Recently, Overwatch 2 unveiled a complimentary comic titled “Guardian of Tetsuzaka,” delving into Kiriko’s past as an independent freedom fighter before her association with the Yokai, a group of vigilantes featured in the game’s lore. This prequel comic serves as an introduction to some members of the Yokai gang, shedding light on Kiriko’s earlier exploits.
Kiriko emerged as one of Overwatch 2’s initial heroes, notably recognized as the sequel’s inaugural healer. A contemporary ninja wielding mystical abilities and kunai, she stands against the tyrannical rule of the Hashimoto clan. An intriguing facet of her backstory revolves around the Yokai, a masked group of freedom fighters aiding her cause.
The new one-shot comic, “Guardian of Tetsuzaka,” released via CoroCoro Comic, a popular Japanese monthly magazine, spotlights three future Yokai members – Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura – before their affiliation with the group. Their paths cross with a mysterious ninja, later revealed to be Kiriko, during an encounter where she saves them from Hashimoto gangsters. Although a formal introduction never occurs, Kiriko’s actions inspire Ryota and the others to persevere in their fight against tyranny. While an official English version of the Japanese Overwatch 2 comic is pending, fans can use Google Translate to glean a general understanding of its content.
The comic storyline unfolds as Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura find themselves in a skirmish with Hashimoto gangsters, subsequently rescued by a mysterious ninja vigilante revealed to be Kiriko. Following Hashimoto’s retaliation, capturing the trio, Kiriko swiftly intervenes, rescuing her newfound allies and vanishing without a trace. Her valor instills determination in Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura, motivating them to continue resisting the Hashimoto clan, as depicted in Kiriko’s Overwatch 2 origin story.
This marks the second instance where fans gain insight into Ryota, Nobuto, and Sakura’s roles. Previously, Overwatch 2 shared a short story by Christie Golden featuring these characters alongside Kiriko during the hero’s introduction last year. However, the Yokai gang includes other enigmatic members, including at least one omnic, whose backgrounds remain shrouded in mystery, teasing potential developments in future Overwatch 2 narratives.
Looking ahead, Overwatch 2 is set to introduce three new heroes in 2024. Although Venture and the hero codenamed Space Ranger aren’t part of Yokai, speculations persist that the upcoming tank hero might hail from Kiriko’s entourage. While the prospect of recruiting more Yokai members into Overwatch 2 remains uncertain, fans remain intrigued by the possibility of fielding Kiriko’s complete squad in battle.