Rowling Contributes “Harry Potter” Quote to Comic Book Tribute

After the horrific mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub June 12 of this year, comic book author and screenwriter Marc Andreyko felt moved to help. He decided to create a comic book, eventually titled “Love is Love,” that would benefit the victims.

Andreyko wanted well-known, recognizable contributors–names that would draw fans and attention to his project, reaching the widest audience possible for the good of the cause. It’s no surprise, then, to find best-selling author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, among them.

Rowling approved the inclusion of a quote from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, one of the many pithy observations of Albus Dumbledore, who she has revealed to be gay:

“Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”

The quote accompanies the amazing art of DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee. And though Andreyko views the pairing as naturally complimentary, it’s most certainly a coup. He says:

“If we get the biggest-selling author on the planet, we need the biggest artist.”

The image of Harry and his friends raising their wands in solemn tribute will undoubtedly be one of the most treasured of the volume, which was inspired by Andreyko’s childhood experiences.

“He fondly recalled the musical acts that came together for benefit concerts such as Band Aid and Live Aid and the song “We Are the World.” He noted that the format of the book — no story is over two pages long — had been chosen to help lure contributors who had tight schedules…But Mr. Andreyko found the biggest motivator was the act of expression. ‘It was therapeutic,’’ he said. ‘By doing the art, it was purging for us.’”

The book will be available for purchase in stores and online December 28th. Proceeds from the sales will go to Equality Florida, established to aid the victims and their families. Read the full New York Times feature for more on Marc Andreyko and other collaborators.