Imaginative Overwatch 2 Fan Redesigns Kiriko as a Villain

Taking creative liberties within the Overwatch 2 universe, one fervent fan has given Kiriko an intriguing makeover, casting her in the role of a cunning villain rather than her original identity as a vigilant hero. Amid the diverse array of characters in Overwatch 2, some possess a darker side that beckons exploration. While names like Reaper, Ramattra, and Doomfist often spring to mind, this particular fan decided to weave a new narrative for Kiriko, turning her into a captivating antagonist.

The expansive world of Overwatch is replete with intricate factions and intriguing personalities. Apart from the well-known Talon group, the enigmatic Hashimoto clan—a shadowy criminal organization in Japan—plays an integral part in the game's lore. The debut of Kiriko during Overwatch 2's launch spotlighted her valiant efforts to thwart the clan's nefarious plans. However, in this alternate creative vision, our fan crafts a tale where Kiriko aligns herself with the very forces she once opposed.

Shared on Reddit under the moniker artist_requiem, a stunning piece of concept art portrays a reimagined Kiriko. The artist's goal was to craft a skin for Kiriko inspired by the Hashimoto clan's distinct aesthetic. The artwork enshrouds Kiriko's visage behind an enigmatic ebony mask, adding an air of menace to her presence. She is adorned in attire of dark hues, her body embellished with intricate tattoos, all serving to enhance her newfound persona as a villain. Notably, the artist meticulously reenvisioned Kiriko's signature Healing Ofuda and Kunai, infusing them with a renewed aura. The transformation even extended to her fox spirit, now emanating an alluring crimson radiance instead of its customary cerulean glow.

Since gracing Reddit with this alternate take on Kiriko, the concept art has captured the community's imagination, amassing over 1.9K upvotes. Commenters have expressed their enthusiasm for this fresh interpretation, praising the incorporation of the mask as a design element. Many have mused about the potential of such an "Evil Kiriko" skin becoming an official addition to the game.

Worth noting is that artist_requiem's creativity extends beyond this endeavor. In addition to the Hashimoto-inspired Kiriko skin, they have also conjured up a concept featuring Sombra reimagined as Lucy from Cyberpunk 2077. As the Overwatch community continues to foster its creative spirit, anticipation simmers regarding the unveiling of other innovative skins. The prospect of envisioning cherished characters like Reinhardt and Mercy in darker roles looms intriguingly on the horizon. While these imaginative fan-made concepts may never be integrated into the official game, they undoubtedly infuse the Overwatch universe with a fresh layer of ingenuity and excitement.