paranoia and hidden truths with exaggerated, chaotic action. This setting serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of identity and awakening, drawing parallels to classic invasion narratives while commenting on societal undercurrents like urban poverty and gang affiliations through its street-level protagonists. The series draws heavily from a diverse array of cultural and cinematic influences, including B-movies and low-budget horror for its over-the-top action and embraced chaos, golden age American sci-fi for its invasion tropes, and film noir for shadowy urban intrigue. Specific nods include John Carpenter's They Live (1988), which informs the theme of perceptual awakening via reality-altering glasses revealing alien threats, and cyberpunk classics like Blade Runner (1982) and Akira (1988) for dystopian cityscapes and explosive anime-style visuals. Anime aesthetics are further amplified by the project's Japanese co-production roots, while lucha libre wrestling contributes colorful, high-energy character designs and spectacle, evoking Mexican border culture. Hip-hop culture, particularly West Coast rap from artists like 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G., permeates the visual style, soundtrack, and social commentary on street life, reflecting creator Guillaume "Run" Renard's early exposure to the genre during his teenage years. Thematically, Mutafukaz emphasizes and identity crises amid extraterrestrial machinations, with social targeting government secrecy and the struggles of marginalized urban communities, though Run has described it more as a homage to sci-fi than overt political critique. This blend critiques toxic societal elements through , using the Macho aliens as metaphors for invasive powers disrupting everyday existence. The concept evolved from Run's background, originating in 2000 as online flash animations that introduced key characters and the Dark Meat City world on a dynamic website, before crystallizing into a 7-minute prototype , Mutafukaz: Operation Blackhead, in 2002, which laid the groundwork for the expanded comic narrative.

Comic book series

Publication history

The Mutafukaz comic series debuted in with Éditions, beginning serialization in 2006 and concluding its main run in 2015 across five volumes, plus a . The first volume, Dark Meat City, was published in 2006, introducing the dystopian world of Dark Meat City and its Angelino. Subsequent volumes followed irregularly: Troublants Trous Noirs in 2007, Révélations in February 2010, De4d End in February 2013, and the finale V in September 2015. A volume, It Came from the Moon!, appeared in December 2008 under the Label 619 imprint, which Run founded in 2008 as a and artbook line within Ankama. The series' mature themes, including graphic violence and explicit language, led to occasional publishing adjustments, such as toned-down covers for certain markets, though no widespread censorship occurred. English-language adaptations retitled the series MFKZ to mitigate potential distribution issues with the original profane name. Titan Comics released the first volume, Dark Meat City, in in 2015, marking the initial U.S. and U.K. entry, but the publisher did not complete the run. In 2021, Comics published a 6-issue limited series adaptation starting with issue #1 in June, adapting the original narrative in a serialized format. was acquired by Sumerian Comics in March 2022, which then issued MFKZ Vol. 1 on March 29, 2022, as part of a line, with subsequent volumes following. To complete the English edition, Label 619 in partnership with Magnetic Press initiated a campaign in May 2025 for a five-volume deluxe collection, which successfully raised $140,693 from 1,148 backers by its end in late 2025, offering enhanced artwork and bonus materials. Magnetic Press is scheduled to release MFKZ Vol. 1 on November 25, 2025. Internationally, the series has seen releases in multiple languages, including Spanish, German, and Italian through localized publishers under Ankama's distribution network, with digital editions available on platforms like comiXology since 2014. A complete French integral edition compiling volumes 1–5 was published by Ankama in May 2018, spanning 592 pages with revised artwork. The comic's cult status in the French bande dessinée scene stems from its innovative blend of sci-fi, hip-hop culture, and graphic style, earning critical acclaim and influencing spin-offs; it has sold over 300,000 copies in France as of 2021, though its impact is evident in the 2017–2018 animated film adaptation.

Plot overview and characters

The Mutafukaz series is set in the dystopian, gang-ridden metropolis of Dark Meat City, a pre-apocalyptic inspired by a fictionalized . The overarching narrative centers on Angelino, a reclusive, down-on-his-luck young man with an enigmatic black bubble for a head, who ekes out a living as a boy alongside his eccentric housemates. Following a mundane scooter accident—triggered by a fleeting vision of a seductive —Angelino suffers debilitating headaches and begins perceiving bizarre, otherworldly entities invisible to others, propelling him into a sprawling involving extraterrestrial forces and shadowy human authorities. Over the course of the six-volume series, the story evolves from Angelino's personal struggles for survival amid street-level chaos to a larger-scale confrontation with interstellar threats, blending grit with surreal sci-fi elements. The plot structure unfolds progressively across the volumes, with Volume 1 establishing the seedy underbelly of Dark Meat City through Angelino's everyday humiliations—such as losing his job—and the onset of his anomalous visions, hinting at a deeper intrigue without immediate resolution. Subsequent volumes intensify the action: early installments focus on evasion from pursuing federal agents and initial brushes with the unknown, while later ones expand to reveal the manipulative influence of an invasive alien species, culminating in epic clashes that threaten planetary stability. This multi-arc progression allows for layered world-building, contrasting with the 2017 animated film's more streamlined, self-contained that prioritizes high-octane spectacle over the ' extended character journeys and subplots. Central to the series are its vividly designed protagonists and antagonists, who embody the story's irreverent tone. Angelino serves as the reluctant hero, a hybrid of human and alien lineage whose latent superhuman abilities—manifesting as enhanced strength and perception—emerge amid crisis, driving his transformation from passive slacker to key resistor. His loyal sidekick Vinz, depicted with a perpetually flaming skull head, acts as comic foil and steadfast companion, contributing street-smart bravado and unwavering support during chases and skirmishes. Rounding out the core trio is Willy, their quirky, gadget-obsessed roommate whose inventive mishaps inject further whimsy into their precarious existence. Opposing them are relentless foes, including black-suited government operatives intent on capturing Angelino for experimentation and the enigmatic Macho aliens, a bellicose extraterrestrial race covertly infiltrating Earth society. Recurring supporting figures, such as the colossal beast El Diablo and the loquacious canine Dogg, add chaotic energy to encounters, underscoring themes of unlikely alliances in a hostile world. Throughout, the narrative weaves recurring motifs of black humor intertwined with visceral , using exaggerated, absurd scenarios—like hallucinatory chases through territories or improbable gadget failures—to propel character growth. Angelino's arc, in particular, highlights resilience forged in , as he navigates , , and redemption against a backdrop of escalating action that satirizes and conspiratorial .

Animated short film

Production and release

The animated short film Mutafukaz: Operation Blackhead was directed by Guillaume Renard (also known as Run) and Yann Blary, who also co-wrote the project. Produced in as a 7-minute , it was completed in 2002 to introduce the core visual and thematic elements of the Mutafukaz universe. The production utilized early 2D techniques combined with some cell-shaded 3D elements and static illustrations to experiment with the series' distinctive urban, hip-hop-infused aesthetic. Crafted by a small independent French team, the short functioned as a proof-of-concept that helped pave the way for the subsequent adaptation. Key voice roles were performed by Guillaume Barrière as one of the protagonists and Matthew Géczy as the other lead character, alongside Pauline Moingeon Vallès in supporting parts. Initially released in 2002, the short premiered at international festivals, where it garnered several awards and earned a nomination at the 2003 . Due to its brief runtime, it received limited theatrical distribution and no widespread release at the time, though it gained online accessibility through platforms in the mid-2000s and was later featured in digital compilations tied to the franchise.

Synopsis and reception

The animated Mutafukaz: Operation Blackhead (), a prototype for the later comic series, opens with protagonists Mutafukaz (prototype for Angelino) and his flame-skulled companion Burning Head (prototype for Vinz) relaxing in their rundown apartment in a dystopian future version of Dark Meat City set in 2033. They watch a news broadcast about radioactive rats being used as an energy source when elite Z7 commando agents raid the premises, targeting Mutafukaz for reasons unknown, sparking a frantic escape that highlights the duo's bumbling yet resilient dynamic amid escalating chaos. As Burning Head sustains an injury during the initial confrontation, Mutafukaz activates latent superhuman abilities and leads a high-octane pursuit through the city's streets, pursued relentlessly by the black-clad operatives. The short introduces key elements like the Z7 antagonists but features differences from , such as prototype names, a future setting, and unique details like Mutafukaz's hostility toward in his apartment. Critically, the short garnered positive attention at animation festivals for its bold, irreverent style blending hip-hop influences, crude humor, and kinetic energy, though some reviewers noted the rough, experimental as a stylistic choice that occasionally undercut polish. It holds a 6.8/10 rating on based on user assessments praising its fast-paced action and satirical edge. The film influenced the subsequent development of the Mutafukaz comic series by refining core character archetypes and hooks, such as the protagonists' powers and the Z7 antagonists, which were expanded in later installments—though with changes like modernizing the setting and renaming characters to Angelino and Vinz. In terms of legacy, Operation Blackhead served as a foundational proof-of-concept for the franchise, establishing the origin elements that underpin both the comic's sprawling narrative and the 2017 feature film adaptation. Its online dissemination via the original Mutafukaz website fostered early fan engagement, building a dedicated community that propelled the IP's growth. The short received several accolades, including wins at SIGGRAPH 2002 for technical achievement, the Mouviz Festival's Best Short Sci-Fi Animation in 2003, and the Flash Festival's Best Animation in 2003, alongside a nomination at the 2003 , underscoring its impact in circles.

Feature film

Production

The development of the 2017 feature film Mutafukaz (internationally released as MFKZ in some markets) was announced in March 2011 as a co-production between French studio Ankama Animations and Japanese animation house Studio 4°C. The project marked the feature directorial debut of French comic book artist Guillaume Renard (known as Run), who co-directed alongside Japanese animator Shōjirō Nishimi of Studio 4°C. Run also wrote the screenplay, adapting the story from the first three volumes of his own comic series Mutafukaz, originally published starting in 2006. This French-Japanese collaboration aimed to bring the comic's urban sci-fi to with a runtime of 94 minutes and a budget of approximately €5 million. The production emphasized a hybrid approach, combining traditional 2D hand-drawn elements for character work and environments with 3D computer-generated effects for dynamic action sequences, such as high-speed chases, to achieve a kinetic, graffiti-inspired aesthetic blending fluidity and Western grit. This style drew influences from Nishimi's prior work on the 2006 , where he served as chief animation director, incorporating similar urban textures and expressive motion. Key challenges during production included condensing the expansive 600-page comic narrative into a focused feature, requiring Run to prioritize the core story of the protagonists while navigating collaborative decisions across international teams—a stark contrast to his solo comic creation process. The film's mature content, featuring intense , , and themes of culture and horror, posed additional hurdles for appealing to global audiences, necessitating careful tonal balance to retain the source material's raw edge without alienating viewers. Voice recording further complicated this, with initial French-language sessions adapted for cultural nuances, followed by dubs in Japanese and English to facilitate international distribution, each version adjusting dialogue to preserve the story's irreverent humor and intensity.

Plot

The 2017 Mutafukaz opens in the dystopian, crime-ridden Dark Meat City, where Angelino, a down-on-his-luck worker and , crashes his scooter after becoming distracted by a enigmatic woman in a red dress. The leaves him hospitalized and awakens suppressed memories and superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength and the capacity to perceive hidden demonic and alien forms masquerading as ordinary . This exposes Angelino's true nature as a hybrid offspring of a mother and a Macho, a brutish alien from a secret lunar base, making him a target for elimination by shadowy government agents who are actually Macho operatives enforcing control over . Desperate to survive, Angelino flees the hospital with his loyal, hot-tempered best friend Vinz—a flame-headed, anthropomorphic —and their paranoid, talking roommate , leading to a series of frantic pursuits through the neon-lit streets of Dark Meat City. The group dodges relentless attacks from enforcers, culminating in chaotic vehicular chases and a brutal showdown in an underground arena, where they temporarily ally with a masked wrestler known as El Diablo to fend off assailants. As the pursuit intensifies, Angelino pieces together the broader : the Machos have established a lunar base to broadcast global mind-control signals via everyday technology, subjugating humanity and paving the way for a full-scale , with Angelino's hybrid DNA posing a unique threat to their psychic dominance. The narrative builds to a climactic assault on the lunar outpost, where Angelino harnesses his powers in epic battles against monstrous enforcers and the alien overlords, ultimately disrupting the mind-control network and averting the . In a final , he destroys key artifacts of Macho influence, freeing the city's inhabitants from manipulation and affirming his bonds with Vinz and . Unlike the sprawling, episodic series by Run—which introduces Angelino and Vinz as aimless youths in a surreal urban wasteland—the condenses multiple into a tighter, action-driven structure, incorporates amplified chase sequences and elements for visual dynamism, and modifies the resolution to prioritize personal growth over ongoing ambiguity, all while weaving in themes of , unbreakable , and against oppressive in a sci-fi context.

Voice cast

The 2017 feature film Mutafukaz (internationally released as MFKZ) employed a multilingual voice cast to support its French-Japanese co-production origins and global distribution, with the original French track featuring prominent rappers and actors, a full Japanese dub reflecting the Studio 4°C involvement, and an English dub crafted for North American audiences by NYAV Post. Casting decisions prioritized talents from hip-hop and urban entertainment backgrounds to align with the film's gritty, multicultural Los Angeles-inspired setting and irreverent tone, including French rappers for the leads to infuse authenticity and street cred. The principal roles were voiced as follows in the original French version: (Aurélien Cotentin) as the laid-back protagonist Angelino, (Guillaume Tranchant) as his sarcastic best friend Vinz, and Redouanne Harjane as the sharp-tongued inventor Willy. Supporting antagonists included as the menacing alien leader Mister K and Edgar Givry as the bombastic President Gore W. Tex, with Julien Kramer voicing the ruthless hitman Bruce Macchabée. Kelly Marot provided the voice for the enigmatic Luna, while cameo appearances featured as the eccentric Sea-Be.
CharacterFrench VoiceJapanese VoiceEnglish Voice
AngelinoKenn Michael
VinzTokio Emoto
WillyRedouanne Harjane[Dino Andrade](/page/Dino Andrade)
LunaKelly Marot
Mister KHidekatsu Shibata
President Gore W. TexEdgar Givry
Bruce MacchabéeJulien KramerUnspecifiedJ. David Brimmer
The CrocodileUnspecifiedUnspecified
The Japanese dub, led by veteran seiyū as Angelino, maintained the film's high-energy delivery through experienced voice performers. In the English dub, high-profile additions like rapper as Vinz and actor as Mister K brought star power, with further supporting roles filled by as the philosophical Shakespeare, Jorge R. Gutiérrez as the tiger-headed El Tigre, and as a gritty additional character, enhancing the ensemble's diverse ethnic representation and appeal on platforms like .

Release

The feature film Mutafukaz premiered at the on June 13, 2017. It followed with screenings at other festivals, including L'Étrange Festival in on September 17, 2017, and the Animation Is Film festival in the United States on October 21, 2017. Theatrical distribution was managed by Tamasa Distribution in , where it opened on May 23, 2018, in 60 theaters. In , Parco handled the release on October 12, 2018. North American rights were acquired by , which distributed the film under the altered title MFKZ with an English dub, launching a limited theatrical run on October 12, 2018. Marketing efforts featured trailers that highlighted the film's blend of , , and styles, released ahead of the premiere and subsequent markets. Promotional tie-ins included new editions and collections of the original series to capitalize on the . The film grossed approximately €210,000 in over its run and achieved modest international results, totaling $462,000 worldwide. Following its theatrical outings, Mutafukaz became available for streaming on in select regions starting in 2019. Home video releases included Blu-ray and DVD editions from in on March 26, 2019. Due to its explicit language, violence, and sexual content, the film received an R rating in the United States, with the title change to MFKZ implemented for certain markets to mitigate sensitivities.

Reception

The 2017 feature film Mutafukaz (released internationally as MFKZ) received mixed critical reception, with praise centered on its dynamic visuals and high-energy action sequences, though it faced criticism for underdeveloped plotting and overwhelming narrative density. On , it holds a 39% approval rating from 18 critics, who highlighted the film's "eye-catching" and "enjoyably nasty" action but noted a lack of substantive depth beneath the surface. Similarly, users rated it 6.7 out of 10 based on over 5,500 votes, appreciating the exceptional style while pointing to pacing issues that made the plot feel frenetic and overly complex. The film's anarchic attitude and blend of hip-hop influences with aesthetics drew comparisons to Akira, positioning it as a stylistic homage to dystopian classics. Audience feedback was polarized, particularly strong among and enthusiasts who celebrated its bold visual style and raw energy, but mixed regarding its humor, , and handling of themes. Fans on platforms like gave it a 79% audience score from over 250 ratings, often lauding the characters' quirky designs and the film's unapologetic adult tone as a refreshing take on urban sci-fi. However, some viewers found the gore and chaotic storytelling off-putting, describing it as a "gory horror" better suited to niche tastes. Controversies arose over its stereotypical portrayals of urban life and inner-city communities, with critics accusing the film of racial caricatures and anti- sentiments through coded language and exaggerated depictions, sparking debates on cultural appropriation in non-American . The film earned nominations at prestigious awards, recognizing its animation achievements despite broader mixed reviews. It received a nomination for Best Animated Independent Feature at the , alongside entries like Mirai and . Additionally, it was nominated in the Best Animated Film category at the 24th Awards, competing with titles such as and Pachamama. While it did not secure wins, these nods underscored its technical innovation in French-Japanese co-productions. No major victories were reported at the , where it premiered in competition but was outshone by winners like . Mutafukaz left a notable legacy in adult animation, revitalizing interest in the original comic series and influencing trends in cross-cultural, mature-themed productions. The film's Netflix distribution exposed it to millions, boosting comic sales to over 145,000 copies in France and leading to English-language editions by publishers like Behemoth Comics. It exemplified growing Franco-Japanese collaborations in edgier animation, paving the way for similar hybrid projects that blend comic book grit with anime flair. As of 2025, fan discussions persist, evidenced by a successful Kickstarter for a complete comic box set, highlighting its enduring cult appeal among animation enthusiasts.

References

  1. https://www.ankama-shop.com/en/101-mutafukaz
  2. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/label619/the-complete-mfkz-series-by-run
  3. https://www.firstcomicsnews.com/behemoth-imprint-to-publish-the-animated-films-best-selling-french-comic-mfkz/
  4. https://www.studio4c.co.jp/works/en/pages/48.html
  5. https://gkids.com/films/mfkz/
  6. https://www.2dgalleries.com/run/comic-art/15093?lang=en
  7. https://2020.nipponconnection.com/en/person/242/guillaume-renard
  8. https://www.awn.com/news/gkids-releasing-mutafukaz-mfkz-north-america-october-11
  9. https://mutafukaz.fandom.com/wiki/Authors
  10. https://www.ankama-shop.com/en/label-619/1480-mutafukaz-complete-edition.html
  11. https://www.ankama.com/en/publications
  12. https://gocollect.com/blog/titan-makes-mutafukaz-available-in-english-speaking-countries
  13. https://www.backerkit.com/projects/label619/the-complete-mfkz-series-by-run
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413021/
  15. https://variety.com/2017/film/festivals/annecy-mutafukaz-creator-director-guillaume-run-renard-talks-inspiration-animation-adaptation-1202463189/
  16. https://deadline.com/2019/01/mfkz-guillaume-run-renard-shojiro-nishimi-animation-interview-1202520974/
  17. https://mutafukaz.fandom.com/wiki/Dark_Meat_City
  18. https://boundingintocomics.com/comic-books/comic-book-reviews/comic-book-review-mutafukaz
  19. https://www.magnetic-press.com/mfkz-run-interview/
  20. https://moviebreak.de/features/mutafukaz-interview-mit-regisseur-guillaume-run-renard/amp
  21. https://medias.unifrance.org/medias/46/200/182318/presse/mutafukaz-presskit-english.pdf
  22. https://www.abebooks.com/9782952450942/MUTAFUKAZ-T01-DARK-MEAT-CITY-2952450943/plp
  23. https://www.abebooks.com/9782916739038/MUTAFUKAZ-T02-TROUBLANTS-TROUS-NOIRS-2916739033/plp
  24. https://www.ankama-shop.com/en/label-619/287-mutafukaz-volume-3.html
  25. https://www.ankama-shop.com/en/label-619/288-mutafukaz-volume-4.html
  26. https://www.canalbd.net/articles/mutafukaz-t5-v-edition-collector-29588/
  27. https://mutafukaz.fandom.com/wiki/Mutafukaz_%28bande_dessin%25C3%25A9e%29
  28. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/MFKZ-Vol-1/Guillaume-Run-Renard/MFKZ/9781637159323
  29. https://www.midtowncomics.com/product/1437386
  30. https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=53435806
  31. https://deadline.com/2022/03/sumerian-records-films-acquires-comic-book-publisher-and-gaming-company-behemoth-1234984764/
  32. https://www.sanmarcobooksandmore.com/book/9781953414137
  33. https://www.amazon.com/MFKZ-Vol-Dark-Meat-City/dp/1637159323
  34. https://bleedingfool.com/blogs/behemoth-happy-tank-to-publish-best-selling-french-comic-mfkz/
  35. https://bleedingcool.com/comics/titan-brings-us-hit-french-comic-mutafukaz-fall/
  36. http://www.nerdly.co.uk/2015/09/14/mutafukaz-review-titan-comics/
  37. https://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/mutafukaz-book-1/
  38. https://bigcomicpage.com/2015/06/25/advance-review-mutafukaz-book-one-titan-comics/
  39. https://comicbastards.com/comics/review-mutafukaz-vol-1
  40. https://archive.projectfandom.com/files/mutafukaz-book-1-review/
  41. https://www.cbr.com/mutafukuz-1/
  42. https://variety.com/2011/digital/news/ankama-greenlights-mutafukaz-1118033359/
  43. https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/titan-books/mutafukaz
  44. https://mutafukaz.fandom.com/wiki/Mutafukaz:_Operation_Blackhead
  45. https://letterboxd.com/film/mutafukaz-operation-blackhead/
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4717402/
  47. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=22356
  48. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mfkz-2018
  49. https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/mutafukaz-tokyo-review/5123634.article
  50. https://www.awn.com/news/gkids-announces-english-language-voice-cast-mfkz
  51. https://hypebeast.com/2018/9/vince-staples-rza-anime-mfkz
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4717402/fullcredits/
  53. https://www.cineamo.com/en/movies/mutafukaz
  54. https://myanimelist.net/anime/38292/Mutafukaz/characters
  55. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/MFKZ/japanese-cast/
  56. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gkids-presents-mfkz-english-language-voice-cast-releases-with-fathom-events-in-movie-theaters-nationwide-on-october-11-and-16-300707594.html
  57. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/MFKZ/
  58. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2017/04/ankamas-mutafukaz-world-premiere-set-for-annecy/
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4717402/releaseinfo/
  60. https://cineuropa.org/film/329772/
  61. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gkids-acquires-north-american-rights-mfkz-1130077/
  62. https://variety.com/2017/film/festivals/annecy-first-look-english-trailer-mutafukaz-ankama-1202461884/
  63. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/MFKZ-Vol-2/Guillaume-Run-Renard/MFKZ/9781637159385
  64. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Mutafukaz-%28France%29
  65. https://www.netflix.com/title/81037697
  66. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/MFKZ-Blu-ray/228062/
  67. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mfkz
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