Today, BOOM! Studios 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 destroying 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.
“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.”
Created by visionary writer Frank Herbert, Dune debuted in 1965, has sold millions of copies, and is arguably the most admired science fiction novel of all time. After winning the Hugo Award and inaugural Nebula Award, Dune inspired a best-selling novel series and led to multiple live-action adaptations, including the upcoming feature film from Legendary Pictures. The influence of Dune extends well beyond the world of entertainment, with an incalculable influence on modern scientific thinking about politics, religion, outer space, environmentalism, and more.
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).
“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 is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; We Only Find Them When They’re Dead by Al Ewing and Simone Di Meo; Seven Secrets by Tom Taylor and Daniele Di Nicuolo; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Proctor Valley Road by Grant Morrison, Alex Child, and Naomi Franquiz; The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; and the upcoming Eve by Victor LaValle and Jo Mi-Gyeong. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Atreides from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Dev Pramanik; Mighty Morphin and Power Rangers from Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, and Francesco Mortarino; and Magic from Jed McKay and Ig Guara.
Print copies of Dune: Blood of the Sardaukar #1 will be available in July 2021. You can pre-order and purchase it through our ComiXology link.
