Even though the Overwatch community has been begging for more lore ever since the game first launched, Blizzard has never really expanded its universe beyond the occasional short story. There were originally plans for a graphic novel detailing the fall of the Overwatch organization, but after that one got canceled, Blizzard seemingly lost any interest in trying again.

With that in mind, I am both surprised and pleased to say that Blizzard has now come out to announce the very first Overwatch novel - The Hero of Numbani. As you might imagine from the name alone, the novel will follow Orisa and her creator Efi on their various adventures throughout the futuristic city of Numbani. Here's the brief summary:

"In the technologically advanced African city of Numbani, in the not-so-distant future, humans live in harmony with humanoid robots known as omnics. But when a terrorist tries to shatter that unity, a hero named Efi Oladele rises!

Efi has been making robots since she was little -- machines to better her community and improve people's lives. But after she witnesses Doomfist's catastrophic attack on the city's OR15 security bots, Efi feels the call to build something greater: a true guardian of Numbani.

While Doomfist sows discord between humans and omnics, Efi engineers an intelligent and compassionate robot, Orisa, named after the powerful spirits who guide her people. Orisa has a lot to learn before she's ready to defeat Doomfist, but Efi has some learning to do, too, especially when it comes to building -- and being -- a hero. With Doomfist rallying his forces, and the military powerless to stop him, can Efi mold Orisa into the hero of Numbani before it's too late?

This action-packed novel features the fan-favorite characters Efi, Orisa, Doomfist, and Lúcio in an all-new, original story straight from the minds of the Overwatch game team and critically acclaimed author Nicky Drayden!"

From what I can tell, the novel seems to be targeted at somewhat younger audiences, so don't expect to witness anything too wild or complicated. Still, it's really good to see that the Overwatch story is finally progressing - it only took four years!

The Hero of Numbani will be released this June 2nd, and if you're curious about what it has to offer, you can read a fairly sizable excerpt over at the Overwatch website. Enjoy!