Those who have followedThe Last of Us' story across games and television alike might think they know everything there is to know about it, but there’s a prequel to the first game that some may have overlooked. Co-written by Neil Druckmann, the game’s co-director, this four-issue miniseries from Dark Horse Comics fills in the gaps of Ellie’s backstory while fleshing out key characters and elements from later installments.
The Last of Us: American Dreamsby Neil Druckmann, Faith Erin Hicks, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Christina Strain serves as a prequel to Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Usvideo gameand, by extension, the ongoing HBO adaptation. Furthermore, it’s set before theLeft BehindDLC and stars Ellie before she crosses paths with Joel.
The comic’s story followsEllie Williamsprior to her exposure to the post-apocalyptic world outside, instead focusing on her early days at a military preparatory school and her first meeting with friend and crush Riley Abel, setting the stage for the groundbreaking events ofThe Last of Us.
The Last of Us' Comic Prequel Reveals Secrets From Ellie’s Past
Before the Games, Ellie Meets Key Characters and Learns About Her Mother
The tone ofThe Last of Us' haunting universe gets established immediately in the opening pages ofAmerican Dream, as Ellie watches a man get threatened by the military when it’s determined that he’s infected. From there, Ellie gets admitted into a prep school with other young survivors of theCordyceps fungusoutbreak. However, her reputation for causing trouble precedes her. Soon, Riley saves her from a fight with other kids, and they develop a friendship after a rocky start. Riley and Ellie leave the school premises together, resulting in an encounter withMarlene, a Firefly who fans of the series will recognize.
1 Last of Us Episode Achieved a Failed Walking Dead Ambition
The Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman tells fans that it was always one of his goals to have an entire volume of the comic be walker-free.
One of the most notable developments in the comic is the lore that’s explored regardingAnna, Ellie’s mother.Marlene explains that she’s been keeping an eye on Ellie throughout her life on Anna’s behalf, then gives Ellie a switchblade that she says used to be her mother’s. That switchblade becomes her weapon of choice in the video games, and this gives it a powerful new meaning.
Ellie also receives her letter from Anna, which explains where she got it from. In general,American Dreamssheds more light on Ellie’s belongings and allows fans to understand how deeply she cares about her mother despite not knowing her.
Ellie’s Solo Adventure Sets the Stage For One of Her Saddest Moments
Riley Gets More Time on the Page Before Her Untimely Death
In addition to hinting at Ellie’s mother,American Dreamsalso expands upon the blossoming relationship betweenEllie and Riley.By depicting the early days of Ellie’s friendship with Riley, the later events of the series become even more heartbreaking.Riley helps Ellie envision a future for herself, encouraging her to dream bigger than those in charge want her to. Her impact on Ellie becomes much more profound with this in mind, recontextualizing their scenes later on.The Last of Us' forgotten prequel masterfully lays the groundwork for Ellie’s story, and any fan of the series - and of Ellie in particular - should give it a read.
The Last of Us: American Dreamsis available now from Dark Horse Comics!
