Before we got engrossed in Overwatch and Marvel Rivals, Valve’s Team Fortress 2 was the zany, character-driven hero shooter that captured gamers’ hearts. Even though it first hit the scene in 2007, Team Fortress 2 has managed to remain a beloved entry in the gaming world, thanks largely to its dedicated community. Imagine the buzz and delight when a new Team Fortress 2 comic suddenly appeared—a full seven years after the last one!
This latest issue, titled “The Days Have Worn Away,” kicks off with a heartfelt tribute to Rick May, the talented voice actor who brought the Soldier to life and sadly passed away in 2020. Illustrated by Heather Campbell, a skilled artist at Valve, the comic effortlessly breathes life into the quirky TF2 roster. There’s the Scout, who’s dealing with his lively family, a Soldier who’s tied the knot yet affectionately calls his spouse a “roommate,” and even a chillingly bizarre scene with the Administrator. This comic really has something for everyone.
For those who haven’t yet dived into the comics, I highly recommend starting from the very beginning. It all launched back in 2013 with “Ring of Fired” and doesn’t just explore the main characters’ backstories but also gives depth to side characters like Miss Pauling. According to Valve’s own description on TeamFortress.com, “Over the years, the comics have spawned ancillary characters, then assistants to the ancillary characters. Companies mentioned in passing became global empires three generations old. The game that started as a handful of guys in a desert shooting at each other slowly blossomed into the most labyrinthine story in Valve history.”
This all turns out to be great news because it means you don’t really need to spend a lot of time playing the game to dive into its thrilling narrative. With the mix of comics and those unforgettable Meet the Team videos, Team Fortress 2 has successfully kept its place in the gaming spotlight, far beyond its heyday. It’s genuinely heartwarming to see some of these characters find closure after so long, even if it seems like this might be their final curtain call.
