Top 10 covers of 2016… so far

Holidays are almost upon us, but before everyone disappears off to the beach we’re taking the opportunity for a quick look back at the most popular independent magazine covers featured on the Stack Instagram this year.

The following list shows the top 10 covers of 2016 so far, according to the number of likes they received. We post a new cover to our feed most days, so get tapping and vote for your favourites through the rest of the year.

10. Elephant interprets Star Trek
In their Art vs Silicon Valley issue, Elephant magazine shows that yes, the world is speeding up, but we needn’t be afraid.

It's art, Jim, but not as we know it. The latest issue of @elephantmagazine pits art against Silicon Valley, led by this fantastic Luke Butler painting on the cover. Check the Stack blog today to see the issue in detail with our two-minute video review…

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Apr 12, 2016 at 12:40am PDT

9. Printed Pages’ dapper duck
For the SS16 issue, the team from It’s Nice That interviewed the smartly dressed, slightly frazzled ‘Duck’ and co-cover stars ‘Red Guy’ and ‘Yellow Guy’, best known for their appearances on the fantasy/thriller web short Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared.

My personal favourite from the three Printed Pages cover stars, I like the drama of Duck's anguished dignity. Powerful stuff. And great work by the @itsnicethat team, selling out their online allocation in just a few days. If you want a copy of this latest issue, you'd better get to the shops fast!

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Apr 28, 2016 at 12:41am PDT

8. The very meta Metazine
The magazine about a series of magazine talks, published by the magazine fans at Raw Print in Nottingham.

Check out those brass rivets on the binding! Metazine is made by @raw_print in Nottingham and is a lovely riso printed volume of interviews with independent publishers. You can take a look inside via our review video on the Stack blog today, and watch out later for our next post on another magazine about magazines…

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Mar 1, 2016 at 12:36am PST

7. Junko Journal’s desert road trips
LA, skaters, beaches, palm trees: the candy floss pinks and blues of California were the subject of Junko’s dreamy photography this issue.

A new annual travel magazine, @junkojournal explores a different region each issue by speaking to the artists, designers and creators who live there. For this first issue the magazine tours California, ranging from cities to deserts with some beautiful photography along the way.

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Apr 1, 2016 at 12:39am PDT

6. Drift in the Cuban coffee scene
Drift returns to our top 10 list with its Havana issue and this striking yet simple image of the Cuban capital.

New York-based @driftmag explores coffee culture one city at a time. For their third issue they travelled to Havana and filled their pages with stories of coffee rationing, Cuban culture and mixing beans with chickpeas. Check the Stack blog today to see editor Adam Goldberg sharing his insights into the making of the issue…

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Feb 8, 2016 at 12:35am PST

5. Ordinary’s plastic cutlery goodie bag
The design magazine Ordinary has artists reimagining everyday objects, and the results range from social commentary to weird, subversive photography. You even get your own set of plastic cutlery to play around with.

Yes, it's a magazine with bag of plastic cutlery stapled to the front. Check our review video on the Stack blog today and see why Ordinary magazine is at the vanguard of independent design publishing…

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Apr 5, 2016 at 12:05am PDT

4. Counterpoint makes a splash
The riso printed cover of Counterpoint was a big hit with our followers, showing an appreciation for its blocky tribute to water.

Published from Edinburgh as a two-colour risograph version of their digital magazine, @_counterpoint explores a different theme each issue. For the water issue that means stories on swimming lessons, fundraising for lifeboats, and the simple pleasures of a bath.

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Jun 2, 2016 at 12:42am PDT

3. Five senses come to life on A-magazine
In our first Stack Live podcast, Alison Branch of Park Communications explains that print engages because it stimulates so many of our senses—from sight, to touch, and even smell. The brand new A-magazine delights followers with their larger than life cover dedicated to the five senses.

When publishing goes pleasingly nuts: @a_magazineuk is a brand new magazine that aims to take an atypical approach to its content. Listen to The Stack on Monocle 24 tomorrow morning to hear my thoughts on this impressive launch…

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Mar 11, 2016 at 12:46am PST

2. Iconic portraits of The Gentlewoman
Last time, The Gentlewoman made number five on our list with their first colour portrait. This time, a subdued Kirsten with slicked back hair, framed with the perfect sunny yellow, secures the second place.

I'm fully in awe of @the_gentlewoman, so this week's video review really couldn't have been anything else. Head over to the Stack blog this morning to see me getting excited about crotches, Kirsten and griddy openers – the essential ingredients of this latest issue…

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Feb 23, 2016 at 12:23am PST

1. The dark mystery of Water Journal
But first place in our summer countdown goes to Water Journal, with its dark cover defying all conventions of light colours and smiley faces, and proving once again the independents’ desire to do things differently.

A beautiful #magazine dedicated to the experience and cultural significance of #water, @waterjournal travels the world's seas, rivers and bathtubs mixing lovely #photography with first-person recollections. Created by Stack subscriber @edvinasbruzas.

A photo posted by Steven Watson (@stackmagazines) on Jul 13, 2016 at 12:49am PDT

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