Following Gary Gillatt’s departure, Alan Barnes became sole editor of DWM in the spring of 2000, with Issue 293. Looking back, what does Alan think about the covers from his solo tenure?
“DWM 299 is a big favourite, although I daresay that anyone under 30 won’t get it!” says Alan. “‘Hello boys!’ was the tagline of a notorious 90s Wonderbra ad campaign – supposedly, it caused traffic accidents. So putting it with a cheesy old shot of the Drahvins from Galaxy 4 just made me laugh. I’m sure no-one had ever put the Drahvins on a cover before and I’m certain no-one will again. We didn’t have the technology or time to do convincing colourised Photoshop montages back then, so [designer] Peri Godbold gave the skyline behind an orangey tint, just to pull their heads from the background. I did another ladies’ lingerie-inspired coverline four issues later – ‘Victoria’s secret!’ on DWM 303. It wasn’t as good, though. Never repeat a joke!”