Intertextuality in Big Issue cover

Firstly, upon looking at the big issue cover we can instantly see that it is clearly mocking the EU referendum, which at the time of being published was an incredibly hot topic. In the 1970s, Abba was a very popular pop group, and we see in this cover that several explicit references towards the group are incorporated into it - ranging from song lyrics used to fit the referendum, aswell as it being on a disco set and having the heads of the politicians being on bodies of Abba members. Instantly, we can see that this cover is incredibly vibrant and the reference is obvious, which works very well in attracting people who would see it on the street to buy it. I believe, that this would in fact attract people off the street, as once seeing this it would be a refreshing change from the usual headlines featuring an referendum topic that are usually so serious, therefore a more light hearted approach could favour to many. 

Once we analyse the lyrics coming out of speech bubbles, we see that they are actually very witty and clever. Starting with Nicola Sturgeon she states 'Breaking up is never easy i know' which seems to be referencing to how she wants Scotland to be independent, and that in the EU she believes Scotland should have a separate vote to leave the EU. Due to what she says then it is like her saying to people how it won't be easy to leave, but then is her trying to persuade people to. Next we have David Cameron singing "knowing me and knowing EU" And the word 'you' at the end being swapped for a  similar sounding 'EU'. Upon looking at this, we see it is reference to another Abba song and is showing how he wants to stay in the EU. The following person, is London mayor Borris Johnson quoting "this time we're through'' which could be stating how finally we are leaving and it's as if he
is saying it to the EU. Finally you see Nigel Farage saying "Take a chan- chance" which is him stating how we should take a chance and leave the EU. All of this is a clever play on Abba song lyrics and song titles, which works well to portray the feelings of these politicians.  In a way, by having the politicians in these outlandish 70s outfits it takes the look of them being smart and professional away, and instead makes them look silly; therefore in a way the big issue is mocking these politicians. Also, in traditional media publications these people would be seen as only being smart so this is something different which could appeal to readers.

If we look at the visuals of this cover we see it is all very vibrant, with a gold disco floor and a sparkling background. We also see a contrasting black and red headline stating 'Decision time - the winner take it all' which is a simple and obvious title - again referencing an Abba song title - so would do well at attracting readers. Furthermore, another point is they have added a ballot box in the corner just to ensure it is obvious what the focus is on. We see that the figures in the photo have not been perfectly photoshopped on as well, due to the heads being out of proportion from the bodies, which i believe was done intentionally to add to the comedic effect of it and just direct the eye of the reader or buyer to how it is politicians heads on abba members.