Before games like Overwatch and Marvel Rivals hit the scene, there was another quirky, hero-based shooter that captured gamers’ hearts: Valve’s Team Fortress 2. Despite being released back in 2007, Team Fortress 2 has remained relevant, maintaining a dedicated fanbase over the years. Fans were both surprised and thrilled when a new Team Fortress 2 comic surfaced, a full seven years since the last installment.
Issue #7 of the ongoing comic series, titled “The Days Have Worn Away,” starts off with a heartfelt tribute to Rick May, the voice actor for the beloved Soldier character who sadly passed away in 2020. Illustrated by Valve’s artist Heather Campbell, the comic skillfully brings to life the colorful and eccentric characters of TF2. In this issue, readers meet a Scout with an energetic family, a Soldier who amusingly calls his wife his “roommate,” and there’s even a chilling body horror moment featuring the Administrator. It’s an issue that promises something for every fan.
For those who have yet to dive into these comics, I highly recommend starting from the beginning. Initiating in 2013 with “Ring of Fired,” the series explores the intriguing backstories of the main characters and even delves into supporting ones like Miss Pauling. As described 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.”
What’s exciting about this is that you don’t actually need to have played much of the game to dive into this rich, adventurous story. Through the comics and the Meet the Team videos, Team Fortress 2 continues to remain a staple in gaming culture, long after its initial popularity peak. It’s a delight to see some of these beloved characters finally find their happy endings after waiting in limbo. However, it seems this might be the last comic we receive for a while, making this installment all the more special.