This document analyzes the cover design elements of a movie magazine. It describes the key visual components, including the masthead identifying the publication, a large featured photo from The Dark Knight to draw readers in, and cover lines teasing the articles within. The target audience is identified as young adult and teenage males based on the films promoted. Color and design choices are also analyzed and tied to conveying intrigue and mystery around learning more about the featured films.

1. Issue, date and price.
Puff; “world exclusive” is what draws the
reader in to this magazine. No other product
offers this world exclusive coverage, so the
audience has no choice but to buy this one.
Masthead; It’s the
largest text on the
cover, so the reader
knows exactly which
magazine it is.
Featured article
photograph; the
image of The Joker
draws the reader in,
being the largest
thing on the page.
Featured article strap
line; indirectly
addresses the reader.
The cover instructs
the reader, “meet the
joker.” The text
types/fonts link to the
character; they are
contextual to the
featured film The
Dark Knight (2008).
Puff/plugs; much like
the cover lines below,
they offer a taste of
what’s on offer for
the reader,
advertising an
alternative article on
specific filmmakers
rather than films
themselves.
Cover lines; they give
a taste of what’s on
offer for the reader.
Barcode.
The target audience is obviously movie buffs; however, it is specifically aimed at young adults
(in their 20s and maybe their early 30s) and teenagers (13-19) – mainly males. This can be
argued, because of the advertised films, such as The Dark Knight. There is a use of a large
variety of colours; green and purple linking to the on-cover character of The Dark Knight’s The
Joker and his messy, anarchic vibe. The tone is rather dark, linking to the film. There is a sense
of mystery and ‘to be discovered’ by reading the magazine. After all, if you read on, you’re
going to “meet the Joker”.