Originally Posted by
Tallulah
Apart from the monsters in the Fire Cavern, which stay at Level 8, for some reason (I went back and checked out of curiosity, when I was Level 40 or something), monsters are at a similar level to the characters. If the characters are at different levels, e.g. Squall Level 20, Rinoa Level 16 and Selphie Level 14, then the monsters' levels are usually the average, so the monsters will be around Level 16-17. I don't think the GFs are taken into account, as they are only associated with the technical stuff within the characters' junctions.
As for the magazines, I don't think they are available in the first disc, apart from the March one, but I never really looked. However, if you have all the equipment for an upgrade, even if you haven't gotten the magazine, you will be able to get it regardless. Hence why it is possible to get Lionheart on Disc 1, if you are patient enough. :)