Bloomsbury Publishing has revealed a new look for Harry Potter and his wizarding world. They come with the announcement that the publishing firm are working on a new deluxe hardback edition of the book that will be loaded with 110 full-colour illustrations and a unique cover done by renowned artist, Jim Kay (a Kate Greenaway Medal winner).
The images, which you will find below, bring a new kind of realism and darkness to them that even the movies didn’t quite reach. What I, personally, really like about them is that Jim Kay has moved away from the Daniel Radcliffe and movie-influenced designs that we’ve seen more recently and given the characters a look that seems to come straight from his interoperation of the book.
The pictures are, of course, of Hagrid, Hermione, Malfoy and Ron. Also, if just four images aren’t quite enough to keep you satisfied until the book’s release later this year then spend some time admiring them… there may be more to see than you first thought. For example, if you zoom in on the carvings on the wall behind Hermione you will find some nice little easter-eggs and even a cheeky nod (that, I will say creates a paradox) by the artist 🙂
“To be given the opportunity to design the characters, the clothing, the architecture and landscapes to possibly the most expansive fantasy world in children’s literature, well let’s just say I’m extremely excited about it,” said the artist, Jim Kay. “The story is everything, and so I want to bring what I can to really show the depth of Rowling’s stories, to their best.”
In addition to the hardcover and all the images, this edition will include a ribbon marker (bookmark to most of us!), head and tail bands (to keep it nice and secure for many years to come), illustrated endpapers (cause no one likes boring white ones, right?) and artwork on every spread (cause it’s deluxe, you see!).
The first book – The Philosopher’s Stone – has been given a release date of 6th October 2015. It has also been announced that illustrated editions of all seven books will be available at a rate of one a year for the next 7 years (meaning the illustrated Deathly Hallows will be with us in 2021!).
What do you guys think? Is it indeed time we leave the Daniel Radcliffe inspired Harry Potter looks behind? Is darkness the way to go when it comes to illustrating Harry Potter? And, how do you think Jim Kay’s ‘Harry Potter’ character will look?
P.S. No, I’m not going to leave you wondering whether you’ve spotted the same easter egg as I did… I’m not that cruel. Here, check this out:
Jennie Ivins
Richard Marpole
Damn… love that dark, gritty style. Just what that series needed: a makeover!
Looks like Tom Riddle carved his name into the door too