It’s been decades since I read Dune by Frank Herbert, and I wanted a refresher before watching the 2021 movie.

I’d recommend reading Dune: The Graphic Novel by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert for a vibrant, unabridged version of the original book.

The spice, sandworms, and bloated Baron Harkonnen’s treasonous schemes are all here in a well-drawn, deeply saturated palette. The novel’s plot is heavy on political intrigue and mysticism, but the authors convey the characters’ inner monologues onto the page in a way that keeps the story moving.

Be warned that this is only volume one so the story moves right into a cliffhanger ending—consider putting the original novel on hold if you can’t wait to find out what happens next.