Ross Hutchinson
BOOM! Studios today proudly announced DUNE: BLOOD OF THE SARDAUKAR #1, a poignant, blood-soaked tale expanding the rich mythology of Frank Herbert’s Dune, adapted & scripted by New York Times bestselling authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, and illustrated by artist Adam Gorham (The New Mutants: Dead Souls, Punk Mambo), colorist Patricio Delpeche (Origins), and letterer Ed Dukeshire (Once & Future), in partnership with Herbert Properties LLC and in full coordination with Abrams ComicArts, who published the first of a trilogy of graphic novel adaptations of Herbert’s original classic novel DUNE in Fall 2020.
When the choice is vengeance or honor, which lies at the heart of a Sardaukar? Jopati Kolona is one of the Sardaukar: the emperor’s elite military unit. The Sardaukar are unbeatable, unbending in their devotion to the emperor, and feared throughout the galaxy. When Jopati meets Duke Leto of House Atreides, the house he believes responsible for the destruction of his home planet and family, he will be forced to question a life-long hatred. Tasked with overthrowing the Atreides stronghold on Dune for his master, Jopati will be forced to choose between duty and forgiveness.
here’s a look a page of internal art from the series
“When we wrote this story, a standalone tale set during the events of the original DUNE, we were excited for this first opportunity ever to delve into the history and traditions of this mysterious force of warriors, showing it through the eyes of one particular Sardaukar.” said Brian Herbert.
“We very much enjoyed being able to flesh out the background of the Sardaukar, and this character became a prominent force in our new Caladan trilogy,” said Kevin J. Anderson. “The comic adaptation shows DUNE fans places they have never seen in Frank Herbert’s universe.”
“It’s an honor to work with Brian and Kevin to expand the DUNE mythos into the comic book medium with this story that dives deeper into one of the most mysterious and brutal forces in the Dune universe—the Sardaukar,” said Jonathan Manning, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “Fans can expect a gripping and exciting new look at the elite fighting force that are renowned throughout the known universe for their prowess and ruthlessness, as well as an emotionally charged tale about honor and responsibility.”
DUNE: BLOOD OF THE SARDAUKAR #1 features main cover art by Jeff Dekal (Dune: House Atreides) and variant covers by artists Adam Gorham, Max Fiumara (Batman: Black and White), and Gerald Parel (Suicide Squad)
Print copies of DUNE: BLOOD OF THE SARDAUKAR #1 will be available in July 2021 at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the one nearest you), or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers like comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Madefire.
