Tyler Kieft

The cover art for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has been released, and as usual, Mary GrandPré has done a fantastic job. The US edition of the seventh book follows the tradition of the previous six in placing Harry front and center. Voldemort, however, appears for the first time, his snakelike eyes locked on Harry and his gnarled hands extending from under his billowing cloak. Follow the link to view the full front and back cover image.

One of my favorite things about the US Harry Potter covers is that each has its own completely unique color scheme that makes it possible to tell the books apart at a glance. Deathly Hallows is drawn in largely yellows, oranges, and browns, which to me either signals rebirth or death (sunrise/sunset), although right now I’m leaning towards death because of the title and also because the cover feels slightly dark and foreboding. Both Harry and Voldemort are wearing brown cloaks, which is very intriguing. Is it just a visual reminder of their fateful connection, or does it signify something more?

The cover, of course, provokes many questions. What is the setting? They seem to be in a large outdoor arena or stage. It looks like the area in the Department of Mysteries where Sirius falls “behind the veil.” Is it the Deathly Hallows? Who are all the people in the background - Death Eaters, members of the Order of the Phoenix, or both? Why are Harry and Voldemort both wandless? However, the detail that provokes my interest the most is: why is Harry not looking at Voldemort in the full cover image!? Even though Voldemort is looking at Harry, both appear to be casting spells towards something that is beyond the curtain. This may be simply because they are on opposite covers of the book, but I think that it is actually a really important clue. Could Harry and Voldemort be working together to accomplish something? Seems preposterous to me. More likely is the possibility that Harry is sacrificing himself to save whatever he is looking at. What’s clear is that either way things don’t look good for Harry.  After seeing this cover, I am much more inclined to believe those that think he is going to die in the story. Only 114 more (long) days until these and many other questions will be answered.

One last thought: The US cover art absolutely blows away the UK editions. Harry looks like a maniac on the UK Deathly Hallows cover. Mary GrandPré has a unique, visually appealing style that has really helped to define the Potter series.

You can view the full, high-resolution cover images of both of the US and UK editions of Deathly Hallows at The Leaky Cauldron.