Who’s Ready For The Blues Brothers? The Escape of Joliet Jake Marks A New (and Old?) Chapter for the Franchise!
Although The Blues Brothers is mostly a cover band, just what they represent is much more than to bring that Chicago Blues sound to the masses. Their passion and need to connect with the genre’s essence must be honoured in this upcoming graphic novel, The Escape of Joliet Jake.
The beloved Blues Brothers whom two generations have grown up with are not gone. Instead, there are plans to bring this franchise back to the fore with “forays into television, film, live events, music and much more,” according to one press release. Everything begins with the graphic novel release of The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake. While Dan Aykroyd will not be performing at every stop (he is getting on in age so he’s most likely not going to be as intense on stage), his presence will mean everything why his daughter is taking charge of continuing on!
All I can think of is the attempt with Blues Brothers 2000. This movie pays tribute to the first film and shows how the music changes style from one side of the country to the other. And it also reveals that to be a brother means you just have to embrace the music, and that’s all anyone needs to chase the blahs away.
The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is both a love letter and sequel to the original Blues Brothers film. 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. This project was originally conceived with the architect of The Blues Brothers, Judy Belushi Pisano, who sadly passed away during this book’s production.
Luke Pisano shares “The Blues Brothers weren’t just a SNL act or movie, they were real musicians, in awe of the legends who came before them. This book is a continuation of that labour of love. This book 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 turn reality. I am proud—and humbled—to continue her work in expanding this world of fun, music, and mischievousness.”
“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.” James Werner points out. “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 adds “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’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 using 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 Aykroyd, John 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.)”
The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake will be available for pre-order via Amazon, and other independent book, comic, and record stores.
The Escape of Joliet Jake May Well Take Place After This Concert…
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Author: Ed Sum
I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra.
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