This document analyzes magazine covers from publications like Empire, Kerrang, NME, and Q. It examines elements like cover lines, mastheads, plugs, puffs, fonts, images, and how they are used to attract readers. Overall, the covers highlight major articles through catchy phrases, prominent images of celebrities, and distinctive designs that align with the publication's brand and subject matter of the featured works.

1. YEAR 12 MEDIA-MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS
Felan Quirke

2. EMPIRE-JAMES BOND SPECIAL
Cover lines- this front cover only includes one piece of information at the bottom left
of the page; ‘SKYFALL’. Which as everyone knows is the title of the film so this
significant word intrigues readers to learn about the film.
Masthead-The well known brand of the magazine ‘EMPIRE’ is in bold at the top of the
cover. It has been placed in the backdrop which highlights the fact that people know
the magazine well and the branding doesn’t need to stand out because of how
popular it already is.
Puff- the single word of SKYFALL appears as the sort of enrichment piece of the
article and it appears in a classy way.
Text+Font- the text is bold and in all capitals. The colours include gold, black and
white which portray an elegant feel. These colours are associated with wealth and
high status like the central piece of the article: James Bond.
Image- The image Is a mid shot of Daniel Craig as James Bond, it is in black and white
which is follows the classic image of Bond. His gun is raised and it is blocking the
Empire logo, this highlights Bonds dominance as a character.

3. EMPIRE-MEET THE JOKER
Cover lines- this cover contains information and quotes about the major article of the magazine, it describes the
character of the joker by stating he is a “coldblooded, mass murdering clown!”. Right away it shows the reader the
main piece of the magazine and this one short sentence draws you in to read more about this person.
Left side/left hand third- Other information is included on the side of the magazine, talking about Sweeney Todd, I
am legend and Jerry Seinfeld and more. This extra info shows us that there is more to the articles and goes into
depth about other topic areas, targeting more than one audience.
Masthead- The brand logo of ‘Empire’ use their usual positioning of the title at the top centre of the cover which is
seen as the iconic logo that people are familiar with, this allows the magazine to be recognised straight away.
Plug- the contents of the magazine is stated on the cover; meeting the joker. This interests Batman fans and gives
readers a chance to read in on one of the most iconic characters of all time.
Puff- ‘World exclusive’ is a phrase used at the top of the cover, showing off the fact that this story is exclusive to
this magazine and cant be found anywhere else. Highlighting the popularity of the brand and this marks its unique
selling point.
Text+Font- To match the jokers abstract character the font is in wacky handwriting and in purple and green
colouring to go with the jokers clown demeanour. If this font was dull and boring then it wouldn’t stand out to the
audience and wouldn’t show off the theme of the article.
Image- the main point of the cover is Heath Ledgers Joker sitting ominously in the centre in a full body shot. This
menacing image draws readers in.

4. KERRANG-THE OFFICIAL ROCK 100
Cover lines- The major article on this cover is obviously uncovering the 100 rockers, and
in the centre this is exactly what it says, it gets straight to the point and introduces it to
the reader.
Left side/ left hand third- on both sides of the magazine it shows different celebrities
and information about them giving fans a chance to see their idols stories on the cover.
Masthead- the usual kerrang logo is top centre and behind the celebrities on the cover
image which highlights that the main story is not the brand but the article, giving the
readers a sense of importance.
Puff- in the top right it shows the add of “win Metallica shoes” this contest intrigues
readers and gives the magazine a unique selling point.
Text+Font- The text ranges from small to large, the logo is the biggest and then the
article of official rock 100 proceeds highlighting the main points of the cover. The font
is slanted matching the theme of rock and rough and toughness.
Image- the main image includes 5 well known rock band members, fans will recognise
these people and buy the magazine simply due to the famous faces.

5. NME- JOHN LENNON
Cover lines- the cover states that NME have been publishing for 60 years this
gives the magazine a precious feel which will inspire people to buy it. Also one
name is given ‘Lennon’ which as everyone knows is John Lennon and the
thought that NME is writing an article about someone so inspirational is
interesting.
Masthead- the NME logo is in its usual place on the left hand side of the top
corner. This lets the reader know whose magazine it is and how popular it is.
Puff- “iconic classic interviews” is read at the top right, this highlights the
prestigious nature of NME’s articles.
Text+Font- all text is in a purposeful place, they are all placed at the sides as to
not disturb the image. The font is bold and in both gold and white which is a rich
colour to go with the classic article about Lennon.
Image- The image is of John Lennon's face and his popular appearance is the
only image necessary to attract readers.

6. NME-ARCTIC MONKEYS
Masthead- again the usual
placement of the NME logo is
unchanged. It is the first thing
you see and is easily
recognisable.
Cover lines- a quote is seen at
the top right stated by the
quotes, their popularity will be
enough for readers to ant to
hear their verdict.
Puff- the article focuses on
Arctic Monkeys and the letters
of ‘AM’ take upthe right side in
an eye catching way.
Text+Font- the text is in NME’s commonly
seen colours of red, white and black. The
font is bold and central highlighting arctic
monkeys significance in the article.
Image- The image is of the band standing
in an LA background which oppose with
their normal location of London, this will
intrigue the readers to discovering their
progression as a band.

7. Q-THE SMITHS
Cover lines- The main article is
stated to talk about the smiths.
There is a quote speaking that
they were ‘the greatest band…’
this will attract different opinions
and invite different reading
groups.
Plug- at the bottom it is talking
about rare interviews, unseen pics
and…..a murder. This will draw in
curious readers.
Puff- ‘new albums preview’ is a selling
point which will express the fact that
only this magazine shows this content.
Text+font- the text is in various sizes
but the same font to maintain
consistency and uniform styling. Tet is
everywhere to portray the magazines
bulging stories. The purple, red and
white colour schemes stand out to
draw attention to specific areas.
Image- the image is mainly of David
Morrissey being the lead signer of the
smiths and his iconic face draw in fans.

8. Q-KASABIAN
Cover lines- on the right hand side
going down are other famous
bands which will draw in specific
fans. Also at the bottom it contains
a quote from an interview with
kings of Leon which will intrigue
readers to read on.
Masthead- the commonly seen Q
logo is behind the main image
which highlights the fact that the
main story is more important than
the logo because of how popular
the magazine is.
Image- the main image s of the two main
members from Kasabian; Tom and Serg.
They are the faces of the band and their
inquisitive faces show that this will not be
a normal article on them.

9. Q-JAY Z
Masthead-the commonly seen
Q logo is enlarged in the special
copy of the magazine so the
reader knows the importance of
the brand.
Plug- ‘introduced by Jayz’ is at
the bottom of the article title,
showing that this article will be
closer to the readers interest.
Puff- Jay z’s signature adds a
prestigious element to the
cover. Also it states that it is the
15thanniversary edition which
makes in one of a kind.
Image- the main image is of Jayz in a
central location. This is a simple image
highlighting the main area of the
article so the reaer can get straight
into it.