Bloomsbury Books have revealed the first picture of their ‘new’ Harry Potter. Unlike some of the other images they’ve released that will feature in the upcoming Illustrated Editions of the Harry Potter books, this image by Jim Kay can’t be called a complete reimagining. It certainly looks and feels very similar to the artwork in/on other books and you’d be hard pressed to deny a likeness to Daniel Radcliffe in the first Harry Potter movie.
Here is the image that shows Harry Potter in the cupboard under the stairs where the Dursleys make him sleep:
‘Harry was used to spiders, because the cupboard under the stairs was full of them, and that was where he slept.’Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Although we were kind of hoping for an almost unrecognisable Harry, just for a talking point, I guess it would be impossible for Harry to look ‘too’ different from how we’ve seen him before. The fact he is a protagonist and described so much within J.K. Rowling’s books, means that there is little room for an Artists own inspiration to play with his appearance (again, unlike some of the other characters who look very different from previous manifestations; examples of which can be seen below). What I do love about this and all the other designs though is that from book one they are fairly dark. The early Harry Potter books have always been presented to readers quite childish in previous art work. This image certainly gives a darker vibe more intone with how the series develops.
The Illustrated Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will be Published globally on October 6th, 2015. The hardback edition will include ribbon marker, head and tail bands, illustrated endpapers and colour on every spread. It is to be published in more than twenty-one languages around the world with all co-editions including Jim Kay’s stunning artwork.
Fiona Noble of the The Bookseller who has been lucky enough to see the finished collector’s item said that: “I’m willing to call this the most handsome and desirable gift book of the year. It is stunning … with full colour illustrations throughout from Greenaway Medal winner Kay, who breathes incredible life into these much-loved characters and locations, staying faithful to Rowling’s vision but revitalising the story for a new generation.”
Jennie Ivins
Richard Marpole
That artwork really is stunning. Great article.