The Last of Us is known for humanizing characters amid the end of humanity, and because of that, HBO's TV series adaptation must include one essential collectible from the games. The plot details placed in every aspect of the game is key to what makes the franchise so special, with Joel, Ellie, and other survivors being some of the most fleshed-out characters in gaming history. It is vital that the series gets Ellie's character right, and HBO's The Last of Us simply can't do that without the addition of the game's collectible comic books.
Throughout The Last of Us, Joel and Ellie collect an in-universe series of comics titled "Savage Starlight," with these books being one of the game's primary collectibles. These comics go far beyond being just a collectible, though, as they are key to maintaining Ellie's humanity, with the comics leading to her few moments of childlike joy during the events of the game. HBO's The Last of Us show could reveal the franchise's tagline through the comics as well, as Ellie picks up her slogan - "Endure and survive" - from the "Savage Starlight" comics. While they may seem like mere collectibles, the comics in The Last of Us are key to the story's themes and the character of Ellie, meaning that the HBO series would massively benefit from carrying over this element from the games.
When Do The Comics Appear In The Last Of Us Games?
While the collectible comics in The Last of Us have become a staple of the franchise, they are actually only obtainable in the first game. There are 14 collectible comics that can be found throughout the game, with the first appearing in the Pittsburg chapter not long after Ellie and Joel leave Bill, and the last not being found until the game's epilogue. The books are often in hard-to-find places, sparking brief conversations between Joel and Ellie when found. The legacy of these comics, though, lasts throughout the series, as the "Endure and survive" slogan is essentially Ellie's catchphrase, driving her to continue fighting in the post-apocalyptic world.
How The Last Of Us Can Include Ellie's Comics
Much like in the games, HBO's The Last of Us can reference the comics by having various "Savage Starlight" posters and merchandise appear in the background. However, making the comics a point of conversation between Joel and Ellie would be even better, as Ellie's excitement about the comics humanizes her character and reminds the audience that she is still just a kid. Conversations about the comics would also add brief moments of levity to the show's undoubtedly grim story.
HBO's series will also feature elements of The Last of Us' DLC, Left Behind, which can further the appearance of the comic books in the show. Since the show will be including Riley, the appearance of the game's Savage Starlight arcade cabinet could be a point of conversation between the two characters, helping characterize the two. Ellie's comic books aren't just a fun collectible - they're essential to her character, meaning that the "Savage Starlight" series must appear in HBO's The Last of Us.