Dune: House Harkonnen #4 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, illustrated by Michael Shelfer, coloured by Patricio Delpeche and lettered by Ed Dukeshire.
Issue #4 is available 26th April 2023 either directly from BOOM! Studios online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Although Leto and Kailea’s blossoming romance brings about the expectation of their first child, political complications put a strain on their relationship, while a traitor looms in their midst. On Lankiveil, Glossu Rabban turns trophy hunting into what the Harkonnens are known for best–their brutality. And as the years pass, a shadow still follows Leto and Kailea, seeding further discontent, even as a rebel from Ix comes seeking help, and maybe even liberation for the planet!
Review
In this issue we take a further look inside the different characters lives within the Dune world, exploring the possible reasons for the heightened discontent between the houses. We start off with a Romeo and Juliet style story as we explore the blossoming forbidden relationship between Leto and Kailea as they explore the possibility of producing their first child together but the complications this would bring for the two houses would be catastrophic as House Vernius is already in disgrace and the Landsraad simply wouldn’t allow it forcing the two but mainly Leto to consider the choices they make.
As the book progresses the story tells of the unrest between the different houses, Baron Harkonnen sees an opportunity to infiltrate the Caladan walls enabling them to gather inside information, but what is the reason? There is certainly a dark future in-store.
I’ve enjoyed the epic scale of the story so far, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson expertly craft a story that takes you deep inside the world of Dune and the underlying tension that feels like it’s about to bubble to the surface. The story has that feel to it that it could expand into a much broader universe of connecting stories and that’s something I would like to see.
Michael Shelfer provides the illustrations for the book that captures the essence of the story and highlights the deep rooted emotion and tension that runs through it’s core. The colours of the book are stunning, Patricio Delpeche does a great job using dramatic tones to give the illustrations power and depth.
Verdict
A story that has a cinematic feel to it, an underlying tension that feels like it’s bubbling under the surface. A great job done by the creative team involved creating this potential masterpiece.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
