"The New Yorker" is one of the most acclaimed weekly magazines to ever hit newsstands, and aside from the in-depth features and thought-provoking cultural criticism found inside, the magazine is best known for its illustrated covers. Sometimes they're funny, sometimes they're poignant, sometimes they're heartbreaking, but they always make you want to see what's inside.
"The New Yorker" gave us a sneak peek on Twitter of the cover for its Sept. 1, 2014 issue hitting newsstands next week. The cover depicts the current turmoil in Ferguson, Mo. sparked by the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by police on Aug. 9.
The cover, which was created by artist Eric Drooker, recalls a violent scene that we have seen play out in images from professional news organizations and regular people on the ground alike over the past two weeks. The cloudy, yellow strokes around the silhouettes of people allude to the tear gas police have been using on the protesters, and the raised arms of the figures references the "hands up, don't shoot" chant of the movement.
In its 89-year history, "The New Yorker" has never shied away from politically-charged covers. Sure, many of "The New Yorker"'s covers feature satire of everyday life and innocuous, beautiful landscapes. But as one might also expect, major events in history have not only inspired some of the most iconic and controversial "New Yorker" covers ever but also some of the best political commentary from the magazine.
Here are five of the best "New Yorker" covers inspired by groundbreaking events.
1. Nov. 7, 1942
This cover published almost a year after the United States entered World War II juxtaposes the glamorous life of being enlisted, as seen in advertisements, films and propaganda at the time, with the harsh realities of shipping off to fight in war.
2. Feb. 15, 1993
Famous graphic novel artist Art Spiegelman created this controversial cover for the 1993 Valentine's Day issue for "The New Yorker," which depicts a Hasidic Jewish man kissing a black woman. Spiegelman was inspired by the 1991 Crown Heights riots in Brooklyn, which were a result of tensions between the two groups.
3. Sept. 24, 2001
This simplistic, black-on-black cover, also created by Spiegelman, memorialized the September 11th attacks. It would become one of the most famous "New Yorker" covers ever and was named the sixth best magazine cover of the last 40 years by the American Society of Magazine Editors.
4. Oct. 20, 2008
"The New Yorker" ran a cartoon-like depiction of the peak of the financial crisis in October 2008 with Death himself present at the crash of the stock market.
5. July 8 & 15, 2013
In another controversial cover, "The New Yorker" celebrated the Supreme Court striking down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 with "Sesame Street" characters Bert and Ernie, who many have theorized are actually a couple, cuddling as they learn of the landmark decision.
