Review: The Escape of Joliet Jake: A Blues Brothers Comeback Loaded With Soul, Shenanigans & Pure Chaos

The wild thing about The Blues Brothers franchise is that most follow–ups feel like someone doing an off–brand homage fun, but never quite hitting the OG spark. The Escape of Joliet Jake laughs at that idea, kicks the door off its hinges, and storms in like a fully cranked amplifier ready to blow out your speakers. This graphic novel doesn’t play safe or nostalgic; it comes in loud, stylish, overflowing with Chicago grit, and dripping with the chaotic soul that made Jake and Elwood iconic in the first place. This isn’t a tribute. It’s a revival. A reinvention. A Big WEPA jolt of comic book adrenaline that grabs the Blues Brothers mythos by the fedora and keeps it running at full speed.

Set in 1997, Jake Blues somehow and seriously, nobody in the book is emotionally prepared to explain how escapes from prison again. Chicago law enforcement immediately melts down in a panic so sweaty it practically soaks through the page. That’s where Detective Robert steps in, a young hotshot who has no clue the universe is about to hand him a baptism by chaos. What starts as a straightforward manhunt quickly spirals into a citywide jam session of secrets, forgotten history, broken connections, nun-induced trauma, and the strange gravitational pull of Jake’s unstoppable rhythm of mischief. And right when Robert needs answers, Elwood Blues strolls in like a deadpan monk of soulful disorder, delivering just enough guidance to keep the rookie’s brain from exploding.

Wolfie, the orphan tied to the Blues Brothers’ past, adds a layer of emotional weight that pushes the story beyond just another chase. Instead, the narrative becomes an excavation of hidden lore the untold chapters that existed behind the iconic adventures fans know so well. What makes the story shine is that it honors the legacy without ever feeling trapped by it. The creators understand the vibe, the rhythm, the comedic cadence, and the rebellious heart that define this universe. They don’t imitate the Blues Brothers they evolve them.

The artwork hits with real momentum. Every panel feels like it’s in motion cars fishtailing through traffic, fists flying, harmonicas wailing, nuns sprinting at Olympic speeds, and Chicago looking like a living, breathing accomplice to the madness. There’s a musicality to the visuals, a rhythm that gives the entire book a pulse. Even the dialogue beats carry that signature Blues Brothers tempo deadpan humor, quick banter, and emotional surprises hitting right when you least expect them.

By the time the story drops its final revelations, you realize Detective Robert didn’t just chase Jake Blues he went through a spiritual transformation inside what can only be described as the Church of Soulful Shenanigans. It’s the kind of ending that snaps everything into place while leaving you smiling at how cleverly the creative team connects old legends with new possibilities.

The Escape of Joliet Jake is pure fun from start to finish. It respects the past, embraces the chaos, and injects fresh energy into a legendary universe without ever losing what makes The Blues Brothers timeless. For longtime fans, it’s a no-brainer addition to the collection. For newcomers, it’s the perfect gateway into the wild, soulful, unpredictable world of Jake and Elwood. This is how you do a revival with heart, humor, swagger, and the kind of storytelling rhythm that makes every page jump.

This book doesn’t just move it grooves. WEPA!

SCORE: 4.5/5
A must-read comic that delivers heart, humor, and ridiculously fun action.

By Luke Pisano, James Werner and Stella Aykroyd

Illustrated by Felipe Sobreiro / Letterer Troy Peteri
Publisher: Z2 Comics

The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is out now. You can order this graphic novel on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!