The Last of Us’s Hidden Comic Series: Will We Ever See Savage Starlight?

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There’s no denying that the phenomenon known as “The Last of Us” as a multi-platform entertainment empire is indisputable. Since its launch in 2013, it has not only gained widespread recognition as a video game – its initial form – but has also drawn immense viewership and accolades as a TV series. Additionally, it has experienced significant success in areas such as merchandising and licensing. However, one notable area where the franchise is not strongly established is comic books. Apart from the four-issue limited series “The Last of Us: American Dreams,” which was released shortly after the game’s debut, the franchise has yet to explore the captivating realm of comics further.

Given the success other franchises have found in appealing to comic book enthusiasts, and considering the widespread appeal of The Last of Us across various media formats, it’s quite surprising that there isn’t a dedicated comic book series for this franchise. What makes this absence even more unexpected is the existence of Savage Starlight, an intricately developed in-universe comic series with a captivating storyline, diverse characters, and deep lore – all elements that suggest it would be ideal for real-world adaptation as a comic book.

Savage Starlight is Just As Good As The Last of Us

In the original game, players encountered “Savage Starlight” as hidden items, which, when found, granted access to additional features or rewards. The TV series expands on this by integrating “Savage Starlight” into the storyline. Unlike conventional collectibles, it’s not just mentioned in conversations but also shown through in-game comic books and trading cards. Before the world was overrun by monsters, “Savage Starlight” was a well-loved American comic book. Even after the apocalypse, its appeal endured, offering solace and motivation for young survivors like Ellie who had to grow up quickly.

Based on gameplay elements and chats on TV, it appears that Savage Starlight is a thrilling science-fiction tale centered around Dr. Daniela Star, who aims to propel human space exploration using revolutionary technology capable of traveling immense distances in brief periods. Unfortunately, these technological breakthroughs unwittingly draw the attention of the Travelers – a merciless alien species seeking to eliminate humanity. With her mission of discovery halted, Star joins forces with the daring spaceship captain James Ryan in a desperate battle for survival. As our last defense, Starr must outwit and outmaneuver the Travelers to avoid extinction.

Savage Starlight Is Unlikely to see the Light of Day – But It Should

Adapting a video game like The Last of Us into a comic book by focusing on an ongoing plot point might not be the typical method, but it offers several advantages that could help Naughty Dog, the creators, feel more comfortable with expanding their franchise into this medium. If they’re worried about losing control over the brand, surrendering creative direction, or finding the story incompatible with comics, “Savage Starlight” presents a persuasive alternative. By tapping into the existing fan base of this in-story comic series, The Last of Us could organically expand its narrative scope while preserving its creative authenticity.

Given that Savage Starlight has already been introduced as a comic within the universe of The Last of Us, transforming it into a true-to-life comic series would be quite logical. This move would enhance the overall narrative of The Last of Us by providing fans with a more immersive look into the story that Ellie holds so dear. Additionally, since its plot is separate from that of The Last of Us, the creators could further develop the universe without disrupting the primary storyline of Ellie and Joel’s journey.

In essence, there’s no necessity to follow the traditional storyline rigidly. Fans would welcome this departure—not as a diversion from the primary plot, but as an enriching extension of it. Reading the comic could spark curiosity in newcomers to explore the game or series. Moreover, although the major events in Savage Starlight’s tale are set, the intricate details are yet to be penned. This allows Naughty Dog the artistic liberty to steer its narrative beyond what has already been disclosed.

American Dreams” suggests that a sequel in comic form could be quite successful. Although it seems improbable that a “Savage Starlight” series is being planned, if they were to create one, it would be beneficial for both the creators and fans of “The Last of Us”, who are eagerly anticipating its realization.

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2025-04-27 18:41