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Love letter to the funk-rock sound of the 1980s

Cover of MPLS Sound
A review of MPLS Sound by Joseph Illidge and Hannibal Tabu

This is a gorgeous purple graphic novel inspired by the Purple One. Theresa Booker dreams of being a musician and knows that there are many barriers to success for a black woman on the Minneapolis music scene in 1982. She puts together an amazing band with a singular vision but there's nowhere for Starchild to play. Talent and drive are not always enough. 

Then, miraculously, Prince takes an interest in the band and wants to help them metamorphose into something more. But mentorship comes with a cost. Theresa's not sure she's willing to give up her dream and let someone else call the shots. She has to decide what she wants and what's best for the band.

Following a format similar to VH1's Behind the Music, this is the story of every band from Minneapolis, Seattle or Athens wanting to make it and questioning the path. The plot starts with Theresa as a child, shows her forming Starchild, continues with her on the road to success, and depicts the hardships encountered along the way. The narrative culminates in a rock interview set more than 30 years later.  

The artwork is truly stunning with numerous full spreads and simply the best funk-rock costume designs. The performance scenes especially pop. Kudos to the artist Meredith Laxton and colorist Tan Shu. MPLS Sound is a glowing tribute to Prince, to Minneapolis, and to music fans then and now.

Apr 23, 2021