Dune
The Graphic Novel, Book 1
The first part of Frank Herbert’s seminal science fiction work is adapted in the faithful, dazzling graphic novel Dune.
Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, whose father, Duke Leto Atreides, has just been awarded ministry of the desolate planet Arrakis, where water is scarce and giant sandworms roam the desert landscape. Arrakis is valuable because of the spice found there, and the planet’s previous owners, the Harkonnens, are looking to reclaim it. A traitor within Leto’s ranks leads to Paul and his mother Jessica, a witch of the Bene Gesserit order, escaping into the desert, seeking shelter with the Fremen, a group of natives known for their independence and self-sufficiency.
The story features Shakespearean-level intrigue and drama, as well as religious, political, and environmental themes, and the book’s uncompressed pace allows for their full realization. Characters’ inner thoughts, shown in captions and distinguished by different colored backgrounds for clarity, are a prominent feature. They offer remarkable intimacy and depth despite the large cast of characters, while incredible art delivers the strong sense of place that makes Arrakis such a fascinating and complete world. Each member of the large cast is always recognizable, and the action is clear, but the exquisite color and richness of details, as of the flow of fabrics and the depiction of distinct textures, raise the book to another level.
The core of what made Dune a great science fiction novel has been preserved, and to it are added vibrant visuals in Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1—a resoundingly successful adaptation.
Reviewed by
Peter Dabbene
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
