Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three releases on Dec. 18, and trailers have shown he’s making some big changes to the source material. Villeneuve divided Frank Herbert’s 1965 masterpiece into two films, and is ending his trilogy by adapting Herbert’s 1969 sequel Dune Messiah. If you’re curious about the changes, a new way to experience the original story is coming on Nov. 3.
The graphic novel version of Dune Messiah is written by Frank Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, and his regular collaborator, Kevin J. Anderson. The two have written a dozen prequels and sequels to Dune, starting with Dune: House Atreides in 1999. Their Great Schools of Dune books provided some of the inspiration for HBO’s prequel series Dune: Prophecy. Michael Shelfer, who previously worked with Anderson and Herbert on the graphic novel adaptation of their prequel Dune: House Harkonnen, illustrates Dune Messiah. Bill Sienkiewicz (The New Mutants, Moon Knight) painted the cover.
An exclusive first look
The graphic novel is a faithful adaptation of Herbert’s book. Paul Atreides is now Emperor of the known universe, but there are powerful forces that seek to end his rule. Abrams ComicArts gave Polygon an exclusive excerpt showing a conspiracy brewing between Paul’s wife Princess Irulan, the former Imperial Truthsayer Reverend Mother Mohiam, the Tleilaxu Face Dancer Scytale, and the Guild Navigator Edric. Paul’s fanatically loyal followers, prophetic abilities, and keen tactical mind make him a nearly implacable foe, but the Tleilaxu hatch a plot 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. Since the graphic novel is divided into two books, you’ll have to pick up Herbert’s original novel if you want to read the full story before seeing Villeneuve’s film.