Why people think there must be a book
There is a related comic, but the television adaptation’s principal source is the game. PlayStation’s official Part I page identifies the original 2013 story and Naughty Dog’s collaboration with HBO.
The distinction matters when shopping: a comic, art book or making-of volume is not a source novel containing the complete Joel-and-Ellie story. This page therefore does not present an unrelated book or audiobook as the original.
If you want the original story, start here
| Version | What it is | Which question it answers |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us, originally released in 2013 | The original game story | Where did the main story originate? |
| The Last of Us Part I | A remake of the first game’s single-player story, including Left Behind | Which product name identifies a remake rather than the sequel? |
| Left Behind | An additional chapter centered on Ellie | Is this another version of the entire first game? No |
| The Last of Us: American Dreams | A related prequel comic about Ellie and Riley | Is there a connected book-format story? Yes, but it is not the main source novel |
The remake and its included chapter are described by PlayStation . Naughty Dog’s announcement of Left Behind also identifies the Dark Horse comic. Match the exact product title and your gaming platform before purchasing; Part I and Part II are not interchangeable editions.
How close is the adaptation?
Both versions use the central Joel-and-Ellie premise, but identifying the source is not the same as claiming that every scene is identical. Television replaces player-controlled sequences with an edited screen narrative. The official PlayStation material confirms the adaptation relationship; this guide does not claim a complete scene comparison.
You do not need to buy the game merely to understand which medium came first. Choose the game if you want the interactive source, or the show if you prefer television. Related comics are optional background, not a prerequisite.
What to read next if you wanted a similar mood
For connected reading, distinguish American Dreams from unrelated post-apocalyptic fiction. The comic is part of the franchise’s background, whereas a novel marketed as similar is a separate story. Neither should be sold as the novel adapted by HBO.
This distinction also explains why a search for an original-story audiobook can be misleading. Check what a listing actually contains instead of assuming a shared title means a narrated novel of the game.
Verdict
The Last of Us is based on a video game, not a source novel. A related prequel comic exists, but it is a different item with a different scope.
FAQ
Is American Dreams the book behind the TV series? No. It is connected prequel material, not a prose novel replacing the game as the principal source.
Is Part I a sequel? No. PlayStation describes it as a remake of the original single-player story. Check the exact title, edition and platform.
Do I need the comic before watching? It is optional background. This source guide does not require a purchase before viewing the adaptation.