Dune: House Atreides #1 - BOOM! Studios

DUNE: HOUSE ATREIDES No. 1, October 2020

As official prequels go to Nebula Award-winning novels, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s narrative for Issue One of “Dune: House Atreides” most likely pleased the vast majority of the science fiction franchise’s fanbase in October 2020, with its intriguing combination of familiar figures in their apparent prime and the introduction of several fresh, innovative characters. Indeed, having been only briefly mentioned “in the appendices of the original Dune” this twenty-two periodical provides a fascinating insight into the Kaitain courtroom of Padishah Emperor Elrood Corrino IX, and his dealings with the likes of Imperial Planetologist Pardot Kynes and the much less likeable Earl Dominic Vernius of Ix.

However, such a successful amalgamation of the old with the new isn’t simply limited to the capital world of the Imperium. But is actually used to treat this comic’s audience to some fascinating foretastes of the events upon both Arrakis and Caladan as well, with an adolescent Leto Atreides debatably seizing the lion’s share of the spotlight as his daily duties at the theatre, Castle Caladan and the Colosseum-like Plaza de Toros are documented in detail; “One of my grand bullfights! Something the people will never forget! It is the old-fashioned extravaganza you deserve, Leto.”

Interestingly though, it is arguably this publication’s opening sequence, focusing upon the Baron Harkonnen’s exploits on a certain desert planet, which prove the most memorable, as the newly appointed Siridar Governor inspects his men’s collection process of the spice Melange. Packed full of the grandiose machinery such a large scale mining operation would require, this visit is made all the more impactive when the site is struck by a cataclysmic chemical reaction that threatens to bring Vladimir’s planetary reign to an abrupt end if not for the quick-thinking and piloting skills of Kryubi.

Ably assisting this comic’s collaborative writing team in their story-telling are Dev Pramanik’s layouts and Alex Guimaraes’ colours. The Indian artist’s pencils do a fantastic job of depicting the sheer size of “the known universe” which Frank Herbert created. Whilst the Brazilian’s choice of palettes for the different homeworlds provides each fiefdom with its own unique atmosphere, especially Kaitain with all its regal purples and royal turquoise.

Written by: Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, and Illustrated by: Dev Pramanik