BOOM! Studios announced a brand new Dune series titled Dune: Blood of the Sardaukar.
The series is written by Brian Herbert, the son of Dune creator Frank Herbert and Kevin J Anderson. Adam Gorham is providing the artwork and he’s joined by colorist Patricio Delpeche and letterer Ed Dukeshire.
The series will follow Jopati Kolona one of the emperor’s elite Sardaukar’s as he is tasked with taking over the Atreides stronghold on Arrakis for the emperor.
The official description begins, “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,” the description adds.
It concludes, “Tasked with overthrowing the Atreides stronghold on Dune for his master, Jopati will be forced to choose between duty and forgiveness.”
Herbert discussed 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.”
Anderson also added, “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.”
He continued, “The comic adaptation shows Dune fans places they have never seen in Frank Herbert’s universe.”
BOOM! Studios editor Jonathan Manning stated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
The first issue will feature a main cover by Jeff Dekal with variant covers by Adam Gorham, Max Fiumara and Gerald Parel.
Dune: Blood of the Sardaukar #1 will hit comic book shelves in July.
Do you plan on checking the series out?