There’s no doubt that Harry Potter – The Character Vault is a companion book that Harry Potter fans will treasure.
Produced by Titan Books the Character Vault benefits from the publisher’s long experience in making collectible hardback accessories for movies, TV shows and games. The goal each time is to re-create the familiar, in this case the wizarding world of Harry Potter, while adding something new so that there is extra value for the loyal fans who might be tempted to invest in the hardback. Titan Books’ formula for achieving this is to make sure they have plenty of art and photography to display expertly through the book and a contributing author who knows their stuff.
In the case of Harry Potter – The Character Vault Titan Books has Jody Revenson at the helm. Revenson already has titles like Harry Potter – The Creature Vault to her name, has edited for Disney , worked for DC Comics and freelance. She’s written extensively about Harry Potter and knows her stuff.
The Character Vault uses behind the scenes images, concept art and stills from filming to bring the key and supporting characters of the movies to life. As the monster book is separate some characters, like Dobby, aren’t here but there’s a brief mention of the ghosts (who were, after all, once human).
In a nutshell the book is divided like this; the Hogwarts Students (Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Fred and George, Ginny, Draco and Luna Lovegood), the Hogwarts Staff, the Triwizard Tournament (Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, Drumstrange, Rita Skeeter), the Order of the Pheonix (which includes James and Lilly Potter), Dark Forces (including Voldemort), Ministry of Magic and then the Families.
Additionally, there’s a chapter entirely on student robes and sportswear that feels like essential reading for cosplayers, one of the Celebrations and an epilogue that looks at the nineteen years later snapshot after the final battle.
Overall? The book feels like great value. It’s something I’d target as a gift to give to the huge Potterverse fans I know.
The following video tour uses colour and focus filters.
My copy of Harry Potter – The Character Vault was provided for review.
