The Last of Us: American Dream – Dark Horse Comics

Prior to ‘The Last of Us’ game and the ‘Left Behind‘ DLC there was Dream. The Last of Us: American Dream is the genesis of Ellie’s story.

A TIE-IN COMIC BOOK

‘The Last of Us: American Dream‘ is a 4 issue mini-series that ties into the lore of the hit video game franchise created by Naughty Dog developers and published by SONY Interactive Entertainment. Written by the game’s creative director Neil Druckmann and cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks. With illustrations by Hicks, coloring by Rachelle Rosenberg and letters by Clem Robins.

The comic book series was published originally by Dark Horse Comics in April-July 2013 and then again in October 2013 in a collected trade paperback edition. With a second print of the Trade Paperback in 2020.

PRELUDE

This series provided a prelude prior to the beginnings of the events of the first video game. Specifically, it follows the story of Ellie’s arrival to the Boston Quarantine Zone. A fortified area established by the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA). After the fungal outbreak, FEDRA isolated survivors from the infected by establishing different QZs around the Nation. 

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

FROM SOLICITATION:

“Nineteen years ago, a parasitic fungal outbreak killed the majority of the world’s population, forcing survivors into a handful of quarantine zones. Thirteen-year-old Ellie has grown up in this violent, post pandemic world. Her disrespect for the military authority running her boarding school earns her new enemies, a new friend in fellow rebel Riley, and her first trip into the outside world.”

ISSUE #1

The story begins with Ellie’s arrival to the Boston’s QZ. Specifically, to the boarding school run by FEDRA. During the bus ride on the way to Boston, Ellie got a glimpse to how FEDRA rans this QZ. Which, cruel, cold, violent doesn’t quite cover it. There was no welcome wagon at the boarding school.

As soon as Ellie entered the boarding school, she encountered bullies. But Ellie also met Riley in that hostile environment. Although they didn’t hit it off in the beginning, the two of them had way more in common they imagined. Later on that night, Ellie caught Riley sneaking out. After a quick back and forth, Riley decided to bring Ellie along.  

ISSUE #2

During this escape, Ellie and Riley visited the mall from the ‘Left Behind‘ downloadable content (DLC) in the first video game. Eventually they walked by the arcade, where they saw the famous ‘The Turning‘ video game. Same game they revisit in ‘Left Behind‘ and Ellie tells Joel about in ‘The Last of Us‘. However, they didn’t do a full tour. Because Riley wanted Ellie to meet her friend Winston.

While Winston gave Ellie a ride on his horse, Riley searched through Winston’s belongings. Unbeknownst to Ellie, and even Winston, Riley had ulterior motives for that night’s outing. She stole a radio from Winston to use it to find the Fireflies.  

ISSUE #3

Out of nowhere explosions went off and Riley took off running. Instead of running back to safety she ran towards the explosions. Obviously, Ellie protested against this plan. But Riley would not be deterred. Eventually, they ended up running into a firefight. The Fireflies were pinned down by the FEDRA soldiers and looked like they were about to be killed.

Ellie ended up providing cover for the Fireflies with a smoke grenade Riley stole from Winston. Unfortunately, the FEDRA soldiers realized that Riley and Ellie were responsible for the Fireflies escape. So, the girls ran to avoid getting killed by the soldiers.

FIRST ENCOUNTER

After they managed to get away, there was about 5 seconds of relief. Because they found themselves attacked by an infected. They managed to put it down. But it was a closed call, and it wasn’t over. More infected started to come out from a building.

They tried running, but they found themselves cornered. Fortunately, the fireflies returned the favor by saving them from the infected. But that’s where the hospitality ended, Riley was tasered and both of them were kidnapped.

ISSUE #4

Once Riley and Ellie woke up, they were confronted by Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies. Marlene wanted the girl to return to the QZ. But Riley was static to meet Marlene. She wanted to join the Fireflies. Their little reunion was interrupted by smugglers. Immediately things turned violent.

The girls witnessed another shootout, and they even tried helping again. While Ellie was horrified by the violence, Riley was more determined than ever to enlist. However, Marlene completely opposed to the idea of recruiting her.

ELLIE’S GUARDIAN

Marlene forced Riley to face the reality, that being a Firefly was not glamorous in any way. There was a scuffle and Ellie wound up pointing a gun at Marlene. That’s when it was revealed that Marlene knew Ellie. Because she was friends with Ellie’s mother.

Marlene had been keeping an eye on Ellie from a distance, to make sure Ellie was safe. A promised she made to Ellie’s mother. In the end, they all went their separate ways. Before Marlene left, she gave to Ellie a pocketknife that belonged to Anna, Ellie’s mother.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

The pencils by Faith Erin Hicks have a very cartoonish but charming look. The onomatopoeias by Clem Robins are very bold and in your face. Providing a soundtrack in your mind in every scene. Also, the coloring by Rachelle Rosenberg captured the decaying and decrepit feel of ‘The Last of Us’. Despite the charming pencils, you will find the emotional baggage expected in a post-apocalyptic world.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.5/10

The Last of Us: American Dream by Dark Horse comics is solid prelude to the video games, specifically for Ellie. By the time we meet her in the first game, her demeanor is a certain way already. This mini-series explored how Ellie’s character was informed from her experiences with FEDRA, the Fireflies, Riley and Marlene. It’s another piece to this amazing world and to the lore of all 3 characters.

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