The Blues Brothers is a cult classic that remains as chaotically hilarious as it is heartfelt, fusing comedy, action, and musical spectacle into cinematic perfection. Its unforgettable energy has kept fans returning for decades. Yet despite its enduring legacy, even die-hard devotees may have missed the unexpected comeback this franchise recently made.
The Blues Brothers follows the story of two brothers on a divine mission to save the only home they’ve ever known (their childhood orphanage) by getting the band back together to earn $5,000 in back taxes.
It’s a film about music, redemption, and brotherhood, chaotically delightful even in its most touching moments. While fans saw the Blues Brothers return in a 1998 sequel, many are likely unaware of their 2025 comeback, which kicks off in The Return of the Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake.
The Blues Brothers Just Made a Comeback Through Graphic Novel
How The Escape of Joliet Jake Launches a New Era for the Iconic Duo
This November, the Blues Brothers officially returned in the form of a graphic novel. According to the official press release, the duo’s universe will “expand over the next few years with forays into television, film, live events, music, and much more,” with the first IP offering being the brand-new original graphic novel The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake.
This announcement is exciting for several reasons: it not only allows these iconic characters to return with brand-new content and expanded adventures, but also gives fans the chance to experience them in a new format not previously explored. Until now, The Blues Brothers storytelling has been primarily isolated to the cinema format, making this shift especially notable.
The graphic novel is from an all-star creative team, written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano, and James Werner, with art by Felipe Sobriero. Those looking to get their hands on the next chapter in the Blues Brothers’ story can find The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake listed on Amazon, where it is now available for purchase.
It’s 1997, almost two decades after the events in THE BLUES BROTHERS film and Chicago law enforcement is once again in pursuit of the notorious musical criminal, Jake Blues, after a mysterious jailbreak. On the case is up and coming detective, Robert Papageorge, whose world is turned upside down when his mother reveals that the fugitive he’s after is his biological father… While investigating, Robert receives a little help from Elwood Blues and musicians, and discovers what everyone is actually chasing: The Briefcase full of Blues, a powerful blues relic. An unlikely partnership forms between Robert and Wolfie, an orphan from the Blues Brother’s alma-mater, St. Helen’s of the Blessed Shroud. Together, they unravel a web of mysteries tied to Blues Brothers adventures with Jake and Elwood that we’ve never seen before! Get back to the heart of recidivist mischief, soul and bombastic chases. Sink your teeth into a new Blues Brothers adventure.
How the New Blues Brothers Graphic Novel Honors the Original Universe
The press release for this project also promises fans that the graphic novel is a true “love letter to the iconic Blues Brothers universe,” with editorial oversight by Dan Aykroyd, who has ensured that this new chapter stays true to everything fans love about the original source material, from the classic skits to the feel-good vibes.
The press release also revealed that while long-time fans will love this latest chapter, the graphic novel is equally perfect for those new to the world of Jake and Elwood Blues. To make this announcement even more exciting, fans can now purchase a vinyl album featuring unreleased music from the Blues Brothers universe, adding another layer to this highly anticipated comeback.
The press release describes the album as “a rare musical glimpse of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues at the height of their blues powers. Belushi and Aykroyd blast through a 13-song set with some of the greatest musicians who ever lived.”
The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is available now from Z2 Comics!
