Papercutz Slices #1: Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring – Stefan Petrucha

Illustrations – Rick Parker

There are so many negative reviews for this Harry Potter spoof but I loved it! While I expect a lot of die hard fans of the Potterverse will be greatly offended that anyone would dare parody the brilliance of J.K. Rowling it felt to me like someone from MAD magazine had been hired to provide an overview of the series and I laughed from beginning to end.

It is over the top. There’s toilet humour. Cameos include Elmo, Yoda, Larry King and Elmer Fudd. There are jokes that are so terrible I had to laugh at their absurdity. Harry’s scar morphs from scene to scene, from question marks to dollar signs to Prince’s love symbol.

The names of the characters we know and love get a makeover. Harry Potty is friends with Don Measley and Whiny Stranger. Barista Frappe teaches Defence Against the Dark Farts at Nosewarts. Harry is constantly trying to defeat Valuemart and his Odor Eaters. Students use their toilet plungers to cast spells including “REMEMBERALLTHISSTUFFICIS!” and all poor Valuemart wants is a nose.

If your blood boils at the thought of this heresy then this is not the graphic novel for you, but if you’re not horrified that someone would dare poke fun at Harry and his mates then you may find yourself enjoying a good chuckle like I did. I definitely want to read this one again!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

The creative team behind the hit Tales from the Crypt #8 “Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid” team up again to launch this new parody series from Papercutz! Following the killing of their mentor Dumb-as-a-door by the seemingly traitorous barista Frappe, Harry Potty, Don Measley and Whiny Stranger must find a way to defeat the nose-less dark lord Value-Mart (He-Whose-Prices-Can’t-Be-Beat) and his followers, the Odor Eaters in order to avenge the death of Harry Potty’s parents and bring balance to the world of magic.

Harry Potter – The Unofficial Guide to the Collectibles of Our Favourite Wizard – Eric Bradley

You know all of that Harry Potter memorabilia you desperately want need but will never have enough Galleons for? For those of us who barely have two Knuts to rub together, this is the book to drool over while you’re feeling sorry for yourself for not having generous millionaire family members. In it you’ll find the wish list of your dreams, some of which would set you back more than what you paid for your car and others, your house. If anyone’s feeling generous, I wouldn’t reject your offer of gifting me one of J.K.’s hand-written and illustrated copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

Eric Bradley’s book takes you on a journey through such treasures as first edition signed books, movie posters, movie props, Harry Pottery (including the chair J.K. sat in while she wrote the first two books and original artwork), Harry Potter merchandise, limited edition collectibles, fandom (including a themed wedding and tattoos), and Potter-inspired collectibles.

You’ll read details and see photos of items that have sold at auction as well as those which have not been made available for sale and are used in exhibitions. For most of us this book will be as close as we get to most of these coveted items. I particularly enjoyed reading about other fans and what this series means to them.

Disclaimer: Tissues for cleaning up your drool are sold separately.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Krause Publications and F+W Media for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

A legacy of magical treasures!

Since 1997 with the publication of the first book, Harry Potter has cast a spell over millions of Muggles around the world – not the least of all bewitched collectors. Harry Potter: The Unofficial Guide to the Collectibles of Our Favourite Wizard conjures rare, extraordinary and magical treasures sprung from the Potter books and movies, and even the imaginations of fans. In its enchantingly visual pages, you’ll discover delightful riches including author J.K. Rowling’s writing chair that sold at auction for almost $400,000, first-edition books, original art, movie posters, film props, exclusives, limited-edition items, fun fandom pieces, and other wonders to behold.

So with a whisper of “accio” and a flick of your wand, summon forth the fascinating, the fantastical and the fabulous found in Harry Potter: The Unofficial Guide to the Collectibles of Our Favourite Wizard.