A five-page preview for Dune: House Atreides #2 has been revealed by BOOM! Studios. This second issue (of 12) in the comic book adaptation of Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s eponymous novel, will be released on November 25, 2020 and continues the story of what came before Dune, featuring Baron Harkonnen, Leto Atreides, Shaddam Corrino, and other renowned figures from that period. The series is illustrated by artist Dev Pramanik, colorist Alex Guimarães, and letterer Ed Dukeshire.
If you haven’t started reading this series, check out the preview of Dune: House Atreides #1 first.
Jae Lee’s main cover for issue #2 features a member of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. The secretive order operates in the background of the Imperium, using their powers to subtly exert influence over the other major factions. The variant cover below that is drawn by J.G. Jones and portrays several key members of the Great Houses, with Duke Paulus Atreides fighting against a Salusan bull in the foreground.
We return to Arrakis, the only world in the known universe where the spice melange–required for efficient space travel and extending life–can be found. With intention to disrupt the current balance of power and amplify his own authority, the Padishah Emperor Elrood Corrino IX has assigned Pardot Kynes to discover the secrets of the desert planet and it’s precious commodity. Upon arrival, the newly appointed Imperial Planetologist first has to make his presence known to House Harkonnen, who currently control the spice production.
Here’s the official synopsis for Dune: House Atreides #2:
* The acclaimed prequel to the groundbreaking Dune continues in comic book form for the first time.
* Pardot Kynes arrives on Arrakis to begin research into terraforming the desert planet, but the merciless Baron Harkonnen has plans of his own.
* Meanwhile, the sadistic Harkonnens brutally test a young slave named Duncan Idaho.
* And Leto Atreides meets with the pioneers of space travel technology – taking the first steps towards his incredible destiny.
The second issue is now available in digital stores, including Amazon and comiXology. With either the Kindle or comiXology app on your phone or tablet, you can start reading instantly.
Print copies can be pre-ordered directly from the BOOM! Studios webstore (they’re also offering 6 issue subscriptions) or will be available in local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the one nearest you) on November 25. The first issue is also receiving a second and third printing, each featuring new covers, available in comic shops on November 11 and December 2, 2020 respectively.
In addition to Dune: House Atreides #2, the first book of Dune: The Graphic Novel is being published by Abrams ComicArts this month. The first graphic novel in a three part adaptation Frank Herbert’s classic Dune novel will be available on November 24 and you can read an expanded preview here. The creative teams at Abrams ComicArts and BOOM! Studios are cooperating with each other for a consistent look and feel between the two publications. Although set in different time periods, the two stories feature many of the same characters, locations, and technology.
For more information about these Dune comic projects, read a recent Q&A with Kevin J. Anderson. Brian Herbert and himself are writing the scripts both of these adaptations.
Sources: BOOM! Studios (1) (2), PREVIEWSworld
