When Dune released in early 2021 the film, starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, was met with acclaim from both critics and fans, and now Legendary Comics is releasing a graphic novel adaptation of the epic movie. Beginning as a Kickstarter, the comic adaptation quickly met it’s goal and is now fully funded, meaning that fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, or Denis Villeneuve’s film, will soon be able to get their hands on a beautifully illustrated graphic novel of the iconic science-fiction series.
The plot of both Herbert’s and Villeneuve’s Dune, which is the third film adaptation of the series, follows Paul and his noble House Atreides, led by his father, as they descend into political intrigue and vicious warfare for control of the inhospitable, Mars-like planet of Arrakis. Arrakis is home to the mind-altering and extremely potent drug “spice,” which is integral for continued interstellar travel, so control of the planet gives immense power to its possessor. The legendary Dune Saga by Herbert, first published in 1965, is often referred to as the best-selling science-fiction series of all time, and his expansive and descriptive visuals paved the way for much future sci-fi media, making the graphic novel a perfect medium for the story, especially given it can embrace the movie’s incredible aesthetic choices while expanding even further without the constraints of big-screen budgeting.
Legendary Comics graphic novel Dune – with the adaptation written by Lilah Sturges (Lumberjanes), with artwork by Drew Johnson (Godzilla Dominion) and unique digital coloring by Zid (Kingdom Kong) – will bring Paul Atreides’ story to life, and feature movie-accurate depictions of the star-studded cast’s characters, including Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, and Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho. Additionally, the cover is drawn by Bill Sienkiewicz, the artist of the original 1984 Marvel Comics adaptation of David Lynch’s Dune, with variant covers done by Drew Johnson, Zid, John Ridgway (Doctor Who), and Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween). Check out Legendary Entertainment’s trailer for the graphic novel below:
The Legendary Comics Kickstarter for its Dune graphic novel adaptation included a wide array of amazing original collectibles, past the already breathtaking 130+ page comic book, such as vials of “spice,” replicas of the Bene Gesserit’s Gom Jabbar Needle, and the House Atreides Signet Ring. While the Kickstarter is now closed, and not taking any more pledges, hopefully Legendary will make these gorgeous and unique collectibles available for fans in the future. Legendary Comics’ official synopsis of the graphic novel reveals:
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, Dune, based on Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence – a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential – only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
With Dune: Part Two‘s script almost completed by Villenueve there is going to continue to be epic Dune content for the foreseeable future. However, during the long wait for the film’s release, fans should be sure to pick up Legendary Comics‘ graphic novel adaptation of Dune: Part One when it releases May 31, 2022.
