Cover reveal: MinaLima’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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MinaLima, the graphic design duo, has finally revealed the cover of their illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, along with some first glimpses of the interior. In July 2022, the confirmation that this new edition would be released in 2023 had generated a lot of excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. This is partly due to the success of the previous editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2020) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2021).
On January 30, 2023, the duo took advantage of a live stream to announce the imminent revelation of the highly anticipated third book’s cover and gave fans a sneak peek of the interior. They shared an inside pop-up view of the Knight Bus and later in the day, another glimpse of Harry marveling at the Firebolt on Diagon Alley. The graphic designers announced that the cover and the rest of the book would be revealed later that day.
The cover, designed by MinaLima, features a deep blue color with highlights of violet, which is a reference to the famous double-decker Knight Bus. The center of the cover features Harry and Hermione riding the Hippogriff Buck above Hogwarts to save Sirius Black. The traditional ornate arch that frames the cover, which is present on every chapter head, is made up of elements depicting the decrepit boards of the Shrieking Shack. The different elements intertwined in the arch are naturally related to this book, such as the Fat Lady’s portrait, the silhouette of a Dementor, and Harry’s Firebolt.
What makes this edition unique is not just the numerous illustrations that present the story in a new light, but also the pop-up elements designed by the graphic designers. The other illustrations that were revealed reinforce this fact, such as the double-page header of Chapter 6 “Talons and Tea Leaves” which depicts a Divination class taught by Professor Trelawney. The graphic designers represented the atmosphere of the class by showing tea leaves floating in the air and a crystal ball, creating a surreal and mystical environment.
In conclusion, MinaLima has once again exceeded fans’ expectations with their latest work. The cover, along with the pop-up elements and illustrations, makes this edition a must-have for Harry Potter fans and collectors. The release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban illustrated edition is sure to reignite the passion and love for the magical world created by J.K. Rowling.
