MPLS Sound

A fictional period-piece based on the legacy of pop-rock superstar Prince. When little Theresa’s dad demands she stop fooling with his guitar, she knows that her life will be “one long fight to find my own way.” She eventually finds her way growing up to play the funk-rock-pop synthesis of the “Minneapolis sound” with her own band, Starchild. Enthusiastic audiences respond, as does the pioneer of the Minneapolis sound: mythical superstar Prince. Soon Theresa and her band are facing internal tensions, sabotage from rival bands, offers from would-be coaches, and a lot of hard work. But their biggest challenge is Prince—should the band accept his mentorship and his ideas for a Starchild makeover, or go their own way? Veteran comics editor Illidge (Averee) and writer Tabu (Black Power: The Superhero Anthology) keep the story engrossing despite a few narrative jumps, assisted by Laxton’s (The Crow: Hark the Herald) realistic, colorful art, which shines especially in the vibrant, montage-like performance sequences. Fabrice Sapolsky’s afterword, “Behind the Music,” includes more about Prince.