Actors and siblings Joey, Matthew, and Andrew Lawrence have teamed up with Bay State natives Ben and Max Berkowitz and director-writer Brian Yuran to create a new graphic novel titled "The Lawrence Brothers Detective Agency." Set against the backdrop of 1990s pop culture, the illustrated work follows fictional versions of the Lawrence brothers as they investigate a conspiracy involving missing stars from the era.

The project brings together the Lawrences, who first rose to prominence during the 1990s with roles on television series such as "Brotherly Love," with the Berkowitz brothers, known for their earlier collaboration with actor Josh Gad on a Boston-set comic. The graphic novel, featuring artwork by Sean von Gorman and Dario Formisani, has been described by Joey Lawrence as "Hardy Boys meets Scooby-Doo," aiming to evoke nostalgia for a decade characterized by Blockbuster video rentals, Nintendo 64 gaming, and popular family sitcoms.

Matthew Lawrence explained that the concept grew from a two-decade-old idea, which finally gained momentum after connecting with the Berkowitz brothers through a mutual acquaintance. Ben Berkowitz said the goal was to recreate the feel of rediscovering a "lost Nickelodeon or Disney Channel show" from the 1990s and early 2000s, blending sincerity with heightened comedic moments and genuine mystery.

The narrative includes numerous references to the Lawrence brothers’ past careers, with subtle nods to Matthew’s roles in films like "Mrs. Doubtfire," Joey’s appearances on "Blossom," and Andrew’s voice work on the animated series "Recess." Additional Easter eggs include Matthew’s time on the show "Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad," where he recalled fond memories working alongside the late Tim Curry.

The graphic novel also features cameo appearances from other notable performers of the era, including Raven-Symoné, Thomas Ian Nicholas, TLC’s Chili, and New England native Will Friedle, further enriching its ties to 1990s pop culture.

For the Berkowitz brothers, who grew up watching many of the Lawrence brothers’ projects, the collaboration was an emotional experience. "We learned lessons from all of these characters," Ben said, reflecting on their childhood influences. Both he and Max praised the Lawrence brothers for their enduring appeal and professionalism throughout the creative process.

The project was supported by a successful Kickstarter campaign, with Joey Lawrence acknowledging the enduring loyalty of their fan base, some of whom have followed the family’s careers since the early 1980s. The brothers expressed gratitude for their community’s ongoing support.

Looking ahead, the Lawrence brothers indicated plans to expand the "Detective Agency" universe, potentially exploring animated adaptations and additional storylines. Their immediate goal, however, is to provide readers with a nostalgic form of escapism reminiscent of the entertainment that shaped their youth.

"We grew up in an era where so much entertainment was escapism, and now it’s really pilfered with more realism," Joey Lawrence said. "Times are not easy, and so you need escapism, and that’s truly what this is." He added that the graphic novel invites audiences to "forget about everything for 30-40 minutes... and just have fun," reconnecting with the spirit of the 1990s.