THE AYKROYD FAMILY AND JUDY BELUSHI’S ESTATE ARE PASSING THE BRIEFCASE OF BLUES TO THE NEXT GENERATION WITH THE RELEASE OF GRAPHIC NOVEL AND COLLECTION OF LOST AUDIO RECORDINGS VIA Z2, AVAILABLE TODAY

CHICAGO, IL (November 18, 2025) — The beloved Blues Brothers 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 a brand new original Graphic Novel: THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE available today, November 18 via Z2.

Written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano and James Werner with artist Felipe Sobriero, The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is a love letter to the iconic Blues Brothers universe. With editorial oversight by Dan Aykroyd, the utmost care has been taken to ensure this new chapter is true to the classic skits, legendary film, and iconic albums. The result is a wild and entertaining ride for both the longtime fans, and those new to the world of Jake and Elwood Blues. The project was originally conceived by the architect of The Blues Brothers, Judy Belushi Pisano, who sadly passed away during this book’s production.

“The Blues Brothers weren’t just a SNL act or movie, they were real musicians, in awe of the legends who came before them,” says Luke Pisano. “This book is a continuation of that labor of love. That’s why it is dedicated to my mother, Judy Belushi Pisano – the widow of John Belushi and the fierce, loving steward of the Blues Brothers legacy for over 40 years. After John’s passing, she didn’t just preserve the story—she expanded it. With the team at Z2, and with the talents of Stella and James, we finally found the right partners to make that dream a reality. I am proud—and humbled—to continue her work in expanding this world of fun, music, and mischievousness.”

James Werner points out, “It makes complete sense to me that the new generation of Blues Brothers will begin in comic book form, where the possibilities for destroying police cars is infinite, physics have no bounds, and the potential for jam partners is off the charts. The Blues Brothers universe is full of music and absurdity. Jake and Elwood are FINALLY reuniting , and I am forever grateful that Luke and Stella have asked me to join the band.”

Stella Aykroyd added “Elwood and Jake are precious to me, in fact, one of them is actually my Dad. 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. Now, with Elwood, and the one and only ‘Sister Zee’, Judy Belushi Pisano’s blessing, Luke, James, and I take the wheel and  swerve into the endless possibilities that Z2, Felipe Sobreiro, and the comic book world provide for Jake and Elwood. In many ways the antics we’ve seen from the Blues Brothers have always been perfectly suited for the comic strip; flying cars, supernatural nuns, dusting an entire apartment building worth of bricks off your shoulders, and now Felipe Sobreiro’s illustrations bring them to life once again.  Our development process was guided and inspired by the stories and real life occurrences from the lives of Judy, John, and Dan and their process of conception of the Blues Brothers and kusing it not only for easter eggs but for plot points. I am so excited to share this whole new story with all our music loving anarchists.”

Lastly, Z2 President, Josh Bernstein adds “The Blues Brothers are comedy, pop-culture and musical royalty. Z2 is proud to expand the creative universe built by Dan Akyroyd, John Belushi and Judy Belushi-Pisano and welcome new band members: Luke, Stella and James. When you mix their story with the art of Brazilian Blues Brother, Felipe Sobreiro, fans of all ages will be delighted with the epic return of Jake & Elwood Blues. (We apologize in advance to the fine men and women of the Chicago Police Department.)”

In addition to the graphic novel, a deluxe edition of the book is paired with an exclusive Royal Blue-colored vinyl featuring previously unreleased live recordings. Uncovered by the late Judy Belushi Pisano, this is 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 gang is all here, as Blues Brothers legends Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Paul “The Shiv” Shaffer, Lou “Blue Lou” Marini, Tom “Bones” Malone, Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin, Steve “GETDWA” Jordan, and Tom “Triple Scale” Scott show why this band is timeless. The recording features unheard versions of blues classics including “Hey Bartender,” “Rubber Biscuit,” and “Green Onions.”

THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE is available now via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, as well as many other fine independent book, comic, and record stores.

About The New Blues Brothers Creative Team:

Luke Pisano is a writer and marketing professional. The son of Judy Belushi Pisano, Luke has spent his life immersed in the world of the Blues Brothers, carrying forward the legacy the Belushi family, his mother, and Dan Aykroyd built together. Following Judy’s passing in July 2024, he stepped into her role as the other half of Blues Brothers Approved Ventures, ensuring that the cultural impact of the legendary duo continues to thrive for new generations. He is committed to bringing fresh energy and storytelling to the franchise while staying true to its roots in music, comedy, and soul. Luke holds an undergraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Beyond his work with the Blues Brothers, he has spent the last decade as a marketing manager for various brands and companies, blending strategic expertise with creative storytelling.

Stella Aykroyd is a writer and director from Los Angeles, with a  background spanning screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, and environmental advocacy. From 2017 to 2020, she worked as a writer’s assistant and later transitioned into ghostwriting, specializing in fiction and short stories. Before focusing on scripted storytelling, Stella worked in documentary film, highlighting environmental and wildlife issues. From 2014 to 2018, she collaborated with Sea Shepherd (Saving the Vaquita, Great Barrier Reef Harm Reduction) and River Keeper (DAPL). As the daughter of Dan Aykroyd, Stella has been immersed in the world of the Blues Brothers her entire life. Since 2018, she and her father have worked together as writing partners, and now, she takes on a leading role in shaping the future of the Blues Brothers brand.

James Werner is a bi-racial writer, filmmaker and actor from Los Angeles. Aside from working with the Blues Brothers and Z2 comics, James currently performs improv and clown in Los Angeles at Upright Citizens Brigade and the World’s Greatest Improv School. He also has a career in the music industry as a songwriter and musician, and plays for the indie-folk-funk band, Trees, as well as the alternative-rock-soul band Knees. In 2023, James was selected as one of fifty directors from around the world to attend the CREATOR’S LAB under mentorship of Palme d’Or winning director Apichatpong Weerasethakul where he scored Apichatpong’s latest short, July stories, starring Tilda Swinton. Prior to working independently, James attended Vassar college and worked at Blumhouse Productions and Bad Robot. He’s also a great son (according to his mom).

Felipe Sobreiro is a Brazilian illustrator and colorist. He has worked for most comic book publishers big and small, with titles ranging from the creator-owned Image hits “Luther Strode”, “Spread” and “Local Man” to Marvel’s “Generation X”, and Ahoy’s “Justice Warriors”. For Z2, Felipe colored Jason Derulo’s “UZO” and illustrated stories for the “The Illustrated Al” and “No Remörse: The Illustrated True Stories of Lemmy Kilmister and Motörhead” anthologies. Felipe lives with his wife in Brazil’s capital city Brasília, in a house they share with a horde of cats and a dog.

About Z2
Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians, and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, multiple Eisner and Ringo-nominated Z2 has produced 75+ unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Iron Maiden, Gorillaz, Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Type O Negative, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. For more information visit Z2comics.com, and follow on Instagram and Twitter.