Maxim's Female Editor in Chief Put the First Solo Man on Its Cover

When most of us think of Maxim, we envision “hotness”-focused coverage of women, busty babes in compromised positions, and sexed-up cover lines that promise to change mens love lives for good. But the magazines first-ever female editor in chief, Kate Lanphear, has quite a different vision.

Lanphear just put the first-ever solo man on the cover of Maxim; while men have appeared on flip covers as well as alongside women, never has a guy appeared on his own on the cover. Her choice for the magazine's September issue? Idris Elba. 

"There was no one else in the world more badass than Idris," she told Racked of the decision. "For me, he was really the perfect embodiment of what I think the new Maxim man is. He’s multi-dimensional, he’s complex, he’s sophisticated, but he’s down to earth."

For our part, we're super into the new direction Maxim is heading. Check out the cover above, and sign up for subscription to Maxim! Then tell us your thoughts on the cover below.

Meghan Blalock
Managing Editor

Hailing from the heart of the South and cutting her teeth on the mean streets of New York, Meghan has six years of experience covering fashion, style, celebrities, culture, and human behavior. A longtime devotee of rap music, tacos, and generally perfect weather, she is excited to put down roots in Los Angeles. Her top three style staples are a good pair of cutoff shorts, virtually any kind of colorful digi-print, and a solid set of shades.