December 7, 2024

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Dune graphic novel - Paul Atreides

Paul Atreides

Dune graphic novel announced – see the first images

Today the happy news came that a graphic novel of Frank Herbert’s magnum opus Dune is in development. The announcement comes from Entertainment Weekly in a post that also features a number of images. The adaptation of Dune as a graphic novel will be by his son author Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The latter is a co-author on a number of novels in the Dune universe.

Dune graphic novel - Paul Atreides
Paul Atreides

The Dune graphic novel will feature illustrations by Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín. Some of their work is here on display: Paul, Duke Leto and the Lady Jessica. Their roles in the upcoming film adaptation will be played by Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac and Rebecca Ferguson respectively.

The graphic novel will feature three parts. Just as with the novel itself. The first book has a release date this October. I can only hope the other two will follow closely thereafter. Hopefully they complete the trilogy before the release of the feature film. The cover art is by Bill Sienkiewicz and all three books together form a triptych image.

Dune graphic novel - Duke Leto
Duke Leto

Dune graphic novel is more than a tie-in

It would be too easy to see the Dune graphic novel as just tie-in media for the upcoming film adaptation from director Denis Villeneuve. But Dune has a dedicated fan base who demand nothing less than the highest quality. The potential also exists for Dune to reach readers hitherto unfamiliar with the novel. Graphic novels are immensely popular. Brian Herbert – author of a number of Dune books along with Kevin J. Anderson – agrees. “I am pleased to present this faithful graphic novel adaptation of my father’s masterpiece,” Herbert said in a statement. “This is the first time Dune has ever been published in this format and will introduce many new readers to Frank Herbert’s fantastic universe.”

Dune graphic novel - Lady Jessica
Lady Jessica

Personally I cannot wait for the release of this adaptation. The writing of Frank Herbert illicit a strong visual impression. Yet the environments of the titular planet remain vague. It is interesting to know what the authors and illustrators of the Dune graphic novel will come up with.