The Last of Us graphic novel in the works from Naughty Dog, Dark Horse

The Last of Us is getting a graphic novel series courtesy of Dark Horse and Naughty Dog.

Announced during New York Comic Con, The Last of Us: American Dreams will focus on Ellie and her life prior to the events in the game.

Polygon said artwork shown during the panel depicted a crumbling city, Ellie as a child, and an older girl named Rachel.

The graphic novel is a collaboration between Naughty Dog designer Neil Druckman and Demonology 101 creator Faith Erin Hicks. Rachel Edidin, previously reported as co-writer, is editing; her previous works include Valve Presents: The Sacrifice and Other Steam-Powered Stories. The finished work will show how Ellie grew into the teenager seen in the game.

"In Ellie's world, when you enter into its version of middle school, you can either choose to become a soldier and go out and fight, or you can say no and go out to fend for yourself with the other survivors," Druckman said. "Those are the two ways a teenager can live in this world. Ellie believes there is a third way.

"Ellie is living in a world when she wants to be innocent, but can't be. She'll find things like a CD player and other pieces of civilization before the game's event. She'll get glimpses of the life she can't have."

It will also divulge how Ellie met Joel, her father figure of sorts in the game.

Dark Horse will publish the four-part series and is also working on a deluxe hardcover The Last of Us Art Book, which will release alongside the game.

The Last of Us is out next year on PS3.