Why Hanzo and McCree?
Well I’m going to start by just saying how does “angsty samurai and smooth talking chill cowboy” not sound like the setup for a damn fine romance novel. There isn’t any character interactions connecting these two at the moment, but their personalities and stories really make them fit like puzzles pieces.
They have similar experiences in their pasts that are vital to their characters. Both have criminal backgrounds that they’ve had to face the emotional consequences of. Hanzo was the heir to a criminal empire that traded in arms and other illegal items. The politics of the organization lead him to kill his brother which made him leave everything behind to become a lost drifter haunted by guilt for what he did for the sake of his family’s legacy. Meanwhile in his younger days, McCree was a part of a gang that also traded arms illegally. After being taken in by Blackwatch he turned a new leaf and wanted to make up for the damage he was a part of. After having a falling out with Blackwatch and their own corruption, he became a drifter again in a world that still believes him to be a criminal.
Their personalities are opposites, but in ways that complement each other. McCree is chill and takes everything in stride and while Hanzo is a calm person for the most part, he can be emotional and standoffish. They’d relax by enjoying their company together telling stories and bonding over alcohol. If Hanzo becomes temperamental about something, Jesse would stay collected and ease him into calming down. Hanzo still struggles with himself, and McCree has been there and would understand.
Their combat styles even balance well. Hanzo is a mid-range sniper while McCree often tends to be a up close.
They’re an East meets West trope that’s cute as Hell. A stereotypical Southwestern Cowboy and Samurai.
Age wise they’re in the same territory, McCree is 37 and Hanzo 38.
And I’ll be honest, these two are visually gorgeous together. Hanzo’s more elegant appearance contrasted against McCree’s rugged and dirty aesthetic. Hanzo being a chunk shorter is pretty dang adorable too. Interestingly enough their designs also reflect each other in that McCree’s right arm and upper body is covered by his sarape, while that exact territory is completely exposed on Hanzo.
I genuinely believe that these two would appreciate each other in ways that others wouldn’t get. They’d bond over their troubles, enjoy the company and comfort of each other, and find themselves closer than with anyone else they’ve met. Two men that were guilt ridden drifters finding comfort in each other.
What got me seriously thinking about it as a ship was going through McCree’s tag and finding this art by @inazumaneko. I somehow managed to drag @art-of-monkan down with me and we went kinda wild. They’re a sweet fun duo that has so much potential. I hope Blizzard recognizes that and they at least interact.