Dune Messiah Graphic Novel Arrives Ahead of Denis Villeneuve’s Next Film

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three opens on Dec. 18, and its trailers show major changes to the source material. After dividing Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune into two films, Villeneuve is ending his trilogy with an adaptation of Herbert’s 1969 sequel, Dune Messiah. A graphic novel version of the sequel arrives on Nov. 3.

Frank Herbert’s son Brian Herbert wrote the graphic novel with his regular collaborator Kevin J. Anderson. The pair have written a dozen Dune prequels and sequels, beginning with Dune: House Atreides in 1999. Their Great Schools of Dune books also provided some of the inspiration for HBO’s prequel series Dune: Prophecy.

Michael Shelfer illustrates Dune Messiah. He previously worked with Herbert and Anderson on the graphic novel adaptation of their prequel Dune: House Harkonnen. Bill Sienkiewicz, whose work includes The New Mutants and Moon Knight, painted the cover.

An exclusive first look

The graphic novel follows Herbert’s book. Paul Atreides is Emperor of the known universe, but powerful forces want to end his rule. Abrams ComicArts gave Polygon an exclusive excerpt in which a conspiracy takes shape among Paul’s wife Princess Irulan, former Imperial Truthsayer Reverend Mother Mohiam, Tleilaxu Face Dancer Scytale, and Guild Navigator Edric.

Paul’s fanatically loyal followers, prophetic abilities, and tactical mind make him a formidable opponent. The Tleilaxu plan to manipulate him using the corpse of his slain swordmaster, Duncan Idaho.

“Dune Messiah, Frank Herbert’s sequel to Dune, was a surprise to readers in its tone and message and how the great hero Paul Atreides falls to corruption and treachery,” Anderson said in a statement. “In interpreting this story in a faithful, scene-by-scene graphic novel, we focused on the scope of the vast landscapes, the color of the culture, and the characters struggling with forces beyond their control. Michael Shelfer’s art makes the story expansive and a delight for the reader’s eye.”

Dune Messiah: Book 1 will be available at booksellers on Nov. 3. The graphic novel is divided into two books, so readers who want the full story before seeing Villeneuve’s film can turn to Herbert’s original novel.

Source: Polygon