Empire Cover Analysis

 

This issue of the Empire magazine is a first special of using a 3D effect. In person you would see that the center of the cover is mounted up, also with the magazine title and the informative circle on the left. They use the image as the whole cover as it is a special edition. this cover is based on The Hulk breaking through a wall. This image is good to use for the first edition of 3D covers. In the image you can see the Hulk with the typical angry expression on his face which is obviously what the Hulk is known for, his rage. He is breaking through either a wall or something that looks like a lift, but either way shows the Hulk's incredible strength. He is central to the cover, and his green colour contrasts with the dark colours surrounding him so your eyes are immediately focused on him. This is good because as it is a promotional issue for the Hulk so your focus really needs to be on him. Also the image fades around the edges, which makes your eyes draw into the center where you find the Hulk. The image is slightly animated but also photographically represented. It is animated because of the 3D effect, and also enhancement and make up is used to create the Hulk effect. The colours and the expression on his face are all codes and signals of the Hulk so readers automatically know what the issue is about and what kind of things you will expect to find inside.
The lighting used is a spotlight - focusing on the hulk, causing the faded edges. The lighting is quite harsh on him, causing dramatic shadows, making him look even scarier and creating a sense of fear in the readers. It would also excite the readers, as this working with the 3D effect makes it all the more thrilling.
The main colours used are green and white to go along with the main theme of the magazine - The Hulk. The black and grey set the setting and also contrast with the colour of the Hulk making him stand out more.
There isn't much text included on the cover due to the special edition. the article title is 'THE HULK UNLEASHED!' which corresponds with the image used, as he is breaking through a wall, as if trying to escape. This adds to the exciting feeling you get when looking at this cover.
The title of the magazine is in red, as it is in the majority of their covers. But in this issue it follows the theme, and doesn't cover the image, but works along with it. As the Hulk is breaking through the wall, he is also breaking up the title. The P is split up and you can see little parts of it flying between the two parts. All the letters of 'EMPIRE' are tilted and jumbled to emphasise the action that's going on. All of this gives a sense of movement and it is good for the 3D effect and very effective. They have also put in a circle to the left that it is the worlds first 3D cover, which is a selling point because it automatically makes it all the more interesting for first time readers of Empire.