Textual Analysis - Front Cover 3

3. Kerrang Magazine (Recent)

The masthead shows the magazine name ‘Kerrang’ in big yellow letters that look like smashed glass. The dateline is in the barcode so it isn't distracting for the reader. The main image is a picture of the lead singer from Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong. Model credit is used but only the name of the band the person is in. The coverlines are quite small compared to the main image; this is to help not distract people from it. The main coverline looks like it’s the written on a piece of paper that the model is holding, this is to make the reader laugh and get interested in the main story. The cracked K in the left third of the magazine shows that it is “Kerrang” magazine as it’s an iconic symbol. The barcode is out of the way to help not distract the reader; also it is a very standard barcode. The person in the main image is very iconic as Green Day is a popular band and therefore it will make more people buy the magazine. The target audience is for teenagers who follow rock music etc. The clothing is very rebellious as the model is wearing a skull ring and his hair is very messy. There is a metallic background to suggest that he is anti-establishment, goes against conventions etc. The language used is informal, for example it says, “...rock harder than ever before.” Which sounds like something a friend would say to you. The picture is in the middle and centralised, which clearly shows that it’s about the main story. Overall, the front cover appeals to its target audience and, as the man on the front is in a very popular band, this makes the magazine more popular too.