We’re once again in the midst of summer’s steamiest months, and you know what that means: Blizzard has made yet another Overwatch character hot. Also, Lucioball is back for the fourth year in a row. Between those two things, it’s unsurprising that it’s Hanzo “Hotzo” Shimada who’s the talk of the balmy beach town right now.
Today, Blizzard surprise- (well, sorta-surprise-) launched Overwatch’s annual Summer Games event a little bit earlier than usual. Despite innumerable clamors for a shake-up, it’s still pretty much the same it’s been since 2015, with the soccer-like Lucioball mode taking center stage.
But there are also new skins, and Hanzo’s puts a new spin on a familiar dynamic, which I’ve eloquently titled “doofy dad man hot now???” Typically clad in poofy pajamas with a spacious nipple window, Hanzo has now donned slick swimwear inspired by a classic Japanese print and a vest that frees his abs from their wrinkly fabric prison. Samurai dad is once again samurai daddy, and all is right with the world. Fans are celebrating in the traditional way: by being extremely thirsty on main.
But Hanzo’s not the only one who’s ready to both hit the beach and ruthlessly strike down all who dare oppose him this year. Torbjorn’s poolside duds are much more whimsical and, I would argue, better for it. He’s got a sandcastle backpack, an inflatable pool toy mallet, and a seashell-speckled beard. This, too, has inspired a whole host of fan reactions:
Can’t wait until next year, when Blizzard will probably celebrate Lucioball’s five-year anniversary by putting the ball in a swimsuit and giving it abs.