The story of the making of a rock legend, bringing to life Tom Petty’s formative years in his hometown

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.

The story is 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.

Tom Petty’s Dreamville 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 for 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.