Overwatch’s new YA novel finally gives us teen heartthrob McCree

*spittoon sound*

Properly, nicely, nicely … you wish to study a bit extra about Overwatch gunslinger Jesse McCree, do ya? Through the years since Blizzard Leisure’s hero shooter was launched, Blizzard’s dropped us tidbits of lore — peeks at his outlaw life as a part of the Impasse Gang and Blackwatch, hints of the cynical-yet-justice-minded character. We all know him greatest from the quips and quarrels in his voice traces (e.g., “It’s excessive midday someplace on the earth.” “You appear acquainted. Ain’t I killed you earlier than?”).

It’s not a ton to work with, nevertheless it’s one thing. Certain, the Overwatch animated shorts are good, too, however actual lore nerds the place are one of the best, area of interest data is: within the books. Overwatch’s newest novel is a younger grownup unique known as Impasse Rebels, written by writer Lyndsay Ely. And right here’s one of the best half: It’s about McCree and Ashe’s brooding teen years.

Impasse Rebels was launched Tuesday, a follow-up to Overwatch’s first YA novel, The Hero of Numbani. We’ve identified concerning the e book since final yr, however its launch introduced one thing new: The duvet illustration, showcasing Overwatch heroes McCree and Ashe as teenagers.

Picture: Xiao Tong Kong, Blizzard Leisure/Scholastic Books

Take a look at these little troublemakers — Ashe, together with her hair creating clouds just like the prairie sky at daybreak. And McCree, “the native ruffian,” together with his barely there facial scruff. After which there’s Ashe’s omnic butler, B.O.B., sporting a rugged chinstrap beard. Large “don’t discuss to my teenage daughter” vitality, over there. It’s excellent.

Right here’s a snippet from the outline:

When Ashe is arrested but once more on the morning of her highschool commencement, her aloof, old-money dad and mom resolve to disinherit her from the household fortune. To steal again what’s rightfully hers, Ashe groups up together with her omnic butler, B.O.B., and native ruffian Jesse McCree for a collection of heists, catapulting the trio right into a sport of quick cash and harmful alliances. Alongside the best way, Ashe discovers that household isn’t nearly blood. It’s concerning the individuals who’ve received your again when your again’s towards the wall.

Technically, we’ve already seen McCree as a teen, with the Impasse Gang Overwatch pores and skin and in an previous {photograph} noticed in Ana’s origins video. Overwatch’s age timeline generally is a little complicated, however these would be from McCree’s teenage years.

Picture: Blizzard Leisure

Picture: Blizzard Leisure

However let’s be actual: These aren’t teenagers. These are grownup actors taking part in highschool roles. Teen McCree, as drawn by illustrator Xiao Tong Kong, is now canon. It’s extra The CW drama than Ben Platt taking part in Evan Hansen within the new film.

Impasse Rebels is $9.89 in paperback and $6.99 on e-readers.