Types of magazine covers

1.Early Magazine Covers
Almost always paintings, they intended to be ethical, religious, and always high morals(asking of your morals) 
2.The Poster Cover
One big picture no border,the subject is clear, text don't distract from the photo at all, the picture has to be really good or it has to be a recognizable photo
Dis adv: the photo doesn't help the magazine, 0 entry points. it's a risk to do these kins of covers.
3.Pictures Married to Type
The words help the photo, the word don't interfere with the subject
Adv: You could see the photo better, you don't loose the subject. the word don't distract the photo, the photo goes with the photo.The word and the picture go together.
Dis Adv:  You don't know what's in there, there aren't really that many entry points.
4.In the Forest of Words
Tons of text on the picture, Lots of colors, different faunt, different sizes, the text are everywhere, .
Adv: Lots of entry points to the magazine.
Dis adv: Too much to look at, they sometimes go over board on it, and you can't really see the person, cover the photos.

Stuff you find on a magazine cover
photo, name of the magazine, price tag, bar code, date