I don't know how long this had been going on, but TIME online has an 85th anniversary special feature where you can browse some of what they consider their best and worst covers over the years and rate them.
Best Covers Worst CoversThe 1930s selection in the Best group was fascinating, everyone from Gable to Goebbels. But
this cover and story gets my vote. How did they convince the lion to get into a cage with Mussolini?