As with most print based media products the route of the eye applies here. Firstly the eye is drawn to the mast head and cover line, 'Empire' is a well known name and is easily recognised by the font used which creates an identity for the magazine so the reader knows exactly what to expect in their first glance. Also the first cover line seen is 'The Dark Knight Returns...' the position of this signifies its importance as it is the first thing seen and also the elliptic dots create a sense of mystery causing a sense of interest in the reader and making them want to read on. Secondly in the route of the eye we see the main article of the magazine which seemingly has distinguished each element for the cover. 'Inception' is the largest item on the cover so to draw attention to it as it is the key feature of this issue, also with this we see the Directors name 'Christopher Nolan' so to attract attention from fans of his and draw a wider audience. Along with this is a smaller gold circle advertising a competition being run by the magazine, 'Dream Access' signifies that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed so again causing the reader to want to read on. Lastly on the route of the eye we see the final article signified by the 'Plus!' the exclamation makes it seem exciting as if 'last but not least'. The rule of thirds has also been taken into account with the creation of this magazine cover. In the top third we can see the mast head and the main focus of the image being the subjects face, immediately the audience can identify with the magazine as it displays a well known actor which quickly attracts attention. In the middle third the main article can be seen along with several other minor articles. The way in which the text seems to be being drawn into the distance fits in with the main article well as Inception is a sci-fi fantasy style film, a genre which, this layout connotes. In the final third again we see the final article and bottom section of the image. The hotpots focus on the articles towards the sides of the image so to also draw attention to them and within the terminal optical area we see a a gun in the actors hand. This connotes ideas about the film (action, violence) and gives the audience an idea of what to expect.
Colour
The main colour used on the cover is red. Red connotes ideas of danger, blood and action, all of which are associated with the main feature film. Also the main image contains little colour, the actor is wearing a black and white suit against a grey/blue background, thus meaning that the red stands out and the stark contrast catches the eye. The masthead and main article have been written in red which signifies they're importance as they are what the eye is draw to first. Majority of the articles have been written in black so to stand out and so that they are easily read. The competition has been included in a golden circle, the colour gold connotes ideas of wealth and luxury both of which it seems the prize includes so attracting attention and making the reader want to find out more.
Font
The fonts used are fairly basic however everything written is in bold so to stand out and so it can be easily read. The masthead is in the classic font used for Empire so to create continuity between the magazines and also give it a brand identity. The names of each of the films featured either side of the main focus of the image are in a larger font so to attract attention, also it gives the audience a brief overview of whats inside at a glance.
Image
There is one main image used on this front cover which is associated with the main film featured. It includes the main actor who is also very well known so appealing to an audience who are fans of or are interested in him. The image is symmetrical so the main focus is central and the articles have been arranged symmetrically either side. It seems as though there is a light being shone from behind the actor as if signifying his importance and almost giving him a softer side. The black suit and gun show him to be an authoritative figure, his dominance on the cover also conveys this.
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