Admirable Features: Pottermore's Artwork.

Say Hi to Pottermore's Slughorn!

I've said it before in my commentary on moments and I'll say it again. For the most part, the artwork is wonderful. The layering is well done, and it's usually a treat to see how the team puts together moments. So further discussion after the break

The talented folks that make the pretty pictures we like.
Yay them!

First I'd like to make a BIG distinction here... this is less praising Pottermore and more praising their team at Atom Hawk Design. So who are the Atom Hawks? Well, they're the people that designed the Pottermore we see. Every Graphic, every detail, that's them. This is a group that works with film concept art, as well as the art on Pottermore and it shows with a LOT of the art in the later moments starting to take on a more cinematic feel that would be akin to a rather well done final story board shot. Whether this is intentional or not, it can somewhat reflect in how the animation and zooms work, as well as the new "film strip" navigation that was added after the removal of the gateway.

So aside from it looks good, does it hold up to the other book art and movies we've seen?

The original

Sadly, not really. Aside from it's unique style as a somewhat cinematic storybook, the artwork has tough competition, and while I do rather like it's take on the rise of Voldemort, the fight between Lupin and Sirius, and the over all design of Slughorn (see above, compare to other Slughorns below), it's almost unfair to Atom Hawk that they have to compete with the films, and the art from the books that have ultimately become the face of the series. Maybe, maybe Pottermore's art will stand out at some point, and get a bit more recognition, the recognition it deserves, but sadly, it probably won't. Pottermore's art is a fantastic aspect of the site, but due to the competition it faces, it likely won't stand out through the ages as much as if it was used in the actual books, the film series, or even an animated series.

The film

I would not, however, be surprised if instead, Pottermore's artists at Atom Hawk get some recognition with Fantastic Beasts. Hopefully, Rowling and Warner Brothers have hired these talented artists to help with concepts for Fantastic Beasts, to provide a good fit with the magical world, and better tie into Pottermore that should help it stand out over time.