In the beginning, Harry Potter was a character in a children's book. Over the past 11 years, the series has transcended its genre, audience, and format, becoming a multi-billion dollar business with fans ranging from elementary school students to senior citizens.

            It's no wonder, then, that it was Harry Potter who inspired Robert Tonner to create a new kind of doll. "The Harry Potter project set us in a slightly different direction," says Robert. "We started doing 'character figures'—a cross between action figures and dolls. Finding a new market within a market is very satisfying!"

            Tonner Doll Company introduced its first Harry Potter figure in November 2005. Harry was the first character, followed by Ron and Hermione. Robert is justifiably proud of the figures. "I really think that our Harry Potter sculpts are some of the best we’ve done. I feel as if the resemblance and attitude are about as 'right on' as you can get translating a human to doll form," he says. As you might expect, Harry has been the most popular of the dolls.

            While the Potter phenomenon started with the books, the films have really driven the licensed products. "In my mind, they are all part of the same thing," says Robert. "When I read the books, I picture the actors as the characters; so I guess that the films have more visual impact to me when we’re working on the dolls."

            Of course, in both the books and movies, Harry and the other characters age over the course of their seven years at Hogwarts. How does that affect the dolls? "I have pondered 'aging' the dolls," says Robert, "but I think the collectors accept Harry at about any age—which makes sense because we’ve all grown up, or older, with Harry."

            So, which Harry Potter is Robert's favorite? "I’ve read every single book and seen every movie at least once, and I’d have to say my favorite in both cases is 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.' In both cases I was blown away by the amount of action and intrigue," he says.

            While the book series has drawn to a close and the movies are reaching their final installments, Robert is nowhere near done with the Potter dolls. The company just introduced its versions of Professor Dumbledore, Bellatrix Lestrange, Luna Lovegood, and Professor Snape. Says Robert enthusiastically, "We’re currently working on Lucius Malfoy, and I’d certainly like to make all of the Weasleys at some point!"

 

To see all of Tonner Doll Company's Harry Potter dolls, visit them online at www.tonnerdoll.com.

 

To celebrate the opening of the newest Harry Potter movie, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Doll Reader and Tonner Doll Co. are giving away a Harry Potter prize package: one doll from the Harry Potter series, a $25 movie gift card, and a box of microwave popcorn.

            To enter, write your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address on a postcard and mail it to: Doll Reader Harry Potter Contest, PO Box 10545, Lancaster PA 17605-0545. Entries must be received no later than July 1, 2009. One entry per household. The winner will be drawn immediately and notified via telephone or mail. U.S. residents only. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received.