The tradition of a new Blizzard Overwatch Christmas comic is one of the most anticipated events for lore enthusiasts, and the most recent release, "Together," offers a wealth of fresh, canon information that continues the holiday narrative established by the groundbreaking "Reflections" comic. As of December 15, 2025, "Together" stands as the latest official holiday story, providing fans with a deeper, more intimate look at the lives of their favorite heroes outside of the battlefield and setting the stage for future Overwatch 2 developments. This new comic, often referred to by fans as "Reflections 2" due to its similar format, is essential reading for anyone tracking the complex relationships and emotional struggles within the hero roster, especially as the world of Overwatch continues to rebuild.
Released during the annual Winter Wonderland event, the "Together" comic serves as a powerful piece of world-building, moving the timeline forward and subtly hinting at new alliances and character arcs. The story not only revisits fan-favorite couples like Tracer and Emily but also pulls back the curtain on the private lives of new heroes and long-standing veterans, including surprising pairings and heartbreaking glimpses into their solitude. The comic successfully balances the festive cheer of the holiday season with the deeper, often melancholic, personal histories of the heroes, solidifying the holiday comics as a core pillar of Overwatch lore.
The Legacy of Overwatch's Holiday Comics: From 'Reflections' to 'Miracle'
To appreciate the significance of the "Together" comic, one must first understand the foundational lore established by its predecessors. Blizzard’s holiday comic tradition began with the now-iconic "Reflections" in 2016, a story that fundamentally changed the perception of the Overwatch universe.
- "Reflections" (2016): The Groundbreaker. This comic, written by Michael Chu and illustrated by Miki Montlló, is famous for officially revealing that the hero Tracer (Lena Oxton) is in a relationship with her girlfriend, Emily. [cite: 2, 7 in previous step] This reveal made Tracer the first officially LGBTQ+ character in the game and was a major moment for representation in the gaming world. [cite: 6, 7 in previous step] The comic also provided various hero cameos, showing Winston missing his friends, Reinhardt celebrating with Brigitte (Lindholm), and Genji meditating with Zenyatta. [cite: 7 in previous step]
- "Miracle" (Later Release): The Heartwarmer. Another notable holiday installment, "Miracle," followed Tracer’s frantic search to find the perfect Christmas present for Emily. [cite: 4 in previous step] The short, sweet story reinforced their domestic life and the importance of their bond outside of the Chronal Accelerator's demands. [cite: 4 in previous step]
These comics set the precedent that the holiday season is a time for deep character exploration, moving beyond the game's core conflicts to focus on the human (and omnic) elements of the heroes. The "Together" comic builds directly on this legacy, even being referred to in its file name as "reflection 2," indicating its status as a direct spiritual sequel.
The Fresh Lore and Surprising Cameos in 'Together' (2024/2025)
The latest holiday comic, "Together," illustrated by Xiao Tong Kong, shifts the focus slightly while maintaining the tradition of intimate hero moments. [cite: 5 in previous step] The story centers on the idea of community and finding connection, even when separated by distance or circumstance. The comic is packed with new lore and surprising pairings that have sparked intense discussion within the Overwatch community. The most significant reveals include:
1. The Unexpected Pairing of Soldier: 76 and Illari
One of the most talked-about moments in "Together" is the appearance of Soldier: 76 (Jack Morrison) alongside the newer hero, Illari. This pairing is highly unexpected, as the veteran vigilante Soldier: 76 rarely interacts with the younger, more isolated heroes. Their appearance together immediately raises questions about their current mission or relationship. Are they working together? Is Soldier: 76 mentoring the guilt-ridden Illari? This single panel provides a fresh, compelling narrative thread for the future of Overwatch 2 lore, suggesting a new, unlikely alliance is forming.
2. A Deeper Look into the Isolation of Reaper and Sigma
While the previous comics focused on the warmth of found families, "Together" bravely explores the darker, more isolated side of the holiday season for some of the anti-heroes. The comic provides a heartbreaking glimpse into the solitude of Reaper (Gabriel Reyes) and Sigma (Siebren de Kuiper). Lore enthusiasts noted that the comic emphasizes the tragic reality of their situations: Reaper's family has abandoned him following his transformation, and Sigma is left grieving the loss of his old life and friends due to his psychological condition. This contrast humanizes the villains, framing them not just as antagonists but as broken individuals dealing with profound loss during a time meant for connection.
3. The Continued Domestic Bliss of Tracer and Emily
The core of the holiday comics remains the relationship between Tracer and Emily. In "Together," their story is continued, cementing their status as the holiday narrative's central couple. A key detail for fans is the sight of Emily wearing the scarf Tracer gave her in a previous holiday comic, a small but powerful visual continuity that confirms their ongoing, stable domestic life. [cite: 11 in previous step] This reinforces the theme that even the world's fastest hero needs a grounding presence, and that her relationship with Emily is a constant source of strength and normalcy.
4. The Rise of Dae-hyun as a Major Lore Character
The comic features a strong cameo from Dae-hyun, the mechanic and close friend of D.Va (Hana Song). His prominent appearance in "Together" has led to speculation that Dae-hyun is being set up for a much larger role in the Overwatch narrative, perhaps even joining the roster of heroes as a new support or damage character. The comic highlights his supportive role in D.Va’s life, demonstrating the importance of civilian characters who work behind the scenes to help the heroes succeed, similar to how Efi Oladele was introduced before Orisa.
5. A Massive Roster of Hero and Supporting Character Cameos
"Together" lives up to its name by featuring one of the largest assemblies of heroes and lore characters in a single comic panel, acting as a visual roll call for the current Overwatch 2 roster. Beyond the main players, the comic includes brief but significant appearances from: Winston, Mei (Zhou), Pharah (Fareeha Amari), Ana (Amari), Cassidy (formerly McCree), Zarya (Aleksandra Zaryanova), Sombra (Olivia Colomar), and Roadhog (Mako Rutledge), among many others. These cameos provide quick updates on their current status and location, adding depth to the world-state and confirming that the heroes are scattered but still connected by the spirit of the holiday season.
Why These Comics Are Essential to Overwatch 2's Future
The "Together" comic, like "Reflections" before it, is more than just a festive treat; it is a vital tool for Overwatch's ongoing storytelling. [cite: 8 in previous step] In the absence of a dedicated story mode at launch, these digital comics and short stories are the primary means of delivering new, canonical lore and character development. [cite: 6 in previous step] The subtle hints—like the Soldier: 76 and Illari pairing—are often precursors to in-game events, character interactions, or even new hero releases. By focusing on personal relationships and emotional journeys during the holidays, Blizzard successfully humanizes its god-like characters, making the stakes of the larger world conflict feel more personal and impactful. The "Together" comic ensures that even as the game evolves, the heart of the Overwatch story—the connections between its heroes—remains its most compelling feature.
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