The 7 best Harry Potter covers of all time

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The story of Harry Potter and the wizarding world will live forever, but the book cover art that depicts his adventures will not. The Universe assembled our favorite pieces of cover art for each of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels to celebrate yet another new collection of covers that will go on sale in October from Scholastic Inc.

http://bookriot.com/2014/08/13/35-harry-potter-covers-including-new-ones/
Image courtesy of Book Riot (http://bookriot.com/2014/08/13/35-harry-potter-covers-including-new-ones/)

“Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s/Philosopher’s Stone” winner: Scholastic, Kazu Kibuishi edition

In Harry’s first literary adventure, J.K. Rowling introduces the reader to an enchantingly odd world of witches and wizards. Kibuishi’s cover scene, which depicts Harry’s first trip to Diagon Alley with Rubeus Hagrid, captures the sense of joyful awe Harry experiences as he enters the wizarding world for the first time.

http://gallery.the-leaky-cauldron.org/picture/52224
Image courtesy of The Leaky Cauldron (http://gallery.the-leaky-cauldron.org/picture/52224)

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” winner: Say-zan-sha, Dan Schlesinger Japanese edition 

Schlesinger’s depiction of Salazar Slytherin’s creepy, shade-throwing eyes made this cover art rise above the rest. Most of the other Harry Potter covers in production feel very polished, but the rough lines and grainy texture used here make you look twice and wonder if this version of the novel has some additional secrets to discover. Also, extra points for a rare appearance by Fawkes, the best magical creature in the series.

http://www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban-childrens-paperback-9781408855676/
Image courtesy of Bloomsbury (http://www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban-childrens-paperback-9781408855676/)

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” winner: Bloomsbury, Jonny Duddle children’s edition 

Look at the power surging from Harry’s wand in this image! Duddle captured Harry’s strength and triumph here masterfully, helping the reader to recognize The Boy Who Lived is becoming a capable wizard.

Image courtesy of Scholastic (http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/harrypotter)

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” winner: Scholastic, Mary GrandPré original edition 

The American classic can’t be beat here. This novel has a lot going on within its 734 pages, but GrandPré wisely chose to focus on the allure, mystery, danger and risky fun of the Triwizard Tournament.

http://mscorley.blogspot.com/2009/02/harry-potter-redesign.html
Image courtesy of M.S. Corley (http://mscorley.blogspot.com/2009/02/harry-potter-redesign.html)

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” winner: M.S. Corley fan art

While this cover is technically fan art, it captured the spirit of the Order of the Phoenix better than the official offerings from Scholastic and Bloomsbury. The orb shattering to expose an unknown prophecy, its contents leaking like black ink onto the clean page, is a stark image that represents the increasingly grim circumstances the wizarding world faces in this book.

http://harrypotterfanzone.com/book-6/cover-art/hbp_signature-2/
Image courtesy of Harry Potter Fan Zone (http://harrypotterfanzone.com/book-6/cover-art/hbp_signature-2/)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” winner: Bloomsbury, Claire Melinsky signature edition

This caught our eye because of the emphasis on Albus Dumbledore. Harry looks on from the background as Dumbledore takes center stage (er, rock) and wields the Elder Wand in a whimsical, but powerful show of magic.

Image courtesy of Harry Potter Wikia (http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070927074347/harrypotter/images/1/15/Hp7.jpg)
Image courtesy of Harry Potter Wikia (http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070927074347/harrypotter/images/1/15/Hp7.jpg)

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” winner: Scholastic, Mary GrandPré original edition 

GrandPré wins again because she chose Harry to be the main cover model for the final novel, which only seems fair since the series documented his magical (and rather dangerous) adolescence. Gone is the wide-eyed eleven-year-old who was pushed around by his pig-tailed cousin; instead the reader sees the brave, prepared wizard Harry has grown to be.

Author’s Note: Why are there no memes of Harry holding The Book of Mormon in his hand? Somebody get on that.

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