We Turn Back the Sands Of Time - A Review Of Dune

Frank Herbert’s first book in the series of Dune Chronicles was released in 1965 but was initially published as two separate serials in Analog magazine. It is now one of the world’s best-selling science fiction novels.

 There are five sequels to Dune:

• Dune Messiah
• Children of Dune
• God Emperor Of Dune
• Heretics Of Dune
• Chapterhouse: Dune

Sadly, Frank Herbert passed away in 1986 due to a pulmonary embolism whilst he was recovering from surgery for pancreatic cancer. His son Brian Herbert and writer Kevin J Anderson have continued the series with over a dozen novels since 1999.

After several failed attempts at a movie version of Dune (too costly), David Lynch stepped into the ring and directed the 1984 “epic space opera” with a soundtrack by Toto and assistance from Brian Eno. The release was met with much criticism; however, as is often the way, this 1984 release became a cult classic later.

1984 saw the release of various Dune action figures from LJN Toys, colouring books and bed sheets. These did about as well as the movie and were soon in clearance bays across the world! Following on from the cult status that Dune 1984 eventually received, Super7 ReAction released a wave of five figures from the movie in 2022. These included:

• Baron Harkonnen
• Paul Atreides
• Paul Maud – Dib
• Sardaukar Warrior
• Stilgar

In 2000, a three-part TV miniseries starring William Hurt and Alec Newman was created. This was received significantly better than the movie in 1984; it even won two Emmys. In 2003, another miniseries was produced, this one called Frank Herbert’s Children Of Dune, and it adapted the second and third books in the series.

Due to the success of the 2000 mini-series, a video game was released in 2001 based upon the miniseries, but unfortunately Cryo Interactive were already in a degree of debt when the game was released, so the game ended up being an expensive failure and Cryo Interactive went bankrupt.

Before the 2000 release, there had been a Dune adventure strategy game released in 1992, also developed by Cryo Interactive. This was only available for Amiga and IBM PC compatibles. A sequel followed later in the year, Dune II, and this set the standard for Real-Time Strategy games.

It went quiet for quite some time, and then 2021 brought the third rendition of Dune. This was the first of a two-part adaptation. This version was an immediate success; it won six awards at the 94th Academy Awards. The second part was released in March 2024 and is currently the highest-grossing movie of 2024.

In February (just before the movie release), LEGO released the 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter. This set has received much praise and is the centrepiece of many people's displays. It is still available to purchase from LEGO for £149.99.

A WAY TO WIN THE LEGO 10327 ORNITHOPTER

If you fancy getting your hands on this LEGO Icons set, then make sure to check out the giveaway at idisplayit.co.uk. For every purchase over £75 on a LEGO display in June, you'll receive an entry into the giveaway for a chance to win the LEGO Icons 10327 Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter.