Scream Magazine Cover Analysis

1. The rule of thirds is used very effectively on
the cover. Vertically, coverlines and
corresponding images adorn the left third
(a modern convention in the west) and a
main image covers the central and right
third. Horizontally, the masthead, website,
selling line and pricings are positioned on
the top third; the main image supports the
middle third and a footer, with information
on more magazine content, in the bottom
third. The common convention creates a
very aesthetically pleasing layout for the
reader’s eye and makes the cover more
attractive for a possible new reader.

2. The main construction of the magazine
follows a general ‘Friday the 13th’ theme;
supporting the main coverline and image.
The whole cover is set around a woodland
setting; a backdrop of a dense woodland is
layered behind the main image, the
coverlines in the left thirds are constructed
to appear to be carved into the trunk of a
tree and the masthead, along with other
information, are painted onto a wooden
sign that hangs from the top. This
woodland layout is a main theme within
the ‘Friday the 13th’ film and allows the
cover to more effectively link to its main
feature.

3. The masthead uses a ‘dripping’ sans-serif style font to replicate an imagery of blood and gore; a
theme very recurrent in horror. The vibrant yellow font colour garishly stands out and instantly
grabs the attention of the reader. The colour also reflects the gory features of many horror films.
The short selling line under the masthead (”Blood, Guts, Gore & More!”) uses a similar sans-serif
font but has a less dramatic feel to it compared to the masthead. The short phrase very
effectively sums up the whole magazine and provides a first point of information for a new
reader.

4. The cover lines for a trend of using informal
sans-serif fonts with bold and garish
colours. This allows it to reflect the gaudy
themes of horror and stand out against the
darker background, providing a key point of
attraction for the reader’s eye. The cover
line and addition information is separated
by using a slightly smaller font with a white
colour. This helps guide the reader’s
attention down the page while providing
small snippets of information to entice
them to open and read more.

5. The images on the cover maintain a
constant use of portraits for each film
featured. Each portrait uses a direct mode
of address, involving the reader into the
image and attracting their eye as they pass.
The images used are very pale and
unsaturated; this creates a very eerie and
haunting feel to them. The main images
manages to encapsulate every aspect of
the ‘Friday the 13th’ film: the iconic mask
on Jason, along with the large unnerving
blade and deep irking forest, instantly
identifies the film in question and instantly
captures the attention of any fan.

6. The footer uses very bold sans-serif fonts to provide a solid contrast with the dark background,
standing out very effectively. This collection of feature rounds up the magazine nicely and
provides a good reference for anybody interested in the magazine to find out more about the
contents.