It’s hard to believe almost 15 years have passed since the magic of Harry Potter first crossed the Atlantic to the US, but, after a thorough check for the presence of theconfundus charm, I can confirm this to be correct. On the first of September 2013, Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone’s American cousin,Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, is 15. Wow.
To celebrate, Scholastic have been releasing a series of specially designed covers for a new edition of the books. The latest, for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, have been revealed this week. The new images, commissioned from graphic novelist and illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, will be available on paperback editions of the book series in US stores nationwide from 27th August. Hardback editions of the book will retain their original artwork from Mary GrandPre.
Kibuishi paints vibrant scenes for the new covers, evocative of the spirit of the books. ForGoblet of Fire, Harry is pictured in the air, facing the great Hungarian Horntail dragon in the throes of the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. ForOrder of the Phoenix, Harry is again seen in the air, this time atop a thestral as he flies with his friends on a rescue mission in one of the pivotal scenes from the book. Kibuishi’s graphic style is almost photorealistic in its detail and depth, and is a worthy complement to J K Rowling’s clever storytelling.