peachani's review
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, and Terminal illness
tiedyedude's review against another edition
2.0
A graphic novel about a fictional band coming up through Minneapolis in the 80s, and finding their own identity in a scene dominated by the Great Purple One. Decent story (more about external pressures on the band rather than internal turmoil), and decent art. The color was a lot more effective than the art style.
jackelz's review against another edition
4.0
This was definitely a cover buy for me — I’m a sucker for anything Jen Bartel does.
The ultimate love letter to the funky pop-rock sound that made the artist formerly known as Prince a legend. When Prince burst onto the music scene in 1978, he put Minneapolis on the map. Consequently, many up and coming acts followed the trail that he blazed.
This is the story of Starchild, a fictional group that almost made it to stardom in 1983, led by a young woman whose desire to change the world through her music ignited a revolution. Through Starchild’s journey, MPLS Sound chronicles, from a distance, the rise of a musical genius, and the rebirth of a city.
I appreciated that this wasn’t the typical behind-the-scenes band book loaded with sex and drugs, and the typical conflict that comes along with it. It was a band that wanted to put in the work, with a fearless leader to take them there. Yes, they disagreed, and of course there was inter-band romance (is there a word for this?), but it worked for the story. I most of all loved the diversity of the band. Honestly, the book could’ve been longer, but the “where are they now” at the end was a nice touch.
The ultimate love letter to the funky pop-rock sound that made the artist formerly known as Prince a legend. When Prince burst onto the music scene in 1978, he put Minneapolis on the map. Consequently, many up and coming acts followed the trail that he blazed.
This is the story of Starchild, a fictional group that almost made it to stardom in 1983, led by a young woman whose desire to change the world through her music ignited a revolution. Through Starchild’s journey, MPLS Sound chronicles, from a distance, the rise of a musical genius, and the rebirth of a city.
I appreciated that this wasn’t the typical behind-the-scenes band book loaded with sex and drugs, and the typical conflict that comes along with it. It was a band that wanted to put in the work, with a fearless leader to take them there. Yes, they disagreed, and of course there was inter-band romance (is there a word for this?), but it worked for the story. I most of all loved the diversity of the band. Honestly, the book could’ve been longer, but the “where are they now” at the end was a nice touch.
sweetmusic22's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I think it's great to read a comic book about a fictional band honoring the legacy of Prince and his music. In music documentaries, we always hear about places like NY, Chicago, New Orleans, and Muscle Shoals being the historic epicenters of music but not enough about the sound of Minneapolis and how Prince (being born in Minneapolis, Minnesota) inspired it... So, if you're a Prince fan and love to read, please read this. Also, the queer rep is beautiful to see!
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