Ad Age http://adage.com/article/special-report-book-of-tens-2011/ad-age-picks-magazine-covers-2011/231473/ recently announced their Top 10 (U.S) Magazine Covers of 2011.
A number of my readers have asked me to comment, because they thought the choices were “odd.”
Let’s start wit the May 2011 issue of GQ.
Ad Age said:
“This year’s “Hangover” sequel was a dull copy, but co-star Zach Galifianakis at least shone in 2011, particularly as Ray Hueston in the return of HBO’s “Bored to Death.” For this cover, photographer Martin Shoeller brought out the comedian’s inner light — by dusting his beard in gold.”
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t bother to check out this “dull copy,” either at the cinema or at the newsstand.
According to ABC statistics, of the past 21 issues published (from the Decemeber 2009 statement through the June 2011 statement) this cover was out-sold by 19 of the previous 21 issues. That’s enough to give any circulation manager, distributor, or retailer a major hangover. But the dusting of gold on the beard is news…I just thought he hadn’t had a shower.