Fans around the world are angry at Blizzard. The Overwatch comic has forever shattered many hopes.
Initially, Blizzard envisioned this quite differently. The Christmas comic for Overwatch was supposed to be a gift to the community, a typical Christmas story with some humor, friendship, and love. But as is often the case with hardcore fans, the comic simultaneously causes much outrage and sadness – because some relationships (shipping) that fans had hoped for will probably not take place in the Overwatch universe.
The most obvious “victim” of this comic is probably the “Widowtracer” pairing. Since Tracer is in a relationship with a certain Emily, there won’t be much room left for Amelie (Widowmaker). This was one of the most popular pairings in fanfictions. However, some fans are taking it calmly and see it merely as a motivation:
“Wonderful, Tracer is lesbian. Then she can break up with Emily and go to Widowmaker.”
But this is not the only fan-created couple that has now been buried. “Pharmercy” – the relationship between Pharah and Mercy – seems to have been finally shattered. Pharah is spending Christmas with a man who could very well be her boyfriend or even husband. Meanwhile, Mercy continues to help in crisis areas during Christmas, although she is reading a letter – presumably from Genji (notice the feather with which Genji writes that ends up with Mercy).
At least the “Gency” fans (i.e., Genji and Mercy in a relationship) are cheering. This also seems quite possible, as Mercy has long cared for Genji and saved his life after he was nearly killed by Hanzo. But where there are fans, there are also haters. A few people hate the mere thought that Genji and Mercy could be a couple.
“I will deny Gency until my death” and “If Gency is confirmed, I’ll uninstall and sue Blizzard”.
However, there is still hope for Ana and Reinhardt. Blizzard has confirmed on Twitter that all the children to whom Reinhardt reads stories indeed come from Torbjörn. At least this group is still holding on to their stories.
Ah, the internet and fans of fanfiction. Always refreshing entertainment.
