Get ready to don your shades and dust off your black suits—The Blues Brothers are back, and this time, they’re breaking into the world of comics. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the cult classic film, San Diego Comic-Con 2025 will host a special panel on Thursday, July 24 in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront from 4:15 to 5:15 PM PT, spotlighting the upcoming Z2 Comics graphic novel The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake.

And yes—the one and only Dan Aykroyd, aka Elwood Blues himself, is set to appear alongside an impressive lineup of creators keeping the Blues legacy alive for a new generation.

The panel will feature:

Dan Aykroyd, co-creator and Hollywood legend

Stella Aykroyd, daughter of Dan Aykroyd and co-writer

Luke Pisano, son of the late Judy Belushi Pisano and co-writer

James Werner, co-writer

Rantz Hoseley, editor-in-chief of Z2 Comics

Josh Bernstein, president of Z2 Comics

Together, they’ll dive into the creative process and emotional journey behind the graphic novel sequel that picks up after the original 1980 film, following the infamous Jake and Elwood Blues as they continue their mission from God.

“The Escape of Joliet Jake” – A Love Letter to the Legacy
Crafted with the direct involvement of Aykroyd and co-developed by Judy Belushi Pisano before her passing, The Escape of Joliet Jake is more than just a tie-in—it’s a heartfelt continuation of the Blues Brothers mythos. Illustrated by Felipe Sobriero, the book promises a story that pays homage to the characters’ comedic chaos, deep musical roots, and timeless themes of redemption, rebellion, and rhythm.

In a bittersweet twist, this project also marks one of the last collaborative visions of Judy Belushi Pisano, who helped shepherd The Blues Brothers through decades of success in film, music, and pop culture. The novel serves as a tribute not just to the characters, but to her legacy as one of the franchise’s founding forces.

More Than Just a Comic—A Multi-Platform Blues Renaissance
Z2 Comics has confirmed that The Escape of Joliet Jake is just the beginning. A full-scale Blues Brothers resurgence is underway, with upcoming ventures in television, film, live music events, and merchandise all on the horizon. The momentum from this graphic novel will ignite a new era of Blues Brothers storytelling that blends nostalgia with fresh, genre-bending fun.

Whether you’re a longtime fan who’s memorized every line of “Rawhide,” or you’re just discovering Jake and Elwood for the first time, the SDCC panel promises exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and maybe even a few musical surprises.

Get Ready to Ride Again
The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is expected to release in late 2025. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate 45 years of rhythm, mayhem, and soul with the people who know the Blues best—because once again, they’re on a mission from God.

Stay connected for updates and exclusives from SDCC 2025:
📸 @Z2Comics | 🎷 #BluesBrothersGraphicNovel | 🔥 #SDCC2025 | 💬 #TheEscapeOfJolietJake

Get ready to laugh, overshare, and embrace friendship with open arms and jazz hands! Disney icons Ashley Eckstein (beloved voice of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Michael James Scott (Broadway’s show-stopping Genie in Aladdin) are teaming up for their brand-new weekly podcast, HypeFriend! — and kicking things off in epic style with a three-episode premiere dropping July 11.

But that’s just the beginning.

The dynamic duo are reuniting live at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, returning as co-hosts of the highly anticipated Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal, the official opening night celebration of SDCC, happening Thursday, July 24 at 6:00 PM PT in the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

🎧 HypeFriend!: A Glittery Group Hug in Podcast Form

Launched with the mission of sparking a “friendship revolution, one HypeFriend at a time,” Eckstein and Scott describe the podcast as a comedic, joy-filled space packed with:

• Hypes & Gripes
• Good Gossip
• Neighbor Drop-Ins
• And candid, feel-good conversations

The first episodes feature special guests like Bret Iwan (official voice of Mickey Mouse) and Andrew Levitt (aka RuPaul’s Drag Race star Nina West). The podcast is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

💬 “Just like someone might share a recipe for a cake, there is a recipe for friendship!” says Eckstein.
🎭 “I’m the friend who shows up in a FIERCE outfit to eat the cake… even if it’s burnt,” quips Scott.

🌟 Her Universe Fashion Show Returns in Style

Known as the fashion-forward kickoff to SDCC, the Her Universe Fashion Show is a dazzling celebration of fandom-meets-runway couture. Ashley Eckstein, founder of Her Universe, and Michael James Scott, now in his third year as co-host, promise another night of jaw-dropping designs, Broadway-level theatrics, and joyful celebration of geek fashion and community.

🧵 Expect bold fandom-inspired fashion, powerhouse vocals, and more sparkle than a Disney fireworks finale.

🎤 LIVE: HypeFriend! After Party Taping at SDCC

For the first time ever, fans are invited to be part of the podcast magic with a special live taping of the HypeFriend! After Show:

📍 Friday, July 25 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
📌 Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library

Attendees will get behind-the-scenes insights from the fashion show, meet the newly crowned winners, and connect with the HypeFriend community IRL. It’s not just a podcast — it’s a movement of fun, fashion, and friendship.

🎬 About HypeFriend!

HypeFriend! is produced by Dream Three, the multi-platform entertainment studio co-founded by Michael James Scott and award-winning writer-director Jeremy Merrifield. With roots in Broadway and a heart full of fandom, the podcast aims to inspire connection, celebrate individuality, and create a place where everyone is welcome — glitter optional, good vibes required.

📲 Don’t Miss a Beat

Follow @HerUniverse, @HypeFriendPod, and @AshleyEckstein for all the latest podcast drops, SDCC updates, and friendship-powered content.

Netflix has officially announced the production of “Record of Ragnarok” Season 3, much to the excitement of fans worldwide. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser trailer and visual, providing a glimpse into the upcoming intense battles between gods and humanity. 

This season will feature a significant shift in production, with Yumeta Company and MARU Animation taking over animation duties from Graphinica. Notably, Koichi Hatsumi has stepped in as the new director, and Yasuyuki Muto is now leading the writing team. These changes suggest a fresh creative direction for the series. 

The narrative will continue the high-stakes tournament where 13 human champions face off against 13 deities to determine humanity’s fate. Season 3 is set to showcase the seventh bout, a pivotal match between the legendary Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang and Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. This battle is crucial, as it will break the current 3-3 tie between the gods and humans. 

While an exact release date has yet to be announced, fans can anticipate more updates in the coming months. In the meantime, the first two seasons of “Record of Ragnarok” are available for streaming on Netflix.