The Last of Us’ Underrated Prequel Makes HBO’s Divisive Series Completely Unnecessary

The Last of Us is now a tumultuous franchise dangling precariously from a cliff’s edge. On the one hand, it would be terrific if at least one more Last of Us game is released, though many more to come would obviously be ideal for anyone who adores the series’ world and characters. However, branching out as an HBO TV show has hardly done it any favors beyond the first season.

The Last of Us Season 2 was panned for drastic changes made from its source material, The Last of Us Part 2, in the adaptation process; for example, its depiction of Ellie’s character, as well as efforts made to soften the blow of Joel’s death and the blowback that Abby’s character would receive. But if stories are going to continue to be told in this franchise outside of games, there is one highly underutilized medium The Last of Us has already dipped its big toe into that would be far more favorable than a loose, more “cinematic” adaptation.

The Last Of Us: American Dreams Is Ripe For Picking

The Last of Us: American Dreams is a four-issue limited series comic book that serves as a prequel to The Last of Us and its Left Behind story DLC. Here, readers bear witness to when Ellie meets Riley at the Boston quarantine zone, rides a horse for the first time, and has a momentous encounter with the Fireflies (including Marlene, who gives her the switchblade that belonged to Ellie’s mother, Anna).

This comic came out before The Last of Us’ Left Behind DLC, meaning readers had an early glimpse into some of the lore that would be touched on soon thereafter. Moreover, this comic, and specifically Faith Erin Hicks’ interior artwork, was responsible for the mall and its Turning arcade cabinet’s art and iconography.

For The Last of Us’ story to develop further via a sequel to The Last of Us: American Dreams, perhaps taking place after the events of The Last of Us Part 2 (or Part 3, assuming we ever get one), would be fantastic. If Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann and The Last of Us: American Dreams’ Faith Erin Hicks were to return for it, also, it would be another magical pairing.

The Last of Us: American Dreams’ comic book format is perfect for an episodic narrative that could explore a lot of other characters and moments in the series, such as providing different character perspectives in the story. If nothing else, it would be great to see a Last of Us: American Dreams chapter filling the gulf between The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part 2.

Will The Last Of Us Season 3 Be The End Of The Series?

The Last of Us’ HBO TV show may have its series finale with Season 3, suggesting that Abby’s whole Seattle journey, including her and Lev’s fiery visit to the Seraphites’ island, and The Last of Us Part 2’s climactic third act in Santa Barbara may be tackled in roughly seven episodes.

If the show truly is ending, it would seem awfully odd for Naughty Dog to be planning a third game without there being the possibility of the HBO show receiving a fourth season to adapt it. Similarly, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet seems like a shoo-in for a movie or TV adaptation, particularly with its characters’ actor likenesses being identical.

The future slate of Naughty Dog games and projects is difficult to predict, with Uncharted 5 rumors being bolstered lately, too. Either way, The Last of Us: American Dreams is proof that The Last of Us can thrive as a comic book series.

The Last of Us Season 3 is in production.

Release Date

January 15, 2023

Network

HBO

Showrunner

Craig Mazin