PlayStation-owned video game developer Naughty Dog and Dark Horse Books are teaming up to release a new hardcover book featuring the award-winning scripts for “The Last of Us” video game franchise.
Titled “The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts,” the book will feature the scripts for the first two games, released in 2013 and 2020, respectively, as well as the 2014 standalone expansion “Left Behind.” The first game and “Left Behind” were written by Naughty Dog studio chief and head of creative Neil Druckmann (who co-created HBO’s “The Last of Us” adaptation with Craig Mazin), while “The Last of Us Part II” was written by Druckmann and screenwriter Halley Gross (“Westworld”).
Per Naughty Dog and Dark Horse, “Relive every climactic moment in ‘The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts,’ from Joel and Ellie’s time with Tess in Boston, to Ellie’s joy while petting giraffes, to Joel’s heart-wrenching decision at the Fireflies’ hospital in ‘The Last of Us Part I.’ Then, dive into ‘The Last of Us Part II’s’ dual-perspective story, including Abby’s shocking introduction, Ellie and Dina forging a bond together, an enthralling encounter with the Rat King, and the final showdown between Ellie and Abby.”
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The 618-pages, 8” x 11” hardcover book will also feature a foreword written by Joel voice actor Troy Baker, an art gallery with work by developer Naughty Dog’s principal character concept artist Hyoung Nam, as well as a buckram-textured cover with new art and block printing along the pages’ edges “that evokes the franchise’s iconic Cordyceps fungus.”
“The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts” will be released in bookstores Dec. 16 and comic shops on Dec. 17. The book is available for pre-order now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local comic shops and bookstores for $54.99.
“At its beginning, ‘The Last of Us’ was a series of philosophical themes — grief, unconditional love, the relentless pursuit of justice — waiting to be shaped into a story,” Druckmann said. “These scripts, written during the games’ development, were meant to guide our team as we brought that world to life. They were never intended for public view — until now. For the first time, we’re sharing them with you — hoping this rare glimpse brings you even closer to the heart of Joel, Ellie, Abby, and the world they inhabit.”
Gross added: “Neil and I had the honor of leading this story, but the truth is, it only exists because of the remarkable team at Naughty Dog. Every moment was built by people who bring their full hearts and talent to the table. This compilation is a tribute to the studio and a celebration of what’s possible when we create together.”
See a first-look at the cover for “The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts” below.
