HOLLYWOOD—In one corner we have Harry, Ron and Hermione, the characters of the acclaimed franchise “Harry Potter,” based on the books by J.K. Rowling. In the other corner, we have Bella, Jacob and Edward, the characters of the “Twilight” series, based on the popular novels by Stephanie Meyer. They’re two acclaimed franchises that have no similarities except they’re consumed heavily by the public. But who has the bigger fan base?

I know what you’re thinking: You have to be crazy to stir up this debate. It just has to be done. “Twilight: Eclipse” just opened to more than $180 million in June, and the final chapter of the “Harry Potter” films “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I” hits theaters in November. These are two franchises that have changed pop culture as we know it. Both series have created excitement about reading for children, teens and even adults, which is fantastic. Anytime you have children waiting at a bookstore for a book to be released, that’s a great sign.

Fans of both series either come out dressed in attire that represents the film or wearing t-shirts of their favorite characters, but I must admit I’ve seen much more “Twilight” paraphernalia in stores and on fans, than “Harry Potter.”  Let’s take a look at the basis for both series. “Harry Potter” is about a boy who comes to discover that he is a wizard, and fully accepts his fate that he must destroy Lord Voldermort with the help of his best friends.“Twilight” revolves around a love triangle between Bella Swan, who falls in love with vampire Edward Cullen, but still harbors feelings for her best friend and werewolf Jacob Black. The “Twilight” films have turned Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattison into blockbuster stars that are sure to have fulfilling film careers. Of course the argument can be made for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, but I don’t see any of the three starring in any major Hollywood films after the final film is released in 2011.

However, “Potter” has a big edge over “Twilight” when it comes to book sales. I have never seen Borders or Barnes and Noble more packed with eager tweens (and adults) waiting to get their hands on the next chapter of the series. I’ve even seen tweens sitting in the bookstore actually reading the book only mere moments after they’ve purchased it. Whenever a series sells more than 400 million copies worldwide, it’s a sign that J.K. Rowling has a knack for storytelling and knows what she’s doing. The books have consistently delivered with each chapter leading up to the finale, which promises to be epic. All I know is that one of the main characters is rumored to die. Guess you’ll either have to read the book or see the film to find out. A Harry Potter theme park recently opened in June at Universal Studios inOrlando, so this is just a testament to the power of the franchise.

Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” first hit shelves in 2005 and became a hit on the New York Times Best Seller List, peaking at number one. The book became a popular item in 2008 right before the release of the first film in the series. The second chapter, “New Moon” was released in 2006, while “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn” were released in 2007 and 2008. The novels have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, a large number for a series that many deem to be too dark for kids, but if you factor in the response that series has received as a film, its popularity has blown out “Harry Potter” on a variety of levels. “New Moon” opened to more than $142 million in November 2009 in  three days, while “Eclipse” grossed more than $30 million for its midnight openings alone. The “Harry Potter” franchise has grossed more than $5 billion worldwide and looks to add to that amount with the final installment being broken into two films, and they’ll be presented in 3D; that’s extra money consumers are willing to spend for the evolution of 3D cinema. “Breaking Dawn” is also expected to be two films, whether it’ll be shot in 3D is still up for debate.

As you can see each franchise has it pros. They’ve both sold millions of books and huge box office numbers, but in terms of a fan base, I give a slight edge to “Twilight.” The series has not only interested teen girls, but adults as well. It’s a phenomenon that more and more people want to know about, and that drives people to learn about the books or to see the films.Ultimately, the decision will lie in the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in November. If the film opens to huge box office numbers and reignites the book series, “Twilight” might be in for a surprise, but then again “Breaking Dawn” is set to hit theaters in 2011.  What would be great is to have both films open on the same day, and prove which series has a bigger fan base.