This session was just for fun – and was so crowded, I had to wait in line and sit on the floor. Sadly, I didn’t even try to get into the mad crush for free signed copies of Harry Potter #1 (new edition with Brian’s cover). I’d just shipped my loot that morning, anyway.
Brian Selznick came to Harry Potter late – only a few years ago. (Of course he loved it.) When he was asked to create new covers, he meant to say no, but was willing to project curiosity.
He ended up deciding to make it so all 7 covers would line up to make one single image.
He wanted something to draw all 7 covers together, and his initial sketch had a looping line. Of course! It looked like a snake!
The most important part for him was the relationship between characters and the battle between good and evil.
He pointed out some details in his work. To him, Umbridge is the very most terrifying villain.
Harry Potter fans are activists.
Can you do anything to stop people loving Harry Potter? No.
Here are the covers, photographed on posters in the Convention Center:
