Analysing Magazine Front Covers

 This cover has typical elements which are effective, such as the large main image of a supernatural person. The eyes create a disturbing feel as well as the hammer covering the mouth, partially covering the face of the person. The mast head written in red with a dripping font is effective and is something I'd like to try in my cover.

There aren't many cover lines on this cover, keeping the main image, mast head and main cover line the vocal point of the magazine cover.


The contrast of the darkness in the background (maybe suggesting fear of the unknown) and the red mast head create a good contrast as the red stands out. The image is effective, as the contrast of light and darkness is very large in this photo. It is also not showing the top of the person's face such as their eyes, giving a mysterious atmosphere to who this person is. The darkness creates an un-nerving atmosphere.

This cover is effective due to the red background and dripping font, suggesting blood. The subtitle "Blood, guts and gore" also gives an idea of what will be featured inside this magazine. The variety of images are effective, as it gives the viewers lots to look at, as if the magazine is full of good content. I like how there are different fonts, such as thin classical fonts to wide messy fonts.

I like how this magazine cover is simple, with a large mast head. I like how there is only one image and that it is positioned on the left hand side, which is unusual for magazine cover photos which are normally in the centre. I like how the picture links with the mast head "The Fungus". There are only a few cover lines too, which keeps the mast head and image the vocal point of the magazine.

The rusty, old and dark background creates an unpleasant atmosphere to the viewers, as we don't know where it is. The font in "Hostel" on the right reflects the same effect. The mast head is very large, making it the vocal point of the cover. The single photo creates a simple but effective feel to the cover. If I was going to use one photo in my cover, it would have to be a powerful image such as this one, showing someone's fear.

Colour Connotations
The colours red and black get used an awful lot in horror films, posters or other horror constructions because the connotations for them could be darkness, corners, fear of the un-known, vulnerability etc. for black, and for red the connotation is blood, gore and violence- something graphic or disturbing that audiences don't see in everyday life. They are continually used in posters as audiences recognize these connotations with these colours and are colours which stand out on a page and can be used in different ways, such as fonts, creating shadows etc.