Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Postives Far Outweigh Negatives
GQ presents a difficult paradox of a magazine. There are many reasons to dislike GQ: Its pretentiousness, the focus on unobtainable clothing, the holier-than-thou writing.But, there are so many positives about GQ that a subscription is not only recommended, it is almost required. First, and perhaps foremost, Alan Richman's food/restaurant columns. Second, Peter Bart (the once-deposed editor of Variety) writes a great Hollywood column. Third, GQ is far and away superior to its rivals, which I believe are Esquire and, somewhat surprisingly, Vanity Fair. Fourth, the fashion features and celebrity interviews are beyond compare. Finally, GQ generally has one article a month that I would describe as investigative journalism, and these articles can't be missed. All in all, GQ is an essential for any magazine rack.
Rating:  - GQ: A Stylish Cut Above the Usual Men's Mag
Unlike Maxim, Stuff, FHM and the rest of the new breed of men's magazines, GQ is in a class of its own, with a more style-conscious, upscale leaning than its upstart competitors. [It tends to be heftier than those mags, as well: Special issues, like the 'Men of the Year' annual, weigh in at as many as 500 pages, which- despite an abundance of ads- includes a wealth of interesting stories and photos]. Unlike its more glib offspring, which tend to rely on short, candy-ish items on sexy women, GQ focuses more on men of style and substance. Investigative reports by experienced, skilled journalists also separate GQ from other fashion-oriented magazines, which are often visually appealing but short on journalistic content. With its consistently strong photos, layout and design, GQ is handsomely ahead of the pack. For those less interested in fashion and more interested in journalism, Esquire is a good alternative choice. And readers after flashy, voyeuristic flair might be best served elsewhere, but GQ readers will be rewarded for their restraint with the occasional raunchy- but refined- spread. GQ seems aimed at the over-30 male, but the mag's assortment of model males apparently appeals to women as well, since they seem to be well represented in the magazine's readership. Overall, GQ is a stylish, elegant read that stands apart from its newer, splashier, offspring. A good choice for the style-conscious male reader.
Rating: - Still a Solid Men's Magazine
If your idea of casual day is pleated Dockers and a plaid shirt, you seriously need to burn your wardrobe and start a subscription to GQ. Here's a great guide to men's style that's up-to-the-minute but never trendy. There's a monthly q&a "The Style Guy" and there are many fashion spreads showing the latest trends for business or casual attire. I don't really pay much attention to the reviews or the fiction, but from a fashion standpoint, GQ really can't be beat. My only beef is that the only African Americans that grace the cover are athletes. They have the non-athlete every now and then, but it'd be nice to see more actors, models, and singers of colour grace the cover, too. All in all, this subscription is a sound investment for any man of style.
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