The front cover of 'HorrorHound' magazine presents a medium close up image of a man carrying a knife. This connotes what the magazine may be about, for example, violent films especially scream, as the signature image of the film is used. This is significantly used to gain recognition from the fans of the scream franchise. The expression on the mask of the character is horrific with its mouth wide open, this shows an unwelcoming greeting to the audience through NVC. The character is wearing a black hooded cape which portrays him as a villain. Stereotypically, this is the type of clothing worn by protagonists, or we are most likely to imagine them in this way.
Horrorhound's front cover is very unique in terms of its layout. Usually on a magazine we would expect to see coverlines slightly covering the sides of the main image. However, on this front cover the coverlines are placed in such a way that it is completely seperated from the main image. Also, it is matched with pictures that illustrate what is being said in the coverlines. This also suggests what is included in the magazine. Sans serif fonts are mainly used on the cover of the magazine, which is normal and has no flick ups making it easy to read. It also connotes a more modern feel to the cover.
The masthead of the magazine is located behind the image of the man. It is big and bold to catch the eyes of consumers. The positioning of the masthead is unique which makes the magazine more recognisable if more is to be published. This would benefit the magazine company, as it will be in competition with many others being sold at the same shop. Also, the masthead is bigger in size than the rest of the text on the front cover. This shows that “Horror” is the main focus of the magazine. A red, fiery background is used behind the male character which makes him stand out. As the background colour is red and orange, it creates a glowing effect emphasising that he is significant to the theme of the 'Horror' magazine. The main image of the character indicates that the magazine is made to relate to those of a younger audience, for example, 16-35 year olds. This is because this is typically the age range that are most likely to be interested in reading this genre of film.
The selling line located below the masthead, allows the magazine to differentiate itself from its competitors. It tells consumers what makes their magazine unique, as well as providing description of the title’s main marketing point.
Also The dateline (located at the right hand corner of the magazine) along with the price, tells us that the magazine is issued every month, “March/April 2011” at a price of $6.99. The pricing stratergy used here is a way of gaining and maintaning consumers. By setting it at an affordable price, Horrorhound magazine is likely to attract consumers because, the magazine is targeting young people with the majority of them likely to be in unemployed and in full time education.The barcode is placed vertically in the bottom left corner of the magazine. This is also where consumers can find the magazine company's website if they wish to view a lot more than what the magazine offers. Placing the website details on the horror magazine is a good technique of trying to generate more interests of individuals as well as maintaining their usual consumers.
The front cover seems very dominated by male characters. Of all the images on the front cover there is only one of a female on the side of the magazine along with a coverline. The picture shows the female as a victim with a rope being held infront of her. The hand holding the rope looks quite masculine which suggests that a man is holding the weapon. The woman's facial expressions shows that she is frightened, with her mouth wide open signifying that she is yelling. This also shows that she is inferior to the person holding the rope, who could be the "villain." From this picture it is possible to say that the makers of Horrorhound magazine applied the stereotype of women having less power and high insecurities during horrifying situations to reinforce the theme of "horror" in the magazine. With the cover line below the image: "Sex horror torture, females in chains," It can be said that the magazine seems to appeal to men more than women because of how the woman is portrayed on the front cover amongst the various images of male characters. The woman's costume is very revealing, showing a lot of skin. This is how women are usually presented in magazines, to attract male audiences. The other images and coverlines show males as villains, going with the stereotype that men tend to be more agressive and violent than females.
Written by: Christina
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