Charles Apple

That was my first thought when I saw these two front pages today (click either for a larger view):

Don’t get me wrong — each is nicely done. But it’s still amusing to see that each paper used a tunnel shot of its team’s quarterback in order to set a mood for Super Bowl Sunday.

Average daily circulation for the Times-Picayune of New Orleans is 159,655. The Indianapolis Star circulates 201,823 papers daily.

The Sun Herald of Biloxi — circulation 44,613 — focused on the fans with a very fun photo today:

I think it would have worked a little better, though, without the tinted rail down the left side. If you going for major impact with the emotion in those faces, then go six columns with the picture. Cut a couple of refers out of that pack on the bottom right, if necessary — do you really need nine promos there?

I love the text in that lede package and the huge Saints logo.

The Sun Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale — circulation 153,563 — used its A1 real estate today to worry about future Super Bowls and the ever-increasing competition from other cities.

Because, y’know, no one wants to go to Miami in the middle of February.

The Herald of Bradenton, Fla. — circulation 48,618 — built page one around an illustrated history of the Super Bowl’s importance to popular culture in this country:

Nicely done and very interesting. But I wonder if this might have made a better inside package. It seems an odd thing to put out front in hopes of selling papers.

The Herald-Times of Bloomington, Ind., too — circulation 27,103 – put a huge alternative story form-like presentation out front in which local folks gave their predictions of what they expect to see tonight:

Again, I feel like this might not have been the best choice for an A1 presentation today. It’s a little too scattered, visually, and lacks oomph.

On the other hand, is a hell of a fun read. And I read every word.

Finally, I was puzzled by what I felt was a retro approach afront today’s Las Vegas Review-Journal, circulation 175,841:

Fifteen or 20 years ago, we were all putting illustrations out on A1 and sports fronts for the Super Bowl. But frankly, this illo doesn’t do anything photos couldn’t have done better. And with a significantly smaller investment of man-hours.

If you can bring a mood or a new interpretation to an event with an illustration, then, by all means, do it.

But I’m not seeing that here.

I’ve always liked the Colts but I’m also partial to teams making their first Super Bowl appearance. Therefore, my prediction for tonight:

Colts 35, Saints 14

You’d be wise to take note and bet the opposite.

Enjoy the game tonight, folks!

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 5:08 pm and is filed under A look at the day's fronts, Illustration, News design, Sports design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.