Few franchises have transitioned from video games to the silver screen with success, but that seems to be changing with 2021’s Mortal Kombat. Fans have latched on to the new release, praising its fights, choreography, and costume choices.
Whether you’re a fan of the games, or a newcomer experiencing the world of Mortal Kombat for the first time, there is a litany of lore that those who watched the film may not know about Liu Kang, the martial arts master. Here are several things you probably didn’t know about one of Mortal Kombat’s most famous contestants.
10 He’s One Of The Original Mortal Kombat Characters
The Mortal Kombat roster has grown exponentially over the game’s 30-year history. While the list of playable characters grows with each entry, the original game only hosted seven playable fighters. Among this paltry selection was Liu Kang. The martial arts master enters the Mortal Kombat tournament to save Earthrealm from opposing worlds. Not only was Liu Kang an original contestant, but he the canonical main character. He would go on to bring Earthrealm glory in his time as the protagonist.
9 Liu Kang Was Mortal Kombat Champion Four Times Running
While even rookies to the franchise know that Liu Kang is a formidable fighter, it’s unlikely they knew just how good he was and still is today. Before NetherRealm reset the timeline with Mortal Kombat’s 2011 release, Liu Kang was the reigning champion of the tournament four times in a row. No one could stand up to this kombatant, and those foolish enough to try would suffer humiliating defeats.
8 In The Alternate Timeline, He Only Wins Twice
After NetherRealm refreshed the storyline of Mortal Kombat with the 2011 game, Liu Kang’s undefeated record was essentially wiped from the timeline. Today, he doesn’t win as often as he did in the first rendition of his character, but he’s still a character worth rooting for.
Currently, he holds two titles as the victor of Mortal Kombat. Make no mistake, though; he’s still every bit as lethal as he was in his arcade days.
7 Liu Kang Had Tamer Finshers In Mortal Kombat 1
Because Liu Kang was considered the protagonist in the original Mortal Kombat, he was a far less violent fighter. He was actually the only fighter in the game with fatalities that didn’t involve gore. His moves were far more subdued and boasted his benevolent nature as a disciplined martial artist. While this would later change to fit the series staple violence, it’s an interesting fact that’s worth mentioning.
6 He Appears In Every Mortal Kombat Game
With each new Mortal Kombat game, the roster shifts. Playable characters from past games often vanish in future releases. There are few exceptions to this rule. Yet one character that always appears as a playable kombatant (besides Scorpion) is Liu Kang. This martial artist has appeared in every Mortal Kombat game to date and is only unplayable in Deadly Alliance. It’s one of the perks of being the series’ original protagonist.
5 The Shaolin Order Adopted Him
Liu Kang is no stranger to hardship, and this is true in and out of the arena. Early in his life, he was an orphan. With no one to watch over him, the Shaolin Order took him in and trained him in the arts of battle. He would not only endure their training but thrive under their tutelage. With years of difficult training honing his mind, body, and spirit for battle, it’s no wonder why this Shaolin Monk became the chief defender of Earthrealm.
4 Liu Kang Trained Under Bo’ Rai Cho
Every master needs an excellent teacher, and this is just as true for Liu Kang. Master Bo’ Rai Cho, master of the Drunken Fist, took both Liu Kang and Kung Lao under his wing.
This Outworlder chose to side with Earthrealm residents, honing the skills of some of its most talented fighters. He may be a portly man, but looks can be deceiving. He’s every bit as skilled as those he trains, and those who underestimate him will regret it.
3 Shang Tsung Is His Nemesis
Few forces in the Mortal Kombat universe can threaten the series’ most skilled kombatant, but Shang Tsung is a force to be reckoned with. This soul-stealing sorcerer has a rich history in the franchise dating back to the first game’s release. He was an unplayable final boss, and because Liu Kang was the protagonist, the two were canonically opposed. Even today, Shang Tsung wreaks havoc in the world of Mortal Kombat, finding ways to irk the forces of good.
2 Liu Kang Became A Wraith In Mortal Kombat X
After Raiden accidentally kills Liu Kang, Quan Chi uses him as an undead puppet. By manipulating Liu Kang’s soul, Quan Chi can create a wraith that will do his bidding. Wraith Liu Kang is an emotionless puppet that does the bidding of his master. He retains all his combat knowledge, skills, strength, and techniques even as an undead kombatant. His time as a force for evil would put any fighter on edge.
1 He Becomes Fire God Liu Kang After Fusing With Raiden
With the release of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, the epilogue introduced players to a new, more powerful form for this powerful fighter. When Liu Kang and Raiden join forces, Liu Kang transforms into Fire God Liu Kang. This newborn deity retains his pyrotechnic abilities after transformation instead of using Raiden’s lightning-based attacks.
He gains a handful of new abilities during this transformation, including the power to take a person’s energy and convert it into the fire for his attacks. It’s a sizable upgrade for an already powerful fighter, one that undoubtedly has reclaimed his title as the most powerful member of the Mortal Kombat universe. Only time will tell where the martial artist will head following Aftermath, but he’s sure to continue making waves in the series with each entry.
