Dan Aykroyd is fired up for a new story about his beloved Blues Brothers.
The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is a forthcoming graphic novel that tells the continued adventures of “Joliet” Jake Blues and his brother Elwood, the characters brought to life by the late John Belushi and Aykroyd, respectively, in the 1980 Universal film The Blues Brothers. The graphic novel is set for release this fall from Z2 Comics and was written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano and James Werner with artist Felipe Sobriero. Belushi’s widow, Judy Belushi Pisano, who died during the book’s production, was involved with its initial conception.
Set two decades after the events of the film, The Escape of Joliet Jake focuses on Elwood teaming up with an upstart detective after Jake breaks out of jail. In his foreword that is exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter, Aykroyd — who provided editorial oversight on the project — explains why this story is the “totally logical third act” for Elwood. Below the foreword are four preview pages from the graphic novel.
I sometimes contemplate the actual tally of public offenses and criminal charges Jake and Elwood racked up on their Mission to pay the Treasurer of Cook County its illegal tax on the church property, Saint Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage. Without specifically listing every violation I figure we were somewhere around fifty or so.
I love the notion that they are trophy prisoners. Legendary. Dillinger. Capone. The Blues Brothers. They are specimens now. The authorities don’t want them out. So this is a great place to start again and follow Jake and Elwood as grown up incarcerated men.
Elwood’s new vocation complete with tiny white square Roman Catholic collar is a totally logical third act in his life.
When Jake mysteriously vanishes from the Joliet Penitentiary and old scores are to be settled, the ride begins.
In this wonderful form of printed artistic expression we get to continue the legend of Jake and Elwood and pass it forward in ways that film can’t.
This graphic novel keeps the spirit of the Blues Brothers alive; mischievous recidivists, musical outlaws who above everything, care about the Blues. The quest for the Briefcase, full of unearthed lyrics and music from the greats, is an honorable Grail.
Joliet Jake’s Escape is a passing of the legacy to the next generation, echoing the true heart of our original story — keeping alive what should not be forgotten.
In addition to new adversaries, we meet allies with veneration of the Blues as a culture and one to be preserved by all who love this infectious expression of African American fire and soul.
Please enjoy the book.
Dan Aykroyd aka “Elwood Blues”
Courtesy of Z2
Courtesy of Z2
Courtesy of Z2
Courtesy of Z2
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