Zoo Weekly courts controversy with Anzac edition

Men's magazine Zoo Weekly have come under fire for their commemorative Anzac edition, which features a bikini-clad model holding a poppy on its cover.

Also featured on the cover of the magazine, released on Monday in the lead-up to Anzac Day on Saturday, are the articles "100 Things Every Aussie Should Know About Gallipoli" and "Diggers Describe WWI In Their Own Words".

Billed as a "special commemorative issue", the word Anzac is not featured on the magazine's cover.

However, in an advertisement posted to its Facebook page, the issue is touted as being a "Special Anzac Centenary Issue".

The reaction on social media has been mixed.

While most have expressed outrage with the magazine's special edition, others weren't surprised.

"Stay Classy Zoo Weekly," Twitter user Nathan Bungey wrote.

"Can only hope they fine Zoo Weekly at least $Z00,000," fellow Twitter user LewSOS added.

"The cover invites more jokes than I could conceivably tweet," JustAnotherFilmNerd said.

Speaking with Crikey, a spokesperson for the Department of Veterans Affairs said they had attempted to contact Zoo Weekly to request the removal of the advertising, but are yet to receive a response.

Use of the word 'Anzac' has been protected since 1921, with fines of up to $51,000 and potential imprisonment for misusing the word.

But this isn't the first time Zoo Weekly have come under fire for publishing scantily clad women as a way to commemorate the Anzacs.

In 2006, Nikki Webster was featured in a "For the boys Anzac Day special", also posing in a bikini – which was met with similar criticism.