Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band Offers a Unique Perspective on the Civil Rights Movement of Indigenous People
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Critically Acclaimed Graphic Memoir from IDW
SAN DIEGO, CA (November 20, 2020) – The intriguing history of the high-flying rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Redbone is beautifully presented in IDW‘s powerful graphic novel, Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band, recently released and timed perfectly with November’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
Created in cooperation with Redbone founder Pat Vegas, authors Christian Staebler and Sonia Paoloni and artist Thibault Balahy take painstaking steps to ensure the historical accuracy of this important and often overlooked story of America’s past — from the creation of the first rock ‘n’ roll band made up of all Native Americans and founded by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, to the incorporation of tribal beats into chart-topping rock music and popular culture, to the members of the band taking a stand for their ancestry over continued commercial reward. Part biography and part research journalism, Redbone tells a vivid story about this neglected chapter of American history.
Pat Vegas says, “Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Group is a true story that I put a lot of time into sharing my history, the history of Redbone, and our people. You get a lot more personal with me, and I think you’ll love it. This book is not just for Native Americans, it’s for everyone. It won’t just mean a lot to me but a lot to you, too.”
In addition to the English language release of Redbone, IDW has welcomed the graphic novel into its Spanish Language publishing initiative, expanding the accessibility of this culturally and politically important story to Spanish-speaking communities throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Staebler, Paoloni, and Balahy’s moving tribute to the groundbreaking rock band has been a critical favorite since its release in late October. A selection of quotes from critics include:
“Compelling reading for fans of roots rock and Native American history in middle school and up.” — School Library Journal
“An entertaining, enlightening history for music fans. Balahy’s loose, energetic drawings; imaginative layouts; and playful use of color make everything pop.” — Publishers Weekly
“Musicians with heart put their people before profits in an inspirational tale. Well-researched and well-paced, this book will introduce a new generation to the music and impact of Redbone.” — Kirkus Reviews (Starred review)
“In some eyes, the guys in Redbone, still the most successful Native American rock band this country has produced, are indeed superheroes. Not all heroes wear capes, and some wear buckskin.” — Houston Chronicle
“Staebler and Paoloni offer a lens onto aspects of the twentieth-century Native American struggle for civil rights and injustices like forced schooling and racist policing, as well as the 1968 birth of the American Indian Movement. Balahy’s art is particularly splendid and well-varied in style for the complex subject matter.” — Booklist
“Relates a compelling story extending much farther than solely rock music. Redbone the book enlightens readers both musically and culturally.” — People’s World
“Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band represents the strength of graphic novels to package engaging, socially relevant stories into a highly accessible format, and a proud addition to our growing library of critically acclaimed titles,” says Justin Eisinger, Editorial Director, Graphic Novels & Collections for IDW Publishing. “While unspooling the band’s incredible story at the heart of West Coast rock n’ roll, this unlikely collaboration between Vegas and Staebler effortlessly contextualizes events in American history that many readers may find surprising. Yet Redbone rolls from cover to cover with the driving rhythm of passion and purpose born of seasoned musical prowess.”
Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band
by Christian Staebler, Sonia Paoloni, and Thibault Balahy
ISBN 978-1-68405-714-6
$19.99 US / $25.99 CAN
160-page, full color softcover, 7” x 10″
September 2020
Redbone: la Verdadera Historia de una Banda de Rock Nativa Americana (Spanish Language Edition)
by Christian Staebler, Sonia Paoloni, and Thibault Balahy
ISBN 978-1-68405-818-1
$19.99 US / $25.99 CAN
160-page, full color softcover, 7” x 10″
September 2020
Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band is now available via booksellers and comic book specialty retailers. Visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you.
