Analysis of EMPIRE Magazine

The magazine brand name is clearly shown at the top of the page in a bold, red font which makes it easy to distinguish when it is on the shelves of a newsagent, or in a shop in general. However the main focal point of the magazine front cover is the large image in the very centre of the page, which overlaps the brand name. This image takes up 1/3 of the space on the front cover and is being used to draw in the target audience and due to it's size, it would one of the first things your eyes are drawn to when you first see it. Either side of the main image is the text that is informing the reader what is inside the magazine. It slightly overlaps the with the image very slightly, to give the example of perspective, that the character being shown on the front cover - in this case Wolverine - is jumping out at the audience. The more informative contents are shown on the left hand side of the magazine, so that when they are stacked on the shelf the reader will be able to see what is inside just by glancing at the cover. This includes the main feature story/theme of the magazine, as well as any big reviews or new film releases. On the right hand side of the page, the smaller articles are listed, which include actors/actresses, other films and film related content. As it isn't as important, it features on the side that will remain hidden when stacked on the shelf.

There is only one image on the front cover of 'Empire Magazine' and it's of an action hero known as 'Wolverine'. The image is portrayed to be mean, angry, strong and masculine by the way he is positioning and pose. The facial expression also adds to the angry and tough feel being portrayed in the image. The character is staring out of the magazine, but instead of looking into the eyes of the reader, it is shown to be looking over the tops of the reader's heads, as if he was staring at something behind them. Finally, the image is made up of two main parts, the character and the background. The background is predominantly one colour which doesn't feature on the characters clothing, giving a good contrast between the two. It intensifies the way the image jumps out at it's audience.

The text on the front cover of the magazine is split into three main pieces; the brand name, the first third and the last third. They have been strategically placed there to inform the audience about what features are inside the magazine, what the main image is about and what the magazine is called. The text also varies in size on the front cover depending how important the information it is representing is. The brand name usually has to be the largest text on the page as it is the brand's identity and it has to stand out and be easily recognisable from a distance. This is why is is the largest font on the page and is a different colour to the rest of the text on the page. The rest of the text on the page fluctuates depending on the importance factor. Which is most notable on the left hand side of the page as that needs to be able to be read from a distance and be able to be understood in a matter of seconds to which the reader may glance over it in a shop. The rest of the text is relatively small in comparison, as it is predominantly just telling the reader any other other information about more features inside the magazine.

The colour of the front page is mainly blue, red, white and black. These have been used because they contrast very well when placed next to one another. The blue background sets a backdrop for the rest of the features on a magazine. The deep red brand name contrasts greatly with the blue in the background, making it easily recognisable as "Empire Magazine". It makes it easier to read and is more likely to catch your attention from a distance. The brand name is the only place where red is used on the front cover. This has been done so that is doesn't distract the audience's attention away from the brand identity, or so that is can't be mistaken for something else. The character shown in the centre of the page is made up of three main colours; black, white and pink(ish). The white and black are block colours, therefore they contrast with themselves, as well as being clearly distinguishable from the blue background. It has been done to that the character is shown to have a 3D effect, to be coming out of the page. The other text on the page is made up of black of white, again because of the natural contrast, and because of the way it is easiest to read these colours when the font is of a smaller size. Also, it emphasizes the power of the character shown, implying that he has an effect on the surrounding as the colour of the text matches the colours shown on his outfit.

The Unique Selling Point of this front cover is the way it attracts both male and female readers, which in done by the large image shown on the front cover. This is achieved because of the physical attraction of women feel towards the well built, muscular figure being portrayed on the cover. It attracts the male audience by making them want the aspiration be as muscly as he is and the sense of power this figure gives off. This doubles the possible target audience, which would have a big impact on the amount of sales the magazine would get.