Harry Potter Fan Zone

✨ Exclusive: read part one of our interview with Wizarding World graphic designers MinaLima ✨

Bloomsbury to publish ‘Quidditch Through the Ages’ illustrated edition with artwork by Emily Gravett

1 April 2019 at 18:14 GMT

An illustrated version of Quidditch Through the Ages with new illustrations by artist Emily Gravett is on the way. Bloomsbury today announced their intention to turn the textbook into a full-colour illustrated edition for release in October 2020.

Holyhead Harpies illustrations by Emily Gravett

Emily Gravett

Bloomsbury Children’s Books today announce Emily Gravett as the artist who will create stunning images for an illustrated edition of J.K. Rowling’s Quidditch Through the Ages, sold in aid of Comic Relief and the author’s international children’s charity, Lumos. Publishing on 1st October 2020, this classic from the Hogwarts Library will be gloriously reimagined in a large, colour gift edition by the innovative and award-winning Gravett. She will use mixed media to capture the wit and spirit of J.K. Rowling’s wonderful text, using a deft combination of her signature pencil style, colour illustration, handmade realia and ingenious digital techniques.

Emily Gravett is a bestselling author/illustrator and has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. On being commissioned for this project, Emily said, ‘I am over the moon to be illustrating Quidditch Through the Ages. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would ever be asked to illustrate anything from the Potter world, but from the minute I sat down at my desk and started jotting down ideas I realised I may have landed myself my dream job. I am waking up each day excited to get to work. ’

Mandy Archer, Harry Potter Editorial Director and Head of Brand, said of Emily’s selection, ‘When we began our search to find an illustrator for Quidditch Through the Ages, Emily was always at the very top of our wishlist. She is a true original. Emily has the courage to take form and content into exciting and unexpected directions, infusing her work with an infectious sense of playfulness and fun. We cannot wait to see where she is going to take this brand new illustrated edition. ’

Emily Gravett was born in Brighton. After leaving school with few qualifications, she spent eight years living on the road before taking the BA Illustration course at Brighton University. She won the Macmillan Prize for Illustration with her first book, Wolves, which went on to win the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award for Illustration and marked the beginning of an international career creating extraordinary and innovative books for children: Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears won the Kate Greenaway Medal for her a second time. Her own picture books are published in more than 20 languages and she has also collaborated with some of the most creative writers working today including Julia Donaldson, A.F. Harrold, and Matt Haig.

Gravett joins fellow Greenaway winners Chris Riddell and Jim Kay, and fine artist Olivia Lomenech Gill in a world-class team of illustration talent chosen to create colour illustrated editions of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and Hogwarts Library books.

Quidditch Through the Ages was first published in 2001 and is arguably the most famous sports book in the wizarding world. The book contains all you will ever need to know about the history, the rules – and the breaking of the rules – of the noble sport of Quidditch. Packed with fascinating facts, this definitive guide charts the game’s history from its early origins through to the modern-day sport loved by so many wizard and Muggle families around the world. With comprehensive coverage of famous Quidditch teams, the commonest fouls, the development of racing brooms, and much more, this is a must-have sporting tome for all Harry Potter fans, Quidditch lovers and players. Quidditch Through the Ages is published in aid of Comic Relief and Lumos.

Bloomsbury unveil Jim Kay’s ‘Goblet of Fire’ illustrated edition cover artwork

12 March 2019 at 22:10 GMT

Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury today unveiled Jim Kay’s glorious cover artwork for the Goblet of Fire illustrated edition. The cover artwork is reminiscent of many of the Goblet of Fire jackets over the years, featuring Harry facing the Hungarian Horntail during the first task.

The Goblet of Fire illustrated edition will be published on 8 October of this year. Both a regular and deluxe version are currently available for preorder.

MinaLima to release limited edition ‘Harry Potter’ graphic art prints

4 March 2019 at 16:04 GMT

Harry Potter graphic design duo Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima (MinaLima) have launched a brand new series of limited edition ‘Potter’ graphic design prints.

‘You’re a wizard, Harry is the first print in the new Magical Moments from the Harry Potter films collection. This brand new series celebrates memorable magical moments from the films by reimagining them in the iconic MinaLima graphic style, beginning with this pivotal scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone where Harry receives his letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry™.’

This first print is available in both a standard and premium edition, the latter is embellished with gold foil and signed by Miraphora and Eduardo. If you’re a fan of MinaLima’s work, you can read our exclusive interview with the design duo right here.

‘Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure’ coming to Orlando’s ‘Harry Potter’ theme park

22 February 2019 at 11:59 GMT

A new ‘immersive coaster experience’ themed around Hogwarts gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid and his menagerie of magical creatures is coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will open on 13 June.

The new ride will open on 13 June 2019, and further details will be revealed in the coming months. The attraction replaces the Triwizard-themed Dragon Challengecoaster which closed in 2017.

Funko unveil 3 new ‘Harry Potter’ Pop! Vinyl figures ahead of Emerald City Comic Con

20 February 2019 at 08:59 GMT

Funko has unveiled three new Harry Potter Pop! Vinyl figures ahead of 2019’s Emerald City Comic Con in March. The 3-pack features Ginny, Fred and George Weasley in their Irish Quidditch World Cup outfits and will be sold exclusively through Barnes and Noble retailers from March 14.

Ginny, Fred and George Weasley (ECCC 2019/Barnes & Noble exclusive)

Bloomsbury to publish paperback ‘Chamber of Secrets’ illustrated edition

14 February 2019 at 22:31 GMT

Bloomsbury will publish a paperback version of the Chamber of Secrets illustrated edition from 22 August. The paperback version features new jacket artwork and is ‘redesigned in a smaller format for smaller hands’. It will include 60% of the illustrations from the 2016 hardback edition, as well as a pullout poster of Diagon Alley.

‘Chamber of Secrets’ illustrated edition (paperback)

You can preorder the paperback version over at Bloomsbury’s website.