University Press Of Florida Announces ‘Tom Petty’s Dreamville– A Graphic Novel’
by Brendan M. Allen
University Press of Florida has announced Tom Petty’s Dreamville: A Graphic Novel, written and illustrated by Andre Frattino. The all-new graphic novel 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.
Rich with artists who influenced the young Petty, from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to future Eagles guitarist Don Felder. It follows the creation of Petty’s first bands, including The Sundowners, The Epics, and Mudcrutch, whose members Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench went on to become founding members of The Heartbreakers, and it shows Petty navigating friendships and relations with his family while pursuing his goals.
Frattino’s artwork draws readers into Petty’s world, portraying places such as Lillian’s Music Store, Lipham Music, the University of Florida, and the many small-town venues where Petty won fans and built a following.
The book depicts the talent, vision, and determination of a legend in the making, who didn’t back down in the face of obstacles as he reached rock history. This look into a formative place and time in Petty’s life will delight longtime fans and inspire music hopefuls who may also be running down a dream.
“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 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.”
Tom Petty’s Dreamville: A Graphic Novel hits shelves September 2023, and is now available for preorder on the University Press of Florida website.
