Before Overwatch or Marvel Rivals captured gamers’ hearts, there was another wild, character-driven shooter that stood out: Valve’s Team Fortress 2. Released in 2007, TF2 has remained a beloved classic with a dedicated fanbase. Recently, enthusiasts were thrilled when, unexpectedly, a new Team Fortress 2 comic dropped—a full seven years after the last issue.
Issue #7, titled “The Days Have Worn Away,” pays tribute to Rick May, the voice of the iconic Soldier, who sadly passed away in 2020. The comic, illustrated by Heather Campbell, a talented artist at Valve, brings to life the quirky and humorous nature of the TF2 characters. From the spirited family of the Scout to the Soldier’s comical take on marriage, referring to his wife as merely a roommate, and even a chilling body horror sequence involving the Administrator, this comic truly offers something for every fan.
If you haven’t dived into the comics yet, now’s the perfect time to start from the beginning. Since launching in 2013 with “Ring of Fired,” the series has explored the rich backstories of both main and side characters, like Miss Pauling. According to Valve, what kicked off with a simple desert shootout has evolved into an elaborate storyline filled with ancillary characters, their aides, and fictional global empires spanning generations—all woven into the most complex narrative of Valve’s universe.
This depth and evolution mean you don’t need extensive gameplay experience to enjoy the vibrant storytelling. The combination of comics and the “Meet the Team” videos has kept Team Fortress 2 firmly planted in gaming culture, far beyond when many would have expected. Seeing these beloved characters progress to a fulfilling conclusion is satisfying, although it seems this may be our last look at new comic stories for this beloved franchise.
