We don't like to toot our own horn very often—mostly because it hurts our neck. That's an oral sex joke. Anyway! Guess which local alternative paper got #3 in the "Top Ten Best Alternative Newsweekly Covers of 2011" as awarded by the Society of Professional Designers? THIS GUY! (I'm pointing my thumbs at the Mercury.)

This gorgeous cover was art designed and illustrated by former Merc art director Justin "Scrappers" Morrison, the week after 2011's Japanese tsunami. Nice work, Justin! OH! And nice work The Stranger (our sister paper) who got #1 in the same award category! YAY OUR TEAM! (Okay, I'm going to stop pointing thumbs now.)