The Blues Brothers universe enters a bold new phase. Television, film, live events, and music projects are on the way. The first step in that expansion arrives today with the release of The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake, a new original graphic novel from Z2 Comics.
Honoring the Legacy
Writers Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano, and James Werner team with artist Felipe Sobreiro to create a story that stays true to the classic Blues Brothers spirit. Dan Aykroyd provides editorial oversight to protect the tone, characters, and history established through the original skits, the hit film, and the legendary albums. The project began with Judy Belushi Pisano, who helped shape the Blues Brothers from the very beginning. She passed away during production, and the team dedicates the book to her vision.
“This book is a continuation of that labor of love,” Luke Pisano says. “My mother didn’t just preserve the story after John’s passing. She expanded it. Working with Z2, Stella, and James brought that dream to life.”
Jake and Elwood Return in Full Force
Werner says the comic format gives the team complete creative freedom. “The possibilities for destroying police cars is infinite. Physics have no bounds. The potential for jam partners is off the charts,” he says. “Jake and Elwood are finally reuniting, and I am grateful Luke and Stella asked me to join the band.”
Stella Aykroyd brings a deeply personal connection. “Elwood and Jake are precious to me. One of them is my dad,” she says. She recalls traveling the world with Dan Aykroyd as fans dressed as the iconic duo followed them from venue to venue. With Judy Belushi Pisano’s blessing, she joins Pisano and Werner to craft a new chapter. “We pulled from real stories from Judy, John, and Dan. The comic world lets Jake and Elwood do what they were always built for: wild antics, flying cars, supernatural run-ins, and full musical mayhem.”
A New Era at Z2
Z2 President Josh Bernstein says the partnership is a perfect match. “The Blues Brothers are comedy, pop culture, and musical royalty,” he says. “Fans of all ages will be delighted with the epic return of Jake and Elwood Blues. We apologize in advance to the Chicago Police Department.”
Rare Live Recordings Included
A deluxe edition of the graphic novel includes a Royal Blue vinyl featuring previously unreleased live performances unearthed by Judy Belushi Pisano. The recordings capture Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues backed by a powerhouse lineup. Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Paul Shaffer, Lou “Blue Lou” Marini, Tom “Bones” Malone, Alan Rubin, Steve Jordan, and Tom Scott tear through a 13-song set. Fans will hear rare versions of “Hey Bartender,” “Rubber Biscuit,” and “Green Onions.”
The Blues Brothers stride back into the spotlight with new stories, new partners, and the same unstoppable soul. THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE is available now at book, comic book and record stores.
