Jack Taylor

Horror Movie Magazine Cover Analysis:

1. ParaCinema

The use of this information shows that this magazine appeals to both the male and female demographic, especially due to the large font size used for it.

The cover uses a large font for the important parts of the cover lines, including a brighter font colour to make them more pronounced. This hints at the issues which would be made in the magazine, including an article on the classic horror film 'The Exorcist'.

Despite the image already being creepy, the use of a chaotically painted image of the main antagonist continues to connote the theme of horror and even makes the target audience feel uncomfortable, coaxing them into buying the issue.

Masthead uses bright yet grimy font which still sticks with the theme of horror but attracts the gaze of the target audience.

By picking a smaller and brighter font for the selling line, this gives a reason for the target audience to take a closer look at the cover and read what the magazine is about.

Jack Taylor

2. Scream

Unlike with other magazines, this masthead uses an unconventional font, making it clear that this magazine is based around the concept of horror.

The selling line lists multiple terms relating to horror film iconography. This relates to the target audience and saves them the time for guessing what will be featured in this issue.

The use of a creepy image is seen three different times on this magazine cover to make it clear that this magazine focuses on both old and new horror movies, including remakes.

The cover lines make references to famous directors to show that this magazine focuses on 'Behind the scenes' extras along with the word 'Exclusive'. This shows that the magazine has something that on other horror magazine would have, giving them more of a reason to buy it.

A large white font to describe the main article is used to attract the gaze of target audience to get them to buy it. Also, the use of a clean and non-threatening font clashes with theme to make the reader more interested.

Jack Taylor

3. Fangoria

The colour scheme for this type of horror magazine uses a more vintage type of palette. This is most likely referencing the colour scheme use in most old movie posters to appeal to the target audience.

The magazine uses an antagonist from a classic horror film on their front page to grab the target audience's attention. Also, the way he takes up the whole page and even covers the title connotes even further that this magazine is going to focus on the classic horror movies, including the main technical codes e.g. scary masks, phallic weapon, etc.

Phallic weapon is directed at the target audience and creates the effect which happens when the eyes in an image seem to follow you, making the audience feel unsettled and generally disturbed. However, for a fan of horror, this could be a contributing factor to the sale process and could convince them to buy it.

Use of bright blood red background appeals to the target audience and easily captures their eye when put against an unusual yellow secondary colour.

The tagline mentions 'The Elephant Man', an old horror movie from the 1980s. This shows that this magazine focuses on old movies instead of new ones like most do today.