Review - The Last of Us; American Dreams #1.

Review by Paul Fiander
Writer; Neil Druckmann & Faith Erin Hicks
Art by; Faith Erin Hicks
Colours by; Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters; Clem Robbins
Cover by; Julian Totino Tedesco
Published by; Dark Horse Comics Inc
Naughty Dog have created a gaming experience that many are calling a definitive game of the generation. The story is based around the struggle for survival in a world that has been decimated by a parasitic fungal outbreak. Within this framework Naughty Dog designer Neil Druckman and writer/artist Faith Erin Hicks joined together to create a prologue to the game in the form of a comic series subtitled  American Dreams. 

This review is for the first of four parts. We will not spoil any story points in this review however some points from the comic will be hinted at.
The first thing that strikes you about the comic is the artwork. There is a definite difference between the way Ellie looks on page then the way she is depicted on screen, in what appears to be a deliberate move to give the Comic its own place within the world. This appears to be a bold choice as other titles have tended to create a similar visual style between mediums. I feel it has worked as the drawings look rich and the emotions that are shown by Ellie especially on the first page are wonderfully depicted. I’m not so keen on the picture of Ellie on the front cover, this is mainly due to the way her eyes are depicted. Throughout the story you can read her emotions by looking at her face and this seems lacking on the cover.

The story follows Ellie as she is taken to a Military Boarding school in Boston, one of the last quarantine zone that remain. This is no loving environment and it appears that the schools motto should take a lead from Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin and be “Survival of the Fittest”. From the other students to the officers in command there is a hierarchy that must be learnt in order for Ellie to survive. 

The way the story depicts Ellie is of a strong, independent child with some trust issues. This seems fitting for the whole world that the comic is inhabiting. Its impossible to try to understand the motivation of an individual living in a post apocalyptic environment. If you take away the larger world, then her story of a new student entering a hierarchical establishment makes a lot of sense and that helps create an emotional bond with the central character and this is a great way to get readers invested into the series.
Picture
The Font Cover of the Comic
Picture
A depiction of Ellie form the PS3
There are some hints of Ellies past within the story but you are not given a full backstory of how and why she enters the school. This in no way detracts from the story as it helps keep you guessing and thus thinking about her even when you have finished reading. Ellie has one relationship that develops within the story. Filled with tension and angst the storyline could be seen as predictable especially with the use of a Mcguffin, but its played out in such a way that the relationship still feels organic.

Overall American Dream has had a great opening. The strong visual representation of the characters is supported by the story making the comic stand out in its own right. If the creative team can keep this standard up 
The Comic is available in both print and digital from Dark Horse comics. Follow this link for more details.

Wrap Up

The Good  - Strong Narrative, Great Visuals
The Bad   - Front Cover art not representative of art in comic.

Score - 4/5
Images courtesy of Dark Horse Comics and SCEE
Comic - Reviewers own copy