Horror Magazine Analysis - Fangoria

This is a front cover of Fangoria magazine which is aimed at audiences who like and are interested in horror. The main colours used on this cover are black, red, white and yellow. The colour yellow is used for the main parts of the text for cover lines and articles within the issue. The text in yellow stands out more on the front cover of the magazine because of the black background. The colour white is also used for small print text such as the date, issue number and price etc. The colour white also outlines the masthead, which defines the masthead more and helps create a brand identity.

The layout of the magazine is simple. The masthead is positioned at the top of the magazine where it will be easily seen, this also follows convention. The masthead is outlined in white to make the masthead stand out and appear eye catching. The colour red of the masthead allows it to be the main focus on the fr

ont cover of the magazine. The colour red is only used in the masthead ‘Fangoria’ making it a part of the brand identity as the colour is the same every issue. The cover lines are positioned in the film strip, this portrays a new look and convention to the magazine as they have put all the cover lines on the left side of the magazine. The film strip used on the magazine front cover has become part of Fangoria’s brand identity and is used on the majority if not all the front covers of the magazine that they produce. This is different from convention and therefore portrays variety down the left hand side. However the magazine does follow convention by putting all the cover lines in the bottom left third of the magazine the part that will be most seen on the self. The main cover line ‘Ghost Story’ is written in the original title font of the film. This therefore implies that the issue will be about the film.

The background picture uses the colours of red and brown that portrays a dark element to the image. The women’s face is disintegrating to we you can see her muscles turning black. This image is the USP (unique selling point) of the magazine the image therefore has to be eye catching and enticing making the intended audience want to buy the magazine. The image is of the woman is a close up shot allowing us to see what has happened to her face. The woman is gazing into the camera meaning that the shot is subjective, that she is making eye contact with the reader. All you can see of the woman is the bottom of her neck and her hair which covers her shoulders. The image is of her at an angle which could suggest she is laying down. This differs from convention as most main images on the front of a magazine are of the said person standing up and posing for the camera.

There is a banner in the top left hand corner of the magazine, saying ‘Hidden Content’. This is to advertise and promote the magazine to increase sales. To make the banner eye catching it is a bright colour, yellow this will help grab the attention of the audience.