September 26 holds specific significance within the lore of The Last of Us, because that is the day the cordyceps fungus broke out and created the monsters that players fight in the game. The real-life holiday is usually marked by new merchandise, artwork, and fan contributions. This year is no different, and a renowned gaming artist has provided their own unique treatment of the The Last of Us’ beloved characters.
RELATED: Artist Reimagines The Last of Us 2 In Studio Ghibli Style
Kojima Productions’ Yoji Shinkawa released a piece of art featuring Joel, Ellie, and Abby. Shinkawa is perhaps best known for his iconic watercolor style featured throughout the Metal Gear Solid franchise, which may be making a comeback on the PlayStation 5. Shinkawa previously worked for Konami with Metal Gear’s creator Hideo Kojima, but followed him when he left to form an independent studio and work on Death Stranding.
Other things announced to celebrate The Last of Us include an exclusive vinyl of The Last of Us 2’s soundtrack with a two-sided cover, one side featuring Ellie and the other featuring Abby. There are also upcoming statues from Gaming Heads and Japanese company Mamegyorai. The Last of Us will also be turned into a board game courtesy of tabletop developers CMON, though that seems to be a ways off as there are no concrete details available for it.
For fans who want to get in on the fun, Naughty Dog released an Ellie cosplay guide that features detailed looks at every part of her character design. Naughty Dog is known for detail in its games, going so far as to study and replicate real-life eyeballs. Naughty Dog is also hosting a Photo Mode Contest using the in-game camera features of The Last of Us 2.
Not everything has come directly from Naughty Dog however, as one fan showed with a thoughtful supercut of all of the happier moments in The Last of Us series. The world of The Last of Us is generally depressing and bleak (even its day of celebration commemorates a zombie outbreak), but what many fans love about the series is the heartfelt and hopeful moments that take place between Naughty Dog’s characters.
The Last of Us 2 is available now on PlayStation 4.
MORE: Game of Thrones Actor Dodges Question About Playing Joel in Last of Us Series
