When you consider the importance of comic books to the history of Mortal Kombat -- it's a wonder there haven't been more of them!
Beginning in 1994; now defunct publisher Malibu Comics served a catalogue of interconnecting mini-series inspired by the hit games. Since then, the pickings have been slim. There have been official comic book tie-ins related to key game releases, but even a crossover with DC Comics -- and subsequent acquisition by DC parent company: Warner Brothers -- has failed to turn up any significant progress.
The success of Injustice: Gods Among Us and its comic book tie-in has led to a flood of requests for Kombat comics. News of an impending new Mortal Kombat game [full story] may be the catalyst fans have been waiting for -- but in the mean time, those hungry for four-colour Kombat may find refuge in an obscurity published back in 1998.
Our substantial South American readership may already know the material well, but for a vast majority of fans, the mere existence of a 4-issue mini-series based on Mortal Kombat 4 has gone completely unknown!
The subject was raised by MKOmmunity User GusLan back in 2009 -- and since that time, Mortal Kombat Online affiliate and former staffer ]{0MBAT has been on a grail quest to uncover the mysteries of the little known series. At the end of last year, he completed the series, and with the help of User Zentile, has translated it into MK's native language of English [read more]. Published in Brazil in 1998 by Trama Editorial; the series is primarily written by Rogério Saladino [of Panini's localized Marvel Comics] and drawn by Eduardo Francisco.
The second season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy is gearing up for a much anticipated September debut! The show held court at this years San Diego Comic Con -- hyping up fans with a glimpse of what's to come at a special live panel [full story].
Promotional posters from the con are already fetching a pretty penny on eBay, but thanks to a little Photoshop magic from fans, you can get a clear look at the banner for free:
With a previously released schedule putting the debut some time in September; Thursday's Mortal Kombat: Legacy II panel was unlikely to reveal all the secrets fans are waiting for. That said, San Diego Comic Con would still deliver plenty of talking points with a general trailer, and special previews.
Legacy Director Kevin Tancharoen headed the Comic Con panel, opposite stars; Brian Tee (Liu Kang), Casper Van Dien (Johnny Cage), Ian Anthony Dale (Scorpion), and Samantha Jo (Kitana). They were joined by Producer Lance Sloane and Machinima Executive VP of Network Programming: Aaron DeBevoise.
The main event was footage featuring a brutal three-way dance between Johnny Cage, Mileena & Kitana. It clearly addressed concerns about the quality of action seen in the first series, but would come with a qualifier almost in contrast to its content.
By all accounts, "fatality" was the word of the day at the SDCC panel, but as Polygon inferred (from their interview with the director), the messages were slightly mixed. Legacy II may be keen to sell you murderous finishing moves taken from the games, but Tancharoen insists that won't come at the cost of storytelling, or a projected Season 3.
This time last year, Mortal Kombat Online put the call out to the entire fanbase. The purpose: to celebrate twenty years of Mortal Kombat by determining once and for all who could be called the true champion of the tournament!
After months of debate and thousands of votes it was Sub-Zero who emerged victorious! The MKII ice warrior was a worthy winner, but as any champion knows, there comes a time when the title must be defended! With 2013 marking the twentieth anniversary of Sub-Zero and the sequel he debuted in, it's almost inevitable that we ask the question anew: Who is the Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion?
From the top of the Pyramid of Argus, back to where it all began at the Palace Gates of Shang Tsung's Island: a lot has changed in twenty years of a tournament called Mortal Kombat! We gather sixty-four kombatants and put the call out to the entire fanbase! It is up to you to help us find the true champion! Read on for more details, including how you can win prizes!
It was the toke heard around the world, and for some, it immediately ingrained Matt Mullins as one of the best new finds for the Mortal Kombat movie universe.
His take was different, but that was true of the entire presentation in the short film called Mortal Kombat: Rebirth. It captured the imaginations of a vast many and led Mullins and his director to Mortal Kombat: Legacy -- a ten-part live-action series comissioned by WB for digital release.
When a second series of Legacy began filming at the end of 2012, we were surprised to learn Mullins would not be a part of it [original story]. Amidst the chaos of a new year and a filming schedule, we talked briefly with Mullins about his shock departure, Cage recasting, and his plans for the future. [Don't forget to watch Matt Mullins as Cage in Legacy Episode 3]
The July announcement gave fans of Mortal Kombat: Legacy a list of characters to shoot for, but today we get our first look at the costumed line-up thanks to social networking director, Kevin Tancharoen (@KTANCH).
The fast and furious world of digital distribution means Mortal Kombat: Legacy has made light work of shooting a second series! It was only a month ago we reported a confirmed start to filming -- now it's all wrapped up!
Left to Right: (Top) Ian Anthony Dale, Garrett Warren, Brian Tee, Casper Van Dien
(Bottom) Kevin Tancharoen, Lance Sloane
As with the first series; few sources have been as valuable to the promotion of Mortal Kombat: Legacy as the cast and crew themselves! We've seen a slew of photographic previews and sneak peeks since the November shoot began -- here are a few of the most recent!
No, you didn't stumble back in time. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is the name that jumps out immediately in official Mortal Kombat: Legacy casting information, fresh from Warner Brothers!
The Japanese-born actor returns to the role he made famous in the 1995's Mortal Kombat feature film - replacing Johnson Phan as Shang Tsung! Tsung appeared only briefly in a string of Legacy cameos during the first series [Episodes 3, 4 & 8], but with a penchant for taking the forms of others, you've got to think this is one of the least jarring of the casting changes.
Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Mark Dacascos (Double Dragon) add more nineties Hollywood nostalgia to the list, joining the series as Johnny Cage and Kung Lao, respectively. This will be the first time Kung Lao makes it to a live-action adaptation, one of the few Mortal Kombat II characters to remain untouched by film. His ancient ancestor was the primary focus of the short-lived Mortal Kombat: Conquest series.
