Harry Potter series gets a makeover

MANILA, Philippines – Can you believe that it has been almost 15 years since the world of Hogwarts, muggles, Firebolts, Quidditch, and butterbeer was first introduced to us?

Last February 13, Scholastic unveiled the first of 7 new covers for the well-loved series by JK Rowling. The new paperback editions will hit shelves in September to coincide with the 15^th year anniversary of the US publication of the series.

The new covers were illustrated by American graphic artist Kazu Kibuishi, creator of the “Amulet” series of graphic novels (also published by Scholastic) and the “Flight” comic anthology.

His works mimic the soft shapes and whimsy of Mary GrandPré’s classic covers but instead of combining various plot elements in a single cover, Kibuishi depicts a pivotal scene in the book.

[See the article that went with this image in www.huffingtonpost.com]

“The Harry Potter covers by Mary GrandPré are so fantastic and iconic,” Kibuishi told Scholastic for their press release.

“When I was asked to submit samples, I initially hesitated because I didn’t want to see them reinterpreted! However, I felt that if I were to handle the project, I could bring something to it that many other designers and illustrators probably couldn’t, and that was that I was also a writer of my own series of middle grade fiction.

“As an author myself, I tried to answer the question, ‘If I were the author of the books — and they were like my own children — how would I want them to be seen years from now?’

“When illustrating the covers, I tried to think of classic perennial paperback editions of famous novels and how those illustrations tend to feel. In a way, the project became a tribute to both Harry Potter and the literary classics.”

Fans of GrandPré who believe her art is as much a part of the Harry Potter series as Harry himself have nothing to fear. The new edition books will still feature her chapter art. – With reports by Pia Ranada/Rappler.com

(What do you think of Kibuishi’s new cover designs and what are you doing to celebrate Harry Potter’s 15^th year anniversary? What is your favorite Harry Potter book and why? Tell us by posting your comment below.)