Analysis of Horror magazines

Empire: analysis 1

The masthead used is always the name of the magazine, here being Empire. The masthead acts as a brand for the magazine by using the same font and size to make it evident for the audience when looking to buy the magazine. The colour scheme and themes are the only conventions that change on each edition of empire, this is because it relates more to the genre of the film advertised.  The masthead dominates the whole top of the page and happens to be in red font, red is a colour we would signify with horror because it connotes damager and death. However not to mention there is flames around the masthead which creates a theme of action and fire.
The main image is the biggest focal point of the front cover and the most recognisable feature. The image here shows one of the characters in the film 'hell boy 2' judging from the sell line, empire have used a medium close up shot which grabs the readers attention most in comparison to other shots. Close up shots are best for showing emotion; empires shot shows the aggression from his clenched fist and violent teeth griting. This creates an affect on the audience as they want to feel fear whilst watching horror genre film, having this intimidating character on the front entices the audience to watch this film. Not to mention he is painted red and has horns coming from his head- signifying that he is a devil. Further more he has dark features such as his hair, this paints a theme of darkness and mystery, some may say he is 'animalistic' with his straw dark hair. He is posed with his fists clenched and has gritted teeth which connotes the strapped anger inside of him, this may be a key question for the audience as to when is he going to let this anger out? This may entice a high volume of audience to watch the film, to see his behaviour progress. In addition the aggressive behaviour we would expect from a devil. His fist on the left looks more 'dense' and 'tough' in comparison to the other fist, this connotes his strength, it is proven by his dominating image. However this image signifies gender roles as men are seen to be more powerful than women. Another key theme shown is contrast in good vs evil as he is seen to be wearing rosary beads around his wrist.

Cover lines have used to encourage sales combined with the main image and other conventions, there are four main cover lines. The cover lines are popular blockbusters who all have well established actors and actresses, this will convince the audience to purchase them.
Empire use a well structured layout similar to many other well established magazines, this enables them to create formality and structure. In addition it helps with creating a brand by having a similar structure each issue.
The colours used are bright, bold and attention grabbing, which also relate to the genre of the magazine being horror. Empire have used red to give the horror element but also used black and white to encourage structure. Also creates contrast between the main image and background.
Main selling line the gold mode of address cover line, "first look" with the additional hell boy information. This has used mode of address because it's allowing the audience to feel drawn into an exclusive look. The exclusivity is encouraged with the use of higher class colours being gold, this creates expense and limited feel.

Fanogria: analysis 2

Fangoria here significantly is promoting slasher films which are targeted at a male base audience from the horrifying violent scenes. Fangoria is targeted at male audience, this is recognised through the use of dark colour scheme and slasher cover lines. Cover lines are used to entice  an audience therefore slasher films promote a male audience. However horror films secondary audience would be ' horror lovers'.
Again the masthead is placed across the top half of the magazine ( rule of thirds). Fanogria gives a sense of the genre as it gives an idea of vampires or it could be considered as 'fan of gore' however Fanogria gives the Sense of mystery. The colours used for this issue are mainly red and white, as previously mentioned red gives a sense of blood and torture, represents the horror genre. The use of white could be used to contrast the colours however some may see it as a challenge in conventions as white connotes innocence. However I believe white is used to outline and catch the readers attention. This particular issue is marketing the release of insidious, the insidious logo uses also red and white, therefore this creates continuity as it links with the Fanogria masthead. Similarly the Fanogria masthead supports the idea of vampires as the F and A is displayed to look like fangs. The brand identity is kept by having the logo positioned in the same place each issue and the same name.
Like most conventional horror magazines, the main image is a medium close up of the main protagonist  or could be considered as the villain ( character theories Vladimir propp). The main focal point is the villain in this photo, when doing additional research it came to my attention that insidious use the same image to market their film. This creates Insidious into a brand, as the audience realise where they've seen that image from or who it belongs too. Therefore  this image is significant to
insidious. It is easily to identify that the sub genre of insidious is supernatural horror because of the eerie individual and supernatural lighting and feel for. Not to mention there is no use of lighting other than from the use of a candle. This image is very dark and has no background which gives it a spooky and horrifying chill to it. Facially the villian is represented to look evil and powerful, through the use of costume she seems to be dressed gothic/grunge. This image symbolises  range of thoughts; she appears to be wearing possibly a vail which creates a key question as to why is this? This entices the audience to watch this film, for their questions to be answered. However the vale connotes mystery as it creates a disguise for her could this be because she is trying to hide her identy. In addition by having a a female as the villian challenges forms and conventions as men  are usually in horror films as the villian.
Cover lines act as a structure for the magazine, they're wrapped around the main image framing it. The cover lines give an insight to the content of the magazine, however they don't give too much away. This influences readers to read the content. The puff relates to the genre as it is in the shape of blood, the puff  happens to be a free poster which readers particularly look for when purchasing a magazine.
The cover lines are still creating the the trend of masculinity, with the use of formal and simple cover lines. The cover lines are smaller than the masthead however they're bold enough to draw readers in. Also with the combined use of colours, the main colours used are white and red, the colours could represent the beginning of a disequilibrium as white connotes calm and innocence and red being the disequilibrium creating something sinister. The release date is also mentioned on the magazine , to inform readers of when insidious is released another key marketing trick to encourage an audience. Evidently the colours used are very conventional in relaxation to the genre of the film.

Total Film: analysis 3

the masthead has been placed across the top which is a common and conventional area. It has been placed behind Sherlocks' head, total film can do this as they're known as a franchise or brand therefore by not allowing the audience to see the whole magazine name they're still able to recognise it. It also still is bold and stands out, this is because of the large font size and brand identity. The masthead already gives us a look into the magazine as its 'totally film'. By using 'white' masthead it gives it a sci-fi feel with the use of a blue colour scheme. Not to mention the title still is recognisable and stands out while being behind Sherlock, this enables sherlock to dominate the magazine as he is a well known popular actor, this also helps by having a USP ( unique selling point). By also having the serif font masthead allows it to be recognised easily and allows the audience to access other media platforms from this brand.
The main image is Sherlock Homes, his costume is different to what the audience usually see him in therefore by him now doing horror films it allows the audience to see him in a different light. The main image relates to the main cover line ' all the elements are coming together', this makes me question possibly he could be a detective once again through his old looking costume. The genre possibly even may be related to action or crime. Through the main image it connotes past life, signifying this could be set in the 'olden days' (BC). This is identifiable through not only the costume but the mode of address ' the greatest detective in the world' and  the confident facial expression he seems to be pulling. I consider this to be similar to The Women in Black main image but i consider this image to 'not give too much away'. Symbolically the main image and film title are linked through the chilling colour scheme and visual effects. The background is set in London through the use of iconic tourist attractions ( big ben) there is additional affects such as the mist effect which adds an element of mystery with the narrative and storyline. I think that the film must be set in winter, through all of the evidence presented on the cover. This is a medium close up which shows us his emotion/facial expressions and clothing.
The skyline features upcoming information featured inside, the skyline has featured the 'Z' rule. Total film havent just focused on one film but they have mentioned several to appeal to all different types of individuals preferences and genres.
The four selling lines identify the content of the magazine, it allows the readers to read just only the front page and recognise what is going to be included inside. The light blue glow contrasts the different coverlines such as 'sneaky' or 'basterds' which attracts the audience as they would like to find out more about the stories.