Waiting is the mind killer.
Fans of Frank Herbert’s seminal science fiction and fantasy series, Dune, have been anxiously waiting for the release of visionary director Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic version of the Hugo Award and Nebula Award-winning novel.
Dune, in its latest silver-screen incarnation, was supposed to have been released in the fall of last year. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, even the spice had to halt production.
After much consternation in terms of the form of its release, the film has been delayed by a full eleven months and will find its way to an eager audience this October. Like may of you, I can’t wait.
Although I’m a fan of David Lynch’s Dune, the first big-screen adaptation released in 1984, and, like many around the world, am enamoured with Herbert’s world-building and the pop culture zeitgeist that the Dune series of books has fashioned for itself, truth be told, I haven’t actually read the books.
It’s a sin I aim to atone for, with a handsome hardcover compilation of the first three books in the series sitting by my bedside, beckoning to be opened and completed before the new film comes out.
While we wait with anticipation, Boom! Studios has been presenting fans with added colour and depth to the Dune mythos in a series of tie-in comic books.
Last year, Dune: House Atreides was released to much acclaim, giving readers an in-depth look at the inner workings of the valiant family of the forthcoming Dune film.
Today, meanwhile, sees readers turn their thirsty gaze to the Emperor’s ferocious military.
The Sardaukar are born and bred to be fighters. Supremely feared across the galaxy, they are ruthless, cunning, and unbeatable in their military activities. More than that, they are completely devoted to the machinations of the galactic Emperor.
In Dune: Blood of the Sardaukar, readers finally get inside their warrior ranks and learn what makes and drives the ruthless men.
Written by acclaimed novelists, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, and gorgeously illustrated by Adam Gorham (The New Mutants: Dead Souls, Punk Mambo), Dune: Blood of the Sardaukar tells the story of Jopati Kolona, an elite soldier of the order. It takes a deep dive into his mind, where he is forced to confront his life-long hatred for House Atreides and choose between his borne and bred duty and the idea of forgiveness.
Dune: Blood the Sardauker sheds light on a fascinating mythos within the larger Dune-scape and makes the wait for the Villeneuve film slightly less of a mind killer. Slightly.
Make the run to your local comic book shop today and pick up Dune: Blood the Sardaukar #1.
