Doctor Who Magazine Analysis

Title of publication

The title of the publication is ‘Doctor Who’ it is partially obscured by the image of the main protagonist. This is a key element of codes and conventions of magazine covers. The typography of the title is a solid silver colour; this could be used as it is a recognisable logo also it can connote a futuristic feel which links in with the main narrative of the show. Also the size of the title is quite large to show that it is the title and leads to the brand value of Doctor Who, which is world renowned television. The use of the magazine creates synergy as it links in with the show and also presents insights of the actual show.

Slogan

The slogan of the magazine is ‘Celebrating 50 years of adventures in time and space’.  The use of this assists in creating a connection with the reader, as they are celebrating with the reader making them feel a part of the Doctor Who generation.  Also the typography of the slogan is presented in capitals, which presents a feeling of excitement and ignites it in the heart of loyal Doctor Who fanatics. In addition, the use of putting ’50 years’ in a larger font and in bronze, connotes the saying old is gold, which appeals to an older generation of Doctor Who fans. The appeal is more universal in regards to age. The slogan is at the top, meaning it will be the first convention they will see on the magazine, so it has to be a stereotypical slogan that appeals to the audience which has been done in this case.

Central Image

The central image uses is of the main protagonist of the television series who acts and serves as an anchor for the magazine, to provide focus to the topic of Doctor Who. The central image is a close up of the main protagonist, this shows he is making direct eye contact to indulge the reader and maybe even mesmerise the reader into buying the magazine. Furthermore, there two other men in on both sides of the doctor which represent the past and present in harmony also it links to the slogan of ’50 years’, repeating the fact that it is a milestone for the brand itself. Finally, the image of the man is shown as a young handsome man, this is a convention that appeals exclusively to the female demographics, also the fact that he is placed in front of the previous actors who have donned the role of Doctor Who, shows that he is the most important one and that he is the magazines main priority. The costume of the protagonist is in the iconic dress of the Doctor which has been the same since the beginning of the series.

‘Flash’/Cover lines

The magazine uses a large flash line ‘THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR’ underneath the central image to present that as the main focus of the magazine and is in white. The fact that it is in white shows that it stands out and is the second largest convention of the magazine. This presents that the producers of the magazine are giving importance to the non-fictional character of the Doctors 50^th birthday. The magazine also uses smaller cover lines that go on to briefly explain what the magazines covers story is about.

Free Offer

This magazine uses this convention to present free collectables such as “12 collectors’ ANNIVERSARY ART CARDS!” The use of the red and capital writing helps the free offers stand out in it and make the magazine more appealing to the reader and not just fans but other demographics.

Colour Scheme

The colour scheme that is used in the magazine is red, black, blue and bronze. The colour scheme is limited, which is a benefit as it prevents the magazine from looking to busy and create a particular vibe that is unique and felt by the reader and the targeted audience. The use of red is limited as it used to mainly promote the different offers, such as the anniversary art cards. Furthermore the use of black is persistent and mainly used in the background of the magazine to contrast all the other colours and make it stand out further. The use of blue is iconic as it represents the blue telephone booth for Doctor Who. The use of bronze is simple and highly effective; this is due to the fact that it connotes an ancient portrait feel to the doctors 50 years.   

Name Checks

The name checks that have been used are not standard name checks as they normally give clues to other stories and articles, which may entice different audiences. However in this magazine, the name checks portray the same topic but in different methods.

Language

 This magazine uses 5 different typographies. The language used presents the magazine in a way that it does not look busy but has all the relevant information the producer wants to present in a brief form. The typography of Doctor Who, is solid silver and stands out adding a futuristic effect relating to the actually genre of the show.

Competitions

There is a hint to a competition that relates to winning merchandise such as blue-rays, DVDs, books and CDs. However it is ambiguous to the reader by just visually looking at the front cover, creating an enigma code. This benefits the magazine as it can represent enticing the reader to purchase the magazine and find out how to win.  

Direct Address and Asking Questions

The magazine does not directly address to audience by asking questions.

Barcode, Date and Price

The barcode, date and price have been printed relatively small and are not visible. This effective as the price won’t affect the judgement of the reader and is more likely to buy the magazine.

The ‘real’ target audience

The target audience is mainly dedicated Doctor Who fans, who are loyal to the brand. However the producer could have intended the magazine based on the front cover to appeal to teenage girls that may be attracted to the face of the current actor that plays Doctor Who.