Why PlayStation’s Best Franchises Should Totally Steal This Genius Comic Book Trick

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Over the years, PlayStation has been a platform for numerous captivating narratives. Its reputation has been established on immersive single-player games with compelling stories, and as PlayStation grows, these tales have only become more powerful. The impact of PlayStation is remarkable, and with series like The Last of Us and God of War in its repertoire, this success endures.

In simple terms, “The Last of Us” and “God of War” are among the most successful exclusive games produced by the company. These two series showcase PlayStation’s knack for creating immersive, story-driven games. Additionally, this success has given birth to numerous spin-offs. Emerging franchises like “Death Stranding” and “Horizon” uphold this tradition. For these series and other PlayStation exclusives to maintain their growth, they might find inspiration in the comic adaptations that “The Last of Us” and “God of War” have embraced.

The Last of Us and God of War Have Used Comic Books to Expand Their Lore

Comic Books Can Fill in the Gaps

Indeed, many PlayStation series have expanded into comic book realms, such as Uncharted, Bloodborne, and Ratchet & Clank. However, The Last of Us and God of War stand out by using this format to explore their characters and worlds in greater depth. Other studios associated with the PlayStation could learn from these franchises’ techniques for developing richer narratives beyond the games themselves.

The Last of Us: American Dreams

  • Writers: Neil Druckmann and Faith Erin Hicks
  • Publisher: Dark Horse

Following the release of The Last of Us, the downloadable content (DLC) titled Left Behind was published several months later. Interestingly enough, prior to the DLC, there was another story called American Dreams. Remarkably, both stories are linked as they focus on Ellie and her friend Riley, delving deeper into their lives in the Boston quarantine zone before the main game’s events. These stories offer a more illuminating perspective of the franchise’s grim post-apocalyptic world.

HBO’s The Last of Us series is currently underway.

God of War: Fallen God

  • Writer: Chris Roberson
  • Publisher: Dark Horse

In this spin-off series, events unfold between those depicted in God of War III and the 2018 reboot. Following his victory over Zeus, Kratos embarks on a quest to leave behind his troubled history, but finds that escape is harder than anticipated. Along his travels, he encounters Egypt as a fresh setting, fueling rumors about an upcoming God of War game set there. Whether or not this speculation becomes reality, the comic provides a captivating exploration of Kratos’ inner battles.

Santa Monica Studio has yet to confirm if the next God of War takes place in Egypt.

Three PlayStation Exclusives Are Begging for Comic Book Spin-Offs

  • Death Stranding
  • Ghost of Tsushima/Ghost of Yotei
  • Helldivers 2

Today, crafting video games can be a lengthy process, and comics might serve as an effective method to enrich the backstory of extensive franchises. For instance, games like “Death Stranding” and “Ghost of Tsushima/Yotei” could provide an ideal platform for such narratives to unfold. Hideo Kojima has already hinted at his intention to broaden the “Death Stranding” universe through different mediums, including a spin-off film produced by A24. Similarly, players might delve deeper into Jin Sakai’s world while also discovering more about new character Atsu in “Ghost of Tsushima.” The lore of “Helldivers 2,” with its action-packed storyline and rich humor, could prove irresistible to comic writers seeking to adapt the multiplayer shooter.

Fundamentally, comic books serve as excellent means for transforming video games into alternative narratives, preserving their unique atmospheres. Given PlayStation’s talent for exceptional exclusives, this skillset is likely to persist. While full-fledged games are terrific, comics could pave the way for the company to explore new dimensions in storytelling.

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2025-04-28 02:34