Jake and Elwood Are Back—In Comic Book Style! Get Ready for “The Escape of Joliet Jake” This October
Get ready, Blues Brothers fans—it’s time to dust off your fedoras and shades because the dynamic duo is coming back in an all-new way. That’s right, Jake and Elwood are returning to the spotlight this fall, and not in the way you’d expect. This time, they’re jumping from the stage and screen straight into the pages of a graphic novel.
Mark Your Calendars
📅 Release Date: October 7
📖 Title: The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake
🎨 Illustrator: Felipe Sobriero
📚 Publisher: Z2 Comics
This exciting project isn’t just some random tribute—it's an official continuation of the beloved Blues Brothers saga. The new graphic novel is being pitched as both a love letter and a sequel to the original 1980 film that gave us car chases, unforgettable music, and a whole lot of attitude.
A Family Affair: The Heart Behind the Comic
The creative minds behind the project are keeping it close to home. The graphic novel is co-written by Stella Aykroyd (yes, Dan’s daughter), Luke Pisano (the son of Judy Belushi Pisano and stepson of John Belushi), and writer James Werner. The whole thing is deeply personal—and that makes it even more exciting for diehard fans.
Luke Pisano shared in the press release, “The Blues Brothers weren’t just some sketch from Saturday Night Live or a hit movie. They were real musicians, and they were inspired by—and paid tribute to—the legends that came before them. This graphic novel is a continuation of that passion.”
He also dedicated the book to his late mother, Judy Belushi Pisano, who was not just John Belushi’s widow but also the relentless guardian of the Blues Brothers' legacy for over four decades.
Wait, There’s More Than Just a Book?
Absolutely. The release of The Escape of Joliet Jake is just the beginning. Dan Aykroyd himself is overseeing the writing process and even penned the foreword. According to the family and Z2 Comics, this isn’t a one-off passion project—it’s a launchpad. Aykroyd and the team envision this as the start of something much bigger.
We’re talking new music. Potential TV shows. Live events. Maybe even another film down the line. The Blues Brothers brand is revving up for a new era, and this comic is their first big swing.
💬 “We have put years of passion into this to produce something with heart and authenticity,” the official Blues Brothers Instagram account posted. “So much more on this to come. This is just the start of it all!!”
The Art of the Comeback: Comics and Culture
This isn’t your typical slapdash comic cash grab. Brazilian artist Felipe Sobriero is bringing the story to life with his bold, energetic artwork. Known for his dynamic visual storytelling, Sobriero is the perfect match for the high-octane world of Jake and Elwood. Think: speeding police chases, soulful performances, and gritty urban backdrops—exactly what you'd want in a Blues Brothers revival.
Dan Aykroyd’s daughter, Stella, explained the creative approach: “The stories of Jake and Elwood have always felt like they belonged in a comic strip. The development of this graphic novel was inspired by actual events and stories from the lives of Judy, John, and my dad. We used those real-life moments not just as little hidden Easter eggs, but to drive the plot.”
That mix of real history and outrageous fiction is a huge part of what made the original movie and band so iconic. Now, that same spirit is charging through the pages of this new book.
Why Now?
You might be wondering—why bring back the Blues Brothers now? The answer is simple: the timing couldn’t be better.
Nostalgia is riding high. Classic characters and properties are seeing major revivals across all forms of media. And at the same time, there’s a whole new generation discovering the soul, funk, and comedy of the original Blues Brothers. This book isn’t just for longtime fans—it’s an invitation to new ones.
And with Judy Belushi Pisano’s passing in 2024, there’s an emotional weight behind this release. It feels like a tribute—not just to the characters, but to the people who built the Blues Brothers into what they became. Judy’s fingerprints are all over this story, and her influence on the characters' legacy is woven deep into the narrative.
A Look Back, A Leap Forward
When the original Blues Brothers film dropped in 1980, it did more than just entertain. It resurrected interest in classic soul and blues music and introduced an entire generation to the legends of rhythm and blues. Jake and Elwood weren’t just comic characters—they were curators of a musical legacy.
Now, more than 40 years later, this graphic novel aims to pick up that same mission and push it forward. The creative team is not only continuing the story but honoring the cultural roots that made the Blues Brothers so iconic.
🎸 A Little Throwback for the Newbies:
If you’re unfamiliar, The Blues Brothers originated as a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live, featuring John Belushi as “Joliet” Jake Blues and Dan Aykroyd as his brother Elwood. What started as a joke turned into a chart-topping band, a blockbuster movie, and a pop culture phenomenon.
Where to Get It
Good news: you don’t have to wait until October 7 to lock down your copy. The Escape of Joliet Jake is already available for pre-order on Z2 Comics’ official website and other major retailers. For superfans, expect some limited edition bundles and collector’s versions to drop as the release date gets closer.
So whether you're a longtime fan of the suits-and-sunglasses duo or a curious newcomer ready to see what the fuss is all about, now’s the perfect time to dive into the world of the Blues Brothers.
🎤 Final Thoughts
The Blues Brothers were always more than just entertainment—they were a movement. A passion project born out of love for music, comedy, and community. And now, that same spirit is about to explode in full color and ink.
This new graphic novel isn't just about reviving characters—it’s about keeping a legacy alive. With heartfelt storytelling, authentic family involvement, and killer artwork, The Escape of Joliet Jake might just be one of the most exciting comic releases of the year.
So grab your Ray-Bans, crank up the blues, and get ready to ride along with Jake and Elwood once again—this time, on the illustrated page.
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