Magical New Changes to an Old Favorite

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Everyone knows the tale of Harry Potter, “The Boy Who Lived.” We grew up with him, following his every move for almost a decade as he fought against the Dark Lord. Harry Potter was a big part of all our lives, and whether it was a new book or the next movie, we were never at loss for new material. However, the final book came out in 2007, while the last movie came out in 2011, and there are only so many times you can reread the books or rewatch the movies before you need more Harry. And even though J.K. Rowling releases bits of information now and then about the Wizarding World and a prequel series is in the works for a 2017 release (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), the world is experiencing the biggest Harry Potter withdrawal since its conception. Thankfully for all the Potterheads out there, the biggest innovation to the series since the movies just came out on October 6th: an illustrated version.

The first illustrated Harry Potter book to be released, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, features hundreds of never-before-seen, full-color illustrations of iconic Potter scenes and characters. As for the other six books, an illustrated version of each will be released in chronological order over the next six years (one being released each fall). If you can’t wait that long, you can spend your time exploring the newly redesigned Pottermore, the website that keeps you updated on the doings of the famous trio and answers some questions such as Where did Harry’s parents get their fortune?

With all seven Harry Potter books to be re-released in full color, it is definitely a good time to be a Harry Potter fan. But wait, there’s more. In the summer of 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be open in West End, the British form of Broadway. Not much is known about the play at this point,  but we do know that it will be in two parts, so you are going to have to go to the theatre two days in a row to see the whole thing (or just go to a matinee and evening showing). The play is apparently a sequel to the original series (Harry Potter 8 is finally happening!) and it will revolve around Harry’s son Albus Potter’s  struggle to live up to his family name and Harry’s struggle to keep up with all the work he has at the Ministry (potentially a new evil wizard?). Unfortunately, the only way to see the play right now is to go all the way to England, but hopefully the production will be a success and hop over the pond to Broadway soon!