REVIEW: ‘Dune: House Atreides,’ Issue #4

Dune: House Atreides #4 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, art by Dev Pramanik, colors by Alex Guimarães, and letters by Ed Dukeshire. With the various narrative threads continuing to unwind, we once again catch up to our ensemble of characters as they struggle to overcome, or just plain survive, their various challenges. But even as old hurdles are surpassed, it seems new ones will inevitably take their place.

With the penultimate issue coming up, several of the storylines here feel like they are closing in on their eventual destinations. And while all of Dune: House Atreides #4’s continuing narratives are given time here, two plots certainly stood out for me. First, let’s look at the ongoing battles of one Duncan Idaho.

Still on the run from the Harkonnen huntsmen, Idaho continues to shine as he must stretch his skills, ingenious quick thinking, and just a touch of luck to stay ahead of the hunters. The work Herbert and Anderson have put into both making Idaho a personality to cheer for, as well as making his hunter more detestable with every panel, helps this branch of the narrative stay one of it’s strongest aspects.

The character focus in this portion of the story is extremely well placed. As the only personality that goes from moment to moment in constant, imminent danger, Idaho’s story would feel the most diminished without this added layer of character. While this portion of the story may deliver the most characterful moments, there is another character who continues to shine in their time in the spotlight of Dune: House Atreides #4.

Having taken drastic action last issue to save a group of Freeman beset by Harkonnen attackers, the Imperial Planetologist finds himself soon taken to a Freeman stronghold to recoup. Or at least that’s one way his visit could go. For good reasons, there isn’t much love for Imperials among the Freeman. There is a notable amount of talk about what to do with this Planetologist. While the scientist is in what could easily amount to real danger, I’m fairly confident he has no awareness of it. Having hoped to see and study how the Freeman survive the harshness of Dune, he bounces about as giddy as a kid in a candy store. The character serves as a delightful contrast to all the overly serious personalities that rule all the other narratives.

The art in Dune: House Atreides #4 continues to present the ever-changing locals and personalities with clarity and skill. While nothing here ever truly captured my eye, nothing stood out as being particularly harmful to the narrative either. It’s strongest element is the colorwork. With each story, there is a lot of distinction between color palettes. This helps the transitions feel clear and sharp.

Rounding out this comic is the lettering. The letter work here lends itself to the same level of competency as the art. It delivers the story clearly, and in a way that allows the reader to have a smooth experience.

All things taken together, Dune: House Atreides #4 delivers another fine issue in its story. If you have enjoyed the book up to now, I see no reason why anything here would disappoint.

Dune: House Atreides #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.