Blizzard has a canonical reason for why its Overwatch 2 heroes are wearing the upcoming One Punch Man costumes.
Speaking to Xbox Wire, Overwatch 2 art director Dion Rogers said that the characters don't become One Punch Man characters when they use the crossover skins, they're just big fans.
“That’s our approach; that our heroes are basically aware of the anime and are fans too. And they’re cosplaying as the heroes," Rogers said. "So when you see Doomfist wearing the Saitama outfit, he’s a fan too.”
The hero shooter's wall-climbing support character Kiriko will get a skin based on Tatsumaki, or Terrible Tornado. The skin swaps her outfit to black and gives her green hairlike the psychic One Punch Man character.
Overwatch 2 takes place sometime around 2077 and Kiriko is in her early 20s, which suggests One Punch Man fandom held strong for over 60 years in this universe. I would have guessed Neon Genesis Evangelion would be the one to survive that long. Doomfist and Soldier: 76 are much older than Kiriko, so I can see why they would dress up as One Punch Man characters.
Rogers also said that many people on the Overwatch 2 team love One Punch Man, which was what compelled them to chase this collaboration. Doomfist, for example, launched with a voice line that references One Punch Man.
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The Kiriko Terrible Tornado skin will drop with the One Punch Man event on March 7. Her skin will come in a bundle with a profile name card and a victory pose and cost 2,100 Overwatch Coins. Doomfist will get a Saitama skin in the store, and Soldier: 76 will get a Mumen Rider skin that you can earn for free.
Blizzard hasn't revealed a limited time mode for the One Punch Man event yet, but a trailer will debut next week with more details.
