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.