The Last of Us: American Dreams #3

The Fireflies are in a shootout with the soldiers, how can Ellie and Riley possibly help?

The Good

The game is out and the reviews are in! However, that does not mean we can't have more of the Last of Us? Nearly at the end of this miniseries, Neil Druckman and Faith Erin Hicks are going to make sure that this video game tie-in series is one to remember. With the Fireflies being attacked by the soldiers last issue, we finally see how Ellie and Riley will fit in with the Firefly group.

The tone and the pace compliments the Last of Us video game. Writers Neil Druckman and Faith Erin Hicks do an outstanding job at capturing those little moments of fear and excitement that is found throughout the video game. Granted, they aren't as real as the video game's emotion, however it is great to see that Druckman and Hicks found a way to add those elements without them being forced or bland.

Another great thing about this series, is the release dates of the comics. Two issues released before the video game's release. So reading the first two issues [to me] made no sense at all, however after playing the video game on June 14th then going back to the previous two issues it all made sense! I absolutely enjoy how the team behind this book released these issues [whether coincidental or on purpose] the group allowed the fans to play the story then come back and say, "oh so that's how she fits in..."

The audience that this book targets was obvious in issue 1. Usually, the main goal of a video game tie-in is to invite people to buy their video games (i.e. DC Universe Online Legends and the Injustice Gods Among Us series). The writers make sure that they cover every detail [to make sure that they don't spoil the game's ending] that way people will have little choice and want to buy their game. Not saying I don't enjoy that, however it is repetitive. Does Neil Druckman and Faith Erin Hicks do that in this title? NO! The two writers write this title for the fans that have already played the game. Knowing that the fans know they have crucial plot elements that will help them understand everything in this book. I'm just glad that Druckman and Hicks created this for the fans and not the demographic of the people who will probably buy the game.

The artwork for this series is perfect. I enjoy seeing Faith Erin Hicks' pencils as she does a great job at the design and look of the characters and world around them. Thanks to Rachelle Rosenberg on her colors as it brings this world to life!

The Bad

I will say that the character development [with the friendship] between Ellie and Riley has slowed down a bit. This being a four issue miniseries, I was hoping to learn more about the friendship between the two characters. Yes, a lot has transpired since issue 1 with Ellie and Riley, however if you have played the game you will want more to find out more between their friendship. Also, the artwork for the runners looks a bit cartoony.

The Verdict

This series is best suited [and targeted for] those who've played the game. Their are elements in this story that won't make any sense to those who have not played the game. With this being the second to the last issue of the series, Ellie and Riley's story is about to come to an end. Overall 4 out of 5.

Previous review(s):

The Last of Us: American Dreams #1 of 4

The Last of Us: American Dreams #2 of 4

Next review:

The Last of Us: American Dreams #4 of 4 (release date July 31, 2013)