Are men okay? GQ dismantles the macho masculinity while keeping it glossy

Courtesy of GQ

The October issue of GQ dives straight into the state of the American male in 2025 with cover star Glen Powell. Instead of glorifying toxic masculinity, GQ plays with it, pokes at it, and ultimately makes fun of it in a sharp and stylish way.

Courtesy of GQ

The magazine questions what it even means to be a modern leading man. Powell, once cast as the typical Hollywood heartthrob, embodies the shift. No longer is the archetype a skinny brooding Twilight era boy. Today, the blockbuster man is equal parts physicality, charisma, swagger, and a wink at the absurd. GQ leans into the irony, staging Powell as both the symbol and the send up of hypermasculine archetypes.

Courtesy of GQ

Beyond the cover shoot, the issue asks harder questions: Are men okay? How should a man be right now? By surveying students, podcasters, surgeons, designers, and nearly two thousand American men, GQ dissects how masculinity has evolved, devolved, and how it is being performed today. It is cultural commentary dressed as glossy entertainment, humor, critique, and self awareness rolled into one.

What makes this issue hit even harder is how well balanced it is. It is refreshing to see a major magazine stand up for men in the right way, without turning the topic into something heavy handed. The tone is cool, the message is clear, and the delivery is spot on. GQ proves that you can challenge toxic narratives while still keeping it sharp, entertaining, and relevant.