‘The Blues Brothers’ Return in First-Ever Graphic Novel

The Blues Brothers are back — this time, in graphic novel form.

Dan Aykroyd’s family and the estate of the late Judy Belushi-Pisano have announced The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake, the first official Blues Brothers graphic novel. The project marks the first step in a broader plan to expand the Blues Brothers universe through new TV shows, films, live events and music.

The book is being written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano and James Werner, with illustrations by Brazilian artist Felipe Sobreiro. It is described as a “love letter and a sequel to the original Blues Brothers film.” Z2, the graphic novel publisher known for musical collaborations, will publish the title.

Dan Aykroyd, who created the Blues Brothers alongside the late John Belushi, has editorial oversight and will provide a foreword.

“Elwood and Jake are precious to me. In fact, one of them is actually my dad,” said Stella Aykroyd, as told to Deadline. “I’ve helped him sharpie ‘ELWOOD’ onto his knuckles before Blues Brothers shows with ‘Brother Zee,’ I’ve walked behind him as he’s made his way through a sea of fans dressed as Elwood and Jake all over the world and I’ve been his co-pilot on the road, where he’s explained to me the proper way to T-bone a car.”

The novel will also honor Judy Belushi-Pisano, who passed away in July 2024. She was instrumental in preserving and expanding the Blues Brothers legacy for more than 40 years. Luke Pisano and the creative team said the project draws on real-life experiences and stories from Judy, John and Dan.

Josh Bernstein, president of Z2, called the Blues Brothers “comedy, pop culture and musical royalty,” adding that fans can expect “the epic return of Jake and Elwood Blues.”

The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake will be available for pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores, comic shops and record stores.

Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox

Sign Up