Scholastic Unveils First of Seven New Harry Potter Covers

Feb 13, 2013

Posted by: Melissa Anelli

Cover Art

Scholastic revealed today the first of seven new covers for the Harry Potter novels, marking the first time their versions have not featured artwork by series originator Mary GrandPre. The new artist is best selling graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi (see HI-RES here):



According to the release, each new cover will depict a distinctive and memorable moment from the respective book. The collection will be released in September as a box set.

“The Harry Potter covers by Mary GrandPré are so fantastic and iconic’ said Kibuishi. “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.”

Kiubuishi is an Eisner-nominated artist best known for his ongoing Amulet series of graphic novels and comic collection Copper, both published by Scholastic. He founded and edits the Flight Anthologies, and created Daiy Kutter: The Last Train, a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults. He lives in California. (Website / Twitter.)

The Mary Grandpre artwork will continue to feature on US hardcover and digest paperback editions.


What do you think? Is the 15 year anniversary time for a change? Do you want to own these versions?





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.