Boom! Studios have announced an exciting new Dune prequel comic, titled Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas. Writers Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert, son of Dune creator Frank Herbert, are writing the new title, adapting it from their short story of the same name. The book will be illustrated by Jakub Rebelka and lettered by Ed Dukeshire and will be on sale in print and digital in December 2021.
Dune is one of the most beloved sci-fi novels of all time, regularly topping many “best-of” lists. Written by Frank Herbert, the novel first appeared in 1965, after previously being serialized in magazines. It quickly became a sensation, and proved influential beyond the field of science fiction, having inspired generations of writers and scientists. Frank Herbert would write five more books in the series before his passing in 1986. Frank’s son Brian, along with award-winning author Kevin J. Anderson, have kept the story of the Dune universe going with a series of prequel novels. Recently, the Dune universe has come to comics: Abrams Comic Arts is releasing the novel in graphic novel format, split across three volumes and Boom! Studios, in conjunction with Abrams and Herbert Properties LLC, is bringing readers Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas.
Boom! has provided more information on the title. In the original novel, focusses on the noble House Atreides who are by the far more insidious Harkonnen, forcing them to flee into the deserts of Arrakis; it would be there that Paul, the last heir of the House Atreides, would become the Muad’Dib, a messianic figure who rallied the Freemen, the natives of Arrakis against the Baron and his oppressive forces. This came to be known as the Battle of Arrakeen, and Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas transports readers back to that conflict, telling the story of a group of soldiers loyal to Atreides are trapped in a cave-in. Sgt. Vitt, the group’s leader, must now use all his storytelling abilities to ease his soldier’s pain as they slowly wait for the inevitable.
The original short story “A Whisper of Caladan Seas” was the first in Herbert and Anderson’s Dune stories and was the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership, as noted in the press release. The duo has continued the story Frank Herbert began, adding layers to an already rich universe. Readers can now see where it all began.
Dune itself is returning to the public conscious thanks to a highly-anticipated feature film, and fans eager for more can check out Boom! Studios’ forthcoming prequel Dune: A Whisper of Caladan Seas.
Source: Boom! Studios