There’s a Golden Path to take…
If you’ve ever looked at the work I produce, you might have guessed that I’m a big fan of sci-fi. One of my favorite series ever is Frank Herbert’s Dune novels. I think they’re just neat. And while I won’t dispute the total perfect, supremacy of the first novel, I often think my favorite might actually be the fourth, God Emperor of Dune. The evolved proto-worm Leto II is a fantastic character, being a blend of social philosopher, mystic leader, and monster. I’ve read the book countless times, and I never get tired of it.
I’ve tried to draw my interpretation of Leto II, the God Emperor, many times over the years, and I’m rarely happy with what I end up with. This one’s the closest to what I see in my mind’s eye when I read the novel yet. I kind of think that he’d look better with a more “cavernous mouth” of a head, but this drawing is according to the description in the book. I admit that the arms are a little larger than what Frank Herbert described, but every time I draw them smaller, it just doens’ look right…
Ultimately, this last of the Ducal line of Atreides was a tragic character, sacrificing himself to the Golden Path for the sake of all humanity, and I think he’s best portrayed looking regal and serene. I like his monstrous profile for inspiring my imagination.
Posted on September 28, 2013, in Practice Pieces and tagged art, drawing, Duke Leto, Dune, future, God Emperor, Leto II, Sam Garland, sci-fi, science fiction, space. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
samgarlandillustrations 
Thanks for sharing your illustration. I’m a big Dune fan, too. A few years ago I set out to read all the books in the Dune series, starting from the very first one, and even reread the three or four books that I already read in my younger years. That’s a nice interpretation of Leto II.
Thanks! The God Emperor is a hard look to nail down. I’m still working on getting it right.
The original Dune series I reread once every couple of years myself. It’s so complex and well-written that I feel like there’s always some new-found aspect to it that I can enjoy.
I see the representatives of Frank Herbert’s works at conventions every so often, and they claim to be very interested in seeing some modern graphic novel-adaptations of the books. I hope to see that happen someday…