Zach Buchanan
Audio By Carbonatix
Throughout the halls of the Phoenix New Times building are framed versions of some of the paper’s most iconic covers. They’re a testament to our history of must-read storytelling but also to the many artists who have given each issue of New Times a unique and evocative look.
It’s those covers that tempt our readers to pull a paper from a newsstand, and we’d highly recommend taking a walk down memory lane through our online flipbook archive. You’ll be amazed at the variety of designs.
But before you dive down that rabbit hole, we want your help. We, the editorial staff of New Times, have picked out our favorite covers of the year, and we need you to choose a winner. Check out our selections below, and using the survey that follows, help us determine the top cover of 2024.
March 28: Changing Hands Bookstore Turns 50
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Illustration by Matthew Foltz-Gray
“I absolutely love the art style, the colors and how the nameplate is resting on a shelf. The drawings of the people really convey the community aspect of the bookstore and how people bond over the selections.” Itzia Crespo, social media editor Illustration by Ward Sutton “Out of the roughly 38,000 votes cast in the Democratic primary to inherit Ruben Gallego’s seat in the House of Representatives, Yassamin Ansari bested Raquel Terán by a mere 39 votes. The cover art illustration by Ward Sutton captures the tension of the race and forecast the nail-biting finish.” – TJ L’Heureux, staff writer
Illustration by Emma Randall “It’s just a really bright, summery cover. I also love the angle of the boy on the diving board looking down at the pool.” – Jennifer Goldberg, culture and music editor Illustration by Emma Randall “Normally, Top 100 lists use photos of a dish or a drink. This illustration lets me know that the topic is bars but doesn’t favor any one destination. Plus, so many bars and lounges have retro vibes and serve riffs on classic cocktails, and the midcentury modern artwork reflects that attitude. Plus, it’s just fun!” – Rebecca Rhoades, copy editor Illustration by Eric Torres “It’s a very creative Phoenix cover with the political signs coming out of Camelback Mountain. I love the detail of the story’s title being printed on a Phoenix street sign. Also, the little detail of a construction worker climbing one of the signs is great.” – Morgan Fischer, staff writer Illustration by Mark Poutenis “It’s cartoony without being over-the-top, fun and grabs your attention.” – Benjamin Leatherman, staff writer
Illustration by Richard Borge “The three-dimensionality of this cover is really inviting and interesting. Plus, it perfectly captures the hustle and bustle of building that’s going on as the Valley grows.” – Zach Buchanan, news editor Illustration by Chas Coffman “The cover is so quirky and funny and draws you into an interesting, quirky world of these women.” – Sara Crocker, food writer Illustration by Russ Kazmierczak, Jr. “The turkeys are a tender masterpiece, each bursting with savory flavor. The golden skin is perfectly crisped on each honoree by artist Russ Kazmierczak.” – Eric Torres, art director Illustration by Eric Torres “I’m a (completely biased) fan of the Best New Restaurants cover. Not only does it display dishes from restaurants all over the Valley, but our creative art director Eric Torres made the Phoenix New Times logo out of Sriracha.” – Tirion Boan, food editorJune 13: A Progressive Primary Showdown
June 20: Summer Pool Guide
Aug. 1: Top 100 Bars
Sept. 12: Sign Wars
Sept. 19: Best Speakeasies
Sept. 26: Best of Phoenix
Oct. 31: Cat Ladies
Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Turkeys
Dec. 19: Best New Restaurants
