2017 has given the New Yorker almost too much draw from. The covers displayed on the weighty, glossy issues this year have been rife with wit, poignancy, and frivolousness, a perfect blend of charming slices of life to affronting political statements. In between, there are the more subtle statements, ones that force readers to do a double take or share with a friend, who may unlock the ambiguous meaning that makes you surprised you missed what’s being conveyed. Below are a few of my favorites (so far) from this year.

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Abigail Gray Swartz’s “The March” (February 6, 2017)
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Eric Drooker “#OscarsNotSoWhite” (February 27, 2017)
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John W. Tomac’s “Liberty’s Flameout” (February 13 & 20, 2017)
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Christoph Niemann’s “Enchanted Forest” (June 5 & 12, 2017)
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Bob Staake’s “Hell Train” (July 31, 2017)
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David Plunkert’s “Blowhard” (August 17, 2017)
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David Plunkert’s “October 1, 2017: One Day in a Nation of Guns” (October 6, 2017)
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R. Kikuo Johnson’s “Tech Support” (October 16, 2017)
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Barry Blitt’s “Nowhere to Hide” (November 20, 2017)

The covers of the New Yorker articulate what I have trouble expressing. Be it in the ominous smoke Lady Liberty’s extinguished flame exudes or in the bold gun control cover that pays tribute to those who were senselessly murdered, the New Yorker perfectly captures realities and truths that so many turn a blind eye to or write off as trivial. In a time where vitriolic words are disguised as “telling it like it is” and fighting for what is right is considered by some to be discriminatory towards the majority, it is a comfort to be reminded by the New Yorker that certain aspects of society are not normal and that moments deemed unimportant due to their excessive normalcy can be a personal, intuitive blessing.

–Salvatore Casto