From the magnificent Hogwarts castle and fierce dragons of the Triwizard Tournament to stormy Quidditch matches and charming spells, every little detail from the vivid Harry Potter universe created by J.K Rowling is etched in the minds of Potterheads young and old. While the films went a long way to bring the Wizarding World to life, readers of the books can experience the magic visually with the series of illustrated books. British illustrator and Kate Greenaway Medal winner Jim Kay has continued to bring us the charms and nuances of the magical universe through his illustrations of the series.
With Bloomsbury Children’s Books having just released Jim Kay and Neil Packer-illustrated Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix on October 11, 2022, readers are in for a visual treat. What makes this release bittersweet and special, is that it is the last labour of love by Kay before he steps down from the role of illustrator, a position he was committed to for over a decade. The publishing house will however continue to work with new illustrators for the rest of the books in the series.
In an official press release, Jim Kay said, ‘’When I received a phone call back in 2013 with an offer of an illustration job, I could never have anticipated the impact it would have upon my life. I am extremely lucky to have been involved in a franchise that has meant so much to so many people across the world. After ten years of working with Bloomsbury, it is with great sadness that I have to step down from illustrating Harry Potter. I have been struggling with mental health illness for some time, and it would be wrong to try and continue when I can no longer give the fans and the series the full commitment and energy it deserves. We’ve all found inspiration between the pages of Jo’s [ J.K Rowling] books; for myself, it’s that intangible moment between reading words and creating pictures that I enjoyed, and shall miss, so much.’’
To celebrate the release of the new book, My Kolkata Potterheads go down memory lane and flip through the five books in the illustrated series…
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Hagrid and Harry's first meeting and (right) a portrait of Draco Malfoy from the illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Published in October 2015, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone marked the beginning of the journey for Kay as illustrator and introduced readers to the world of magic. Kay’s drawings introduce the first-time reader to the Wizarding World in all its colourful glory and give returning readers a new looking glass for characters and iconic scenes. Hagrid’s first meeting with an 11-year-old Harry, Harry finding his way to the Platform 9 ¾ and his first encounter with his best friends and school nemesis — the illustration of Draco Malfoy was the subject of much conversation when the book released. Action-packed Quidditch matches and many more moments are experienced anew in this first instalment of the series, beginning a magical journey again.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The next in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, published in 2016, deepens the mysteries surrounding Hogwarts castle. From learning about magical creatures and new spells to the comical appearance of house elves and muggle artefacts, the book is a whirlwind of adventure, discovery, knowledge and a test of friendship.
We see Harry’s first tangible introduction to the darker side of magic with an accidental foray into Knockturn Alley. We meet Dobby and are introduced to the visual appearance of house elves through Kay’s drawings. Highlights of the illustrated details include the self-obsessed Gilderoy Lockhart, Hagrid’s beloved acromantula Aragog and not to mention the terrifying Basilisk, among others.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The Marauders Map and (right) Buckbeak in Hagrid's hut from the illustrated version of 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'
The Knight Bus and the bumpy ride it provides to those on board truly sets the mood for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2017), and is one of the most iconic illustrations from the book. Harry’s brush with the dark side continues and more importantly, his knowledge of the grey parts of the Wizarding World deepens in this book, and the slightly dark tones of the illustrations for some scenes bring out the teenage protagonist's moods through it very well. From the darkness of Azkaban to the majestic hippogriff Buckbeak and the terrifying dementors being repelled by Harry's glowing patronus stag, Kay gives it his all in this book. The illustrations aim to highlight the conflict and juggle between light and dark, depending on the mood of the storyline. Furthermore, they are spread over an entire page or even two pages at a time to amp up the visual effect for the readers.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, released in 2019, broadened the geographical limits of the magicverse by introducing the readers to the Triwizard Tournament. From seeing Voldemort take form for the first time to friendships being tested and new enemies being made, the book makes the first forays into introducing readers to the magnitude of the danger waiting to befall the Wizarding World. As Harry beats fiery dragons, fights underwater creatures and loses his new friend Cedric Diggory in the graveyard, the year at Hogwarts gets a lot darker.
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
On a ‘light’er note, the recently released Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix is a turning point, full of hope and faith and where we see the leaders emerge in Harry and the members of Dumbledore’s Army. A newer generation of witches and wizards takes on the baton of responsibility to fight for justice against the newly resurrected Dark Lord. Kay and Packer take it up a notch with their incredible illustrations of ‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,’ young wizards and witches learning about Occlumency, the enchanting world inside the ancestral Black home and Order of the Phoenix headquarters, 12 Grimmauld Place, and the enchanting world of prophecies.
A perfect Diwali gift for all Potterheads, the books are available at your nearest bookstores or can be ordered online.
