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Dune Officially Returns With New Release This Week Ahead of Denis Villeneuve’s Next Movie
A new graphic novel adaptation of Frank Herbert’s *Dune Messiah* is due on 3 November, ahead of Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptation, scheduled for release on 18 December. The book offers readers a visual version of Herbert’s original story as a point of comparison with the film, whose trailers suggest changes to the source material.
Written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, and illustrated by Michael Shelfer, the graphic novel is described as a faithful, scene-by-scene adaptation. Its first book follows Emperor Paul Atreides as a group of powerful figures plot against him, including through a scheme involving the body of his slain swordmaster, Duncan Idaho. The graphic novel is split into two books, so the first instalment will not contain the whole story.
In short
- *Dune Messiah* graphic novel Book 1 arrives on 3 November.
- Villeneuve’s film adaptation is scheduled for 18 December.
- The graphic novel follows Herbert’s original story across two books.
Explained simply
Frank Herbert’s Dune novels are set in a distant future where noble families compete for power across the galaxy. Dune Messiah is the second novel, following Paul Atreides after he becomes emperor; it explores the threats and political consequences that follow his rise.
The new graphic novel retells the book in illustrated form and is written by Herbert’s son, Brian, with Kevin J. Anderson. Its story centres on a conspiracy against Paul, involving powerful figures and Duncan Idaho, a swordmaster who was killed in the first novel. The story is being released in two parts, so the first volume covers only some of the novel’s events.