Representation of 'men' in male magazines

Magazines:

GQ:
is an international monthly men's magazine based in New York City, the publication focuses on; fashion, style and culture for men and articles on movies, music, food, fitness, sex, travel, sports, technology and books.

The covers of these magazines are very sophisticated and professional looking, majority almost all men on the cover are dressed very smartly, they are in suits and tie with their hair brushed back, adding the effect of looking smart even more powerful. Also their posture works well with the look of the magazine as most shots are close ups of a serious look of the men or a mid shot with them either hands in the pocket or fixing their tie etc. This fits in with the theme as they are trying to create a "stern" look and making the celebrities look almost business-like. Their expressions are serious and toned down, not having a huge grin or change of their structure but quite straight and forward.

The difference between the two covers above, is that the first one is a close up and has the person looking quite serious whereas on the other cover, the person is dressed smart but has a basketball under his arm. This shows how his passion for sport is still there, regardless of how he is dressed. This interest the audience as its not too "serious" looking but kind of adds humour to the fact that no one would even pick up a sport equipment if dressed in a suit.

Details:
is an American monthly men's magazine published by Conde Nast, founded in 1982 by Annie Flanders. The publication focuses on; fashion, lifestyle, reports on relevant social and political issues.

The covers of these magazines are a bit more casual as the person on the cover is wearing clothes that gives a laid-back look. However, the title of the magazine is "Detail" yet the cover is very simple as the background is white and a wide range of fonts have not been used and has minimal colours. But the title is representing the information of the magazine that it contains, maybe a lot of detailed information is within the magazine, but due to the cover looking very simple, it does not really give that impression to the audience.

Also the colours match with the clothing and therefore creates a theme of cool and cold colours, this makes the person on the cover, stand out as the colours are quite neutral and subtle. The clothing such as the shirt not being completely buttoned up or the "ripped" effect on the jeans, helps to create the "grungy" look that it is very "manly." The postures are quite stern and serious but give a chilled look due to the outfit and "casual" expression on the face.

Men's Fitness:
is a men' s magazine published by American Media, Inc and founded in the United States in 1987. The slogan is "How the Best Man Wins." The magazine targets men ages 21-40 years and features articles on; fitness, nutrition, sports, sex tips, fashion advice, interviews, recipes and surveys.

The covers of these magazines are different to the ones above as the main topic is based on fitness, therefore images of men shirtless is most likely going to be portrayed within the magazine. This gives an "excuse" for males to "show off" their body as majority enjoy doing this. Due to it being about fitness, therefore the images are of muscular men who have packs and abs which further interests the audience that it is aimed at. But also could attract females although it is about men's fitness, the images may grab the attention of females. However, this is what stereo typically is said and that is what the males want, attraction from women.

The colours of text are quite bright yet a colour that images or represents "love", having the bright red further interests the audience. The font is quite bold and block like, trying to blend with the theme of having "big, built up men."