Earlier in June; families the United States over celebrated patriarchs everywhere as part of the local Father's Day! The annual event came as we learnt one of Mortal Kombat's favourites had entered the maturing world of fatherhood by siring Mortal Kombat X newcomer: Cassie Cage.
With nary a scale of the snake of June still visible, we sneak one final glance backward into a busy schedule. What better way to salute new papa Johnny Cage than by immortalizing his Hollywood star through the tributes found in Mortal Kombat Online's legendary Fan Submission archive - and beyond? Note: You can pay similar tribute and appear in future Art of Kombat features if you register to submit your work as well!
We start our belated Father's Day gallery with some fine works from around the web. Esau13 lends a sense of pomp and circumstance not always associated with today's subject. His "MK Legacy Johnny Cage" thankfully distances itself from the small scale Cage of the Legacy series - letting the fireworks fly in a digital painting that captures the larger than life persona of the Hollywood action star. With an adoring crowd in silhouette, this has the energy of the last act of any Rocky movie. A great piece!
"Untitled" gives a graphic pen edge to the two warriors, sending a slightly mixed message about their affiliation. While it's clear they get together at some point - the pair have often been characterized as an unlikely coupling of opposites. "Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade" has more of an unspoken intimacy. The MKDA era Cage design may boast an over-the-top approach to accessorizing, but the image itself is an understated interpretation of both characters.
Khazen taps contemporary trends to recast the 90s action hero as a 00s ultimate fighter. "Johnny Cage" could be retitled "Cage MMA" - a very plausible alternative route for a character whose cinema niche has faded. So true to life is the idea that it mirrors short-lived aspirations of a mixed martial arts comeback held by Jean-Claude Van Damme. Circa those rumors - MKOmmunity favourite
We love all the references that come together for Joelchan's perspective-charged shadow kick [above]! This MKII heavy image infuses Cage and The Living Forest with a cartoon energy too often denied. Where 2011 Cage opted to write his name across his chest -- this version of MKII cage puts it on his shoe. The kind of customization you might have expected for a 90s high-top. Fans of Timecop might like to read between the lines for another JCVD reference for the JCVD-inspired fighter.
Finally, three more selections that put an interesting urban twist on the Venice Beach warrior!
Art of Kombat is fast becoming a monthly tradition for Mortal Kombat Online! We love spotlighting the talented artists who've appeared in our Fan Submission Archive over the years! Check out our previous holiday inspired instalments: St. Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, April Fool's Day & Mother's Day!
We aren't married to seasonal occasions - especially now that Mortal Kombat X is upon us! Looking ahead to July, we wonder what new artworks may inspire our next gallery feature. You can help steer us in future directions by registering to submit new works! We want all your wild and wonderful pieces, based on classic characters, obscure favourites and the new fighters introducing themselves in MKX!
By submitting work to Mortal Kombat Online you become part of an archive of thousands and will be automatically featured in the Fan Submission forum upon approval! Fans can discuss each of the featured MKO submitted Art of Kombat works by clicking the piece to enter the forum. We hope you'll show these artists a lot of love!
