First announced onstage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in 2020, MPLS Sound is a new graphic novel by Joe Illidge, Hannibal Tabu, and Meredith Laxton, that explores the music scene in 1970s Minneapolis and the impact and legacy of Prince’s musical genius on it. MPLS Sound is the story of Theresa, a young black Minneapolis guitarist inspired by Prince, who is searching for her own musical identity. She organizes Starchild, a fictional band portrayed alongside real Minneapolis musicians from the period, which finds itself vying for Prince’s approval in hopes of becoming his regular band. And while the graphic novel is a tribute to Prince and his enduring musical impact, the work also outlines his manipulative business practices, and other flaws, while also detailing the personalities, atmosphere and musical venues of the Minneapolis music scene of the time. In this 8-page preview, a surprised Theresa receives an eccentric invitation to a mysterious audition. MPLS Sound, written by Joe Illidge and Hannibal Tabu with art by Meredith Laxton will be published by Humanoids this month.
