The library of graphic novel biographies for iconic American musicians is about to get a new addition. University Press of Florida will publish Tom Petty’s Dreamville: A Graphic Novel, a new biography of the music legend. The graphic novel comes from writer & artist Andre R. Frattino, and utilizes interviews with Petty’s friends and contemporaries to tell the legendary musician’s story.
Here’s how University Press of Florida describes Tom Petty’s Dreamville:
This graphic novel of rock superstar Tom Petty recreates the beginnings of Petty’s music career, from his Southern childhood and his first guitar to the early milestones he reached in Los Angeles with the Heartbreakers. Bringing to life Petty’s hometown of Gainesville, Florida, in the 1960s and ’70s with illustrations that capture the era, Andre Frattino focuses on the struggles and successes Petty experienced in his journey to fame.
Tom Petty’s Dreamville is the latest graphic novel project from novelist and illustrator Andre R. Frattino. Frattino is the creator of the Flagler’s Few, Ghost Hunters series of young reader graphic novels, and the writer of graphic novels including Simon Says: Nazi Hunter, with artist Jesse Lee, and Tokyo Rose – Zero Hour, with artist Kate Kasenow. Frattino previously posted early pages from the new book under the title Pettyville on his website.
In a statement announcing the new book, Frattino described his experience delving into the origins of one of America’s greatest rockstars:
“Tom Petty’s origin story felt like a road trip adventure, with our hero encountering many pitfalls and peaks on his journey to discover himself and his music,” said creator Andre Frattino. “It was unlike any rock star origin story I had ever heard, and it happened in my own backyard! It wasn’t so much an interest to me to tell this story…as it was a dream.”
Check out design artwork and interior pages from the graphic novel below. Tom Petty’s Dreamville is due out in stores on Tuesday, September 5th.
