Adapted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Illustrated by Raul Allen

Abrams ComicArts, out now

Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi epic is adapted into a multi-volume graphic novel for the first time, courtesy of the author’s son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

‘Now a Major Motion Picture’ announces a message on Bill Sienkiewicz’ beautiful cover art, an event which sadly has not come to pass, this release designed to tie-in with Denis Villeneuve’s movie, which has shifted to late next year (and controversially simultaneously on HBO Max in the States). In which case, this new adaptation by the heirs to the series – Herbert and Anderson have published over a dozen prequel/sequel novels since 1999 – is an accessible introduction to the first third of the novel, following the Atreides family as they assume control of desert planet Arrakis, taking over from the Harkonnens.

The hardcover book clocks up 163 pages, and in the Preface by both authors they state their intention to make a definitive version of the source rather than trying to create their own interpretation or modifying it. The look (from costumes to architecture) is designed to be as close to Herbert’s prose as possible, without being influenced by the visual look created for the movies and miniseries.

Different colour palettes help delineate different environments, and while there’s detail in the backgrounds, they’re never in danger of eclipsing the narrative. Not having to match the likenesses of particular actors, the main characters still occasionally look like the cast from the David Lynch or Villeneuve versions, but that’s because they’re so well-described on the page. There’s a lot of text on the page, but if Herbert’s text is to be preserved then this is essential, and the ratio of word to imagery is an agreeable balance.

By the end of the volume, which follows the first of the volumes three sub-books – Dune – the Harkonnens have conquered Arrakis, the Atreides are in the wilderness or dead, and the spice has been controlled. Book 2, Muad’Dib isn’t due out until Spring 2022, so there’s plenty of time to work your way through this first volume – Herbert and Anderson also script the current ongoing comic book series Dune: House Atreides.

If, like me, you’re very familiar with Frank Herbert’s novel, you’ll have great fun in recognising and replaying favourite scenes with this accessible and fresh new interpretation of a classic. And if you’re new to the richly-drawn world of back-stabbing tyrants, witches and giant worms, what a great way to immerse yourself. Less a summarised adaptation and more a different way to read the text.

Verdict: “A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct…” And that’s surely the mantra followed by all involved in this authentic new take on Frank Herbert’s seminal novel. 10/10

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk