Introducing Overwatch 2's New Comic: Guardian of Tetsuzaka

The Story Behind 'Guardian of Tetsuzaka'

Overwatch 2 recently released a free comic that introduces some of the members of the Yokai, Kiriko's gang of vigilantes. Called 'Guardian of Tetsuzaka,' this lore comic acts as a prequel detailing one of Kiriko's early exploits as an independent freedom fighter before joining the Yokai of Overwatch 2.

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Kiriko was one of the three heroes introduced alongside the launch of Overwatch 2. The sequel's first healer, Kiriko is a modern ninja who wields mystic powers and kunai to slip across the battlefield. When she was first introduced, one of the most interesting parts of her Overwatch 2 backstory was the Yokai, a gang of masked freedom fighters who help her in opposing the Hashimoto clan's tyranny.

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The Plot of 'Guardian of Tetsuzaka'

Overwatch 2 has released 'Guardian of Tetsuzaka,' a new one-shot comic detailing Kiriko's first encounter with some of the members of the Yokai. Published by CoroCoro Comic, a popular monthly Japanese magazine, 'Guardian of Tetsuzaka' shows a small vignette of Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura, three future members of Yokai, before they were a part of the group. Through a series of events, the three cross paths with a mysterious ninja who turns out to be Kiriko. Though they never formally meet, Kiriko inspires Ryota and the others to continue fighting. The Japanese Overwatch 2 comic does not have an official English version yet, but Google Translate can give fans a general idea of what is going on.

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Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura get into a fight with Hashimoto gangsters, only to be saved by a ninja vigilante, who the audience learns is Kiriko. Hashimoto retaliates by capturing Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura. Kiriko rushes in, saves the three friends, and disappears without a trace, inspiring them to keep resisting the Hashimoto, as they continue to do in Kiriko's Overwatch 2 origin story. This is the second time fans have gotten a closer look at Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura. Overwatch 2 shared a short story written by Christie Golden featuring them alongside Kiriko for the hero's release last year. However, the Yokai gang has at least two other members that are shrouded in mystery, including at least one omnic. Fans will have to wait to see if they eventually learn more about these characters.

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What's Next for Overwatch 2?

Overwatch 2 is planning on releasing three new heroes in 2024. While Venture and the hero currently codenamed Space Ranger are not members of Yokai, next year's new Overwatch 2 tank could still be one of these characters. While there's no guarantee players will see other members of Kiriko's gang join Overwatch 2's roster of heroes, fans will always wonder what it would be like to field her entire squad in battle.

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