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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.