'Maxim' September Issue Looks A Little Different

The most memorable magazine covers are the unexpected ones, like Kimye on the cover of Vogue or Caitlyn Jenner for Vanity Fair. Maxim 's latest cover star is Idris Elba, and it's drawing lots of attention for all the right reasons. After all, this is the the publication's first ever cover that doesn't feature a woman. Maxim's new Editor-and-Chief, Kate Lanphear, is making a big statement with the September issue, and I can't think of an actor more worthy of the gig.

You might be familiar with Elba from his memorable roles in The Wire and Pacific Rim, but this man is truly a jack of all trades. According to Racked, Elba is an actor, DJ, clothing designer, and even broke the land speed record, making him the perfect fit for the magazine's September issue. He's featured on the cover dressed in a Calvin Klein patterned jacket and jeans, that ooze James Bond-level class.

So, why Elba? "For me, he was really the perfect embodiment of what I think the new Maxim man is," Lanphear told Racked. "He’s multi-dimensional, he’s complex, he’s sophisticated, but he’s down to earth. It was funny when on set, I was like, 'Is there anything this guy can’t do?'... He’s sort of a living, breathing superhero."

I don't think anyone can deny that. With an impressive resumé and dapper style, Elba fits the mold of the sleek and sophisticated style that magazine is going for perfectly. This could be a new era for Maxim, a magazine previously known for covers featuring scantily glad models and actresses.

Since Lanphear's started as the Editor-and-Chief, she has completely reinvented the publication's image and the most recent cover fits right in with the new direction. With a well-rounded heavy hitter on the cover, there's no doubt Maxim's effort to class things up is paying off.

Lookin' good, Elba!