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'{{Short description|Mortal Kombat character}} {{About| the Mortal Kombat character|the Singaporean artist|Liu Kang (artist)|the Chinese football player and coach|Liu Kang (football manager)}} {{Good article}} {{Infobox character | name = Liu Kang | image =LiuKangconceptart.png | caption = Liu Kang as drawn by [[John Tobias]] | series = [[Mortal Kombat]] | creator = [[Ed Boon]]<br/>[[John Tobias]] | designer = John Tobias (early games)<br />Luis Mangubat (''MK:D''/''MK:A'')<br/>Mark Lappin (''MK:SM'')<ref name="SMcredits">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=46532&tab=credits |title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks - Credits |publisher=Allgame.com |date=2010-10-03 |access-date=November 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116021746/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=46532&tab=credits |archive-date=November 16, 2014 }}</ref><br/>Atomhawk Design (''MK9'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_mortal-kombat-9_a.html |title=Mortal Kombat Characters & Concept Artwork |publisher=CreativeUncut.com |access-date=November 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829181447/http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_mortal-kombat-9_a.html |archive-date=August 29, 2013 }}</ref><br/>Marco Nelor (''MKX'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://note.taable.com/post/45A/conceptartworld.com/?p=39447|title=Concept Art World » Exclusive 'Mortal Kombat X' Concept Art by Marco Nelor|publisher=Taable Note|date=2015|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201164925/http://note.taable.com/post/45A/conceptartworld.com/?p=39447|archive-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref> | first = ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992) | voice = {{Collapsible list|title=expand|[[Ed Boon]] (''MKII'')|Randy Hamilton (1995 animated film)|[[Brian Tochi]] (animated series)|[[John Tobias]] (''MK4'')|Jin Kim (''MK:SM'')|[[Tom Choi]] (2008–2015)|[[Matthew Yang King]] (2019-present)|[[Jordan Rodrigues]] (2020–present)}} | motion_actor = {{Collapsible list|title=expand|[[Ho-Sung Pak]] (''MK'', ''MKII'')<ref name="egm95"/>|Eddie Wong (''MK3'', ''UMK3'')<ref name="egm95"/>|Carlos Pesina (''MK:D''/''MK:A'')|Lawrence Kern (''MKvsDCU'', ''MK9'')|Nick Toussaint (''MK11'')}} | portrayer = {{Collapsible list|title=expand|[[Robin Shou]] (1990s films)|[[Brian Tee]] (web series)|[[Ludi Lin]] (2021 film)}} | origin = [[Henan|Honan Province]], [[China]] (Earthrealm)<ref>{{cite book|title=''Mortal Kombat'' Kollector's Edition Comic Book|last=Tobias|first=John|date=1992|publisher=[[Midway Games]]|author-link=John Tobias|page=16}}</ref> | family = | weapon = Dragon Sword (''MK4'', ''MKG'')<br />[[Nunchaku]] (''MK:D'', ''MK:A'', ''MK11'') | lbl21 = Fighting styles | data21 = [[Pao Chui]] (''MK:D'')<br /> [[Jeet Kune Do|Jun Fan]] (''MK:D'', ''MK:A'', ''MK:SM'')<ref name="MKSM booklet">{{Citation |title=Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks Instruction Booklet |year= 2005 |publisher= Midway Amusement Game, LLC |page= 12}}</ref><br />[[Choy Lay Fut]] (''MK:SM'')<ref name="MKSM booklet"/><br />[[Monkey Kung Fu|Monkey]] (''MK:SM'')<ref name="MKSM booklet"/><br />[[Dragon Kung Fu|Dragon]] (''MK:SM'')<ref name="MKSM booklet"/><br /> [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolinquan]] (''MK:SM'') | nationality = [[China|Chinese]] }} '''Liu Kang'''{{#tag:ref|{{zh|c=劉鋼|w= Liu² Kang¹|p=Liú gāng|s=|t=}}<ref>Japanese manual of SNES version ''Mortal Kombat''</ref> or {{zh|candian=Lu Kayng|w= Liu² K'ang¹|p=Liú kāng|c=劉康|s=|t=}}<ref>Canadian manual of SNES version ''Mortal Kombat''</ref> |group="note"}} is a character in the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' [[fighting game]] series by [[Midway Games]] and [[NetherRealm Studios]]. Depicted as [[Earthrealm]]'s greatest warrior and champion, he is generally the main hero of the series. He debuted in the original ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992) as a [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolin]] monk. Across the first timeline, Liu Kang fights against several types of beings who wish to take him down, eventually the protagonist of the [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[beat 'em up]] spinoff game ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]'' (2005). In the second timeline, Liu Kang faces despair as a result of his allies being killed, rebelling against his mentor Raiden who accidentally kills hims. In ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' (2019), Raiden faces the corrupted and undead Liu Kang, redeeming him by passing his godhood in the process. Liu Kang has appeared in various alternate media outside of the games, including as the hero of the [[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|1995 film adaptation]] and its 1997 sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation]]'' where he was played by Robin Shou, while [[Brian Tee]] and [[Ludi Lin]] played the role in webseries, and the 2021 reboot film, respectively. Midway created Liu Kang as a pacifist warrior based on [[Bruce Lee]], symbolized by his fatality finishing move not killing his foe. Both he and fellow fighter [[Kung Lao]] were written to contast one another despite being friends who trained together. His appearance changed in following games alongside his moves, signifying his darker portrayal and more brutal killing moves. Designers [[Ed Boon]] and [[John Tobias]] struggled with his proper development across the next games until deciding ''Mortal Kombat 11'' would close his [[character arc]]. Reception of the character has been initially positive due to his fighting style and character arc in early games. However, the character's death in ''Deadly Alliance'' and eventual return as a berserker zombie led to mixed responses by the media for the former event being done in shock value and the latter due to how his body is poorly treated. In regards to Liu Kang's role in the second timeland explored by Netherealm, there was also mixed responses to the way the staff treated him though ''Mortal Kombat 11'' earned more favorable response for how Liu Kang is redeemed by Raiden and becomes the hero of the title. ==Creation and design== {{multiple image | footer = [[Bruce Lee]] (left) and [[Minamoto Yoshitsune]] (right) were the two main influences of Liu Kang's character | image1 = Bruce Lee 1973.jpg | alt1 = Bruce Lee | caption1 = | width1 = 150 | image2 = Minamoto Yoshitsune.svg | alt2 = Minamoto Yoshitsune | caption2 = | width2 = 163 | align = left }} Original concept sketches for a proposed [[Midway Games]] fighting title by artist [[John Tobias]] featured a Japanese character named [[Minamoto clan|Minamoto]] [[Minamoto no Yoshitsune|Yoshitsune]].<ref>[http://twitpic.com/6vbilm Ok... I just found thee very first MK related art I ever did!!! You'll never guess which character it was...] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114212848/http://twitpic.com/6vbilm |date=2014-01-14 }} by John Tobias on Twitpic.</ref><ref>[http://twitpic.com/6nlvgb More doodles from my ancient MK notebook. JohnnyCage B4 he was JohnnyCage and Yoshitsune Minamoto…] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029214713/http://twitpic.com/6nlvgb |date=2013-10-29 }} by John Tobias on Twitpic.</ref> However, during production of what would become ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'', the Midway staff "just couldn't deal with the name," according to Tobias, the game's lead character designer.<ref name="egm95">{{cite book |first=Mike|last=Stokes|title=Official MK3 Kollector's Book|year=1995 |chapter=Ed Boon & John Tobias Interview|pages=6–16|publisher=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref> The character was renamed Liu Kang as a nod to actor [[Gordon Liu]], who starred in the 1978 film ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'',<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias|user=therealsaibot|number=1298051396994916352 |date=August 24, 2020 |title=No. Actually Liu Kang was named after Gordon Liu the actor who played the lead in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> and with his ethnicity subsequently changed to Chinese, he "was originally going to be a [[Bhikkhu|traditional monk]] — bald and in robes".<ref name="gamemakers">{{cite magazine|title=The Game Makers: The Artists|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=88 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=January 1996|pages=34–36}}</ref> Liu Kang was played by Korean actor and martial artist [[Ho-Sung Pak]] in the first two games, but Pak's refusal to shave his head<ref name="egm95"/> resulted in the character instead being modeled after [[Bruce Lee]] and depicted as "a renegade monk [who] grew his hair back".<ref name="egm95"/> Tobias additionally drew inspiration from the 1973 film ''[[Enter the Dragon]]'' in developing Liu Kang's backstory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.albertserrano.co.uk/las-peliculas-que-inspiraron-mortal-kombat/|website=AlbertSerrano|language=es|access-date=July 16, 2020|title=Las peliculas que inspiraron Mortal Kombat}}</ref> Liu Kang's design in the first game had him shirtless with short hair, while wearing only black pants and white shoes.<ref name="gamemakers"/> Starting with ''[[Mortal Kombat II]],'' his outfit was enhanced with a red palette by way of single vertical stripes on his pants and a matching headband, in addition to black shoes and studded wrist guards. ''Mortal Kombat 3'' contained minor changes of longer hair and thin black leg strips wrapped above his ankles in order to give him a "sleeker" look.<ref name="egm95liukang"/> According to [[Daniel Pesina]], Liu Kang's later design from ''Mortal Kombat II'' onward was modeled after [[Marvel]]'s character [[Shang Chi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEGfYhdRQ1o|title=Daniel Pesina aka MORTAL KOMBAT's JOHNNY CAGE visits UpUpDownDown! Round 1 - Special Guest Savepoint|website=Youtube|accessdate=May 31, 2023}}</ref> Lead series programmer [[Ed Boon]] said in a 1995 interview of the development team's decision to include Liu Kang in ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'': "It'd be like doing [[Return of the Jedi|part three]] of ''[[Star Wars]]'' and not having [[Luke Skywalker]] in there. You don't do that."<ref name="egm95liukang">{{cite book |author=Staff|title=Official MK3 Kollector's Book|year=1995 |chapter=Liu Kang|pages=44–47|publisher=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref> Liu and fellow fighter [[Kung Lao]] were meant to compliment each other. One as the present day chosen one and the other as a reflection of a failed past, yet it was their sense of righteous purpose that bonded their friendship.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias|user=therealsaibot|number=1405603737255747584|date=June 17, 2021 |title=Note 3 of 3: Liu and Kung Lao were meant to compliment each other. One as the present day chosen one and the other as a reflection of a failed past, yet it was their sense of righteous purpose that bonded their friendship.|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref> The 1995 ''Mortal Kombat'' film producers chose to combine Liu and Kung Lao's characters, making Liu the descendant of The Great Kung Lao in the films, and causing confusion in our games for years to follow. Any mention of Liu Kang as descendent of The Great Kung Lao in the games was a mistake.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias|user=therealsaibot|number=1405603736374939652|date=June 17, 2021 |title=Note 2 of 3: The ‘95 MK film producers chose to combine Liu and Kung Lao’s characters, making Liu the descendant of The Great Kung Lao in the films, etc and causing confusion in our games for years to follow. IMO any mention of Liu as descendent of GKL in our games was a mistake.|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref> According to Tobias, there have been deviations in different media to serve their purposes, but the truth of Liu's [[hero's journey]] and the root of the character’s inspiration usually seemed to find their way.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias|user=therealsaibot|number=1405603734550372368|date=June 17, 2021 |title^^^The above is specific to the early MK games. Over the years, there have been deviations in different media to serve their purposes, but the heart of Liu’s hero’s journey and the root of the character’s inspiration usually seemed to find their way. (15/15)|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref> This design was carried over into ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]'', but due to his resurrection therein as a [[zombie]], his skin was ash gray and he wore hooked chains around his wrists, while his alternate costume featured him as a living person in order to contrast his undead form.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]|date=2004|level=The Krypt: Liu Kang alternative costume|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> The character's death in the previous game, ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'', inspired the composition of a "funeral song" by series music composer Dan Forden, titled "Liu Kang's Tomb" and included in ''Deception'' in the arena containing his tomb.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]] |developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway |date=2004|level=The Krypt: Soundtracks: Liu Kang's Tomb}}</ref> After the developers had received feedback that unlocking him in ''Deception'' had proved difficult, Liu Kang became a regular playable character in the [[PlayStation Portable]] port ''Unchained''.<ref name="inter">{{cite web| url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/733/733558p1.html| last=Hayness|first=Jeff| title=Mortal Kombat: Deception Unchained Producer Interview| publisher=IGN| date=September 10, 2006| access-date=February 16, 2009| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328162633/http://psp.ign.com/articles/733/733558p1.html| archive-date=March 28, 2009}}</ref> Like all the characters from ''Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe'', Liu Kang was selected to be a playable character based on his popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-ed-boon-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-the-mortal-kombat-franchise/?biz=1&page=1 |title=Interview: Ed Boon on The Ups and Downs of the Mortal Kombat Franchise |publisher=GameDaily |author=Walk, Gary Eng |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229232625/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-ed-boon-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-the-mortal-kombat-franchise/?biz=1&page=1 |archive-date=December 29, 2008 }}</ref> Liu Kang again retained his ''Mortal Kombat 3'' design in the 2008 crossover fighting game ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]'', accentuated with a [[championship belt]] adorned with the ''Mortal Kombat'' dragon emblem.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]|date=2008|level=|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> Tobias, who departed Midway in 1999, said in a 2012 interview that had he continued to work on ''Mortal Kombat'', he would have kept the plot centered around Liu Kang and then his son.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2012/nov/07/john-tobias-if-i-could-go-back-and-redo-kabal-and-stryker-i-would-i-dont-know-if-id-design-them-differently-or-just-come-new-character/|title=John Tobias: 'If I could go back and redo Kabal and Stryker I would, I don't know if I'd design them differently or just come up with new characters'|date=2012-11-07|website=EventHubs|language=en|access-date=2018-12-25}}</ref> According to Ed Boon, ''Mortal Kombat 11'' was written in order to end the story arc of Liu Kang.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2020/jul/12/ed-boon-story-liu-kangs-journey-mortal-kombat-11-aftermath-done/|title=Ed Boon: The story of Liu Kang's journey in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is done|accessdate=May 28, 2023|website=Eventhubs}}</ref> For the upcoming ''Mortal Kombat 1'', Ed Boon decided to use Liu Kang for the game's cover as it signifies the change to a new story arc even if fellow characters Scorpion and Sub-Zero are better known as poster childs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/netherrealms-ed-boon-discusses-mortal-kombat-1-name|title=NetherRealm's Ed Boon discusses Mortal Kombat 1 name|accessdate=May 28, 2023|website=Eurogamer}}</ref> ===Gameplay=== [[File:Liu Kang Fatality.png|thumb|A screenshot of Liu Kang's recurring [[Chinese dragon]] [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality]] from ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'', as seen in the canceled HD remake version for ''[[Mortal Kombat: Arcade Kollection]]''|alt=|left]] Liu Kang's first [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality (a finishing move that executes defeated opponents)]], titled "Shaolin Uppercut" was created by his actor Ho-Sung Pak.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/an-oral-history-of-mortal-kombat|title=An Oral History of 'Mortal Kombat'|date=2018-11-26|website=MEL Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-25}}</ref> It has him perform a [[butterfly kick]] (often mistaken for a [[Cartwheel (gymnastics)|cartwheel]])<ref name="MK2g"/> on his opponent before landing an uppercut that knocks them offscreen before landing.<ref name="mk1">{{cite book |author=Publications International, Ltd|title=Mortal Kombat Action Strategies: An Authorized Player's Guide|year=1993 |publisher=New Amer Library|isbn=0-451-82290-0}}</ref> According to Tobias, the background not darkening during the finisher was a [[glitch]] that was kept in and rationalized as symbolizing Liu Kang's noble motivations.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias |user=therealsaibot |number=1288144712398811141 |date=July 28, 2020 |title=It may have started as a glitch (Ed may remember better), but we made a conscious choice to leave it this way to reinforce Liu Kang’s noble motivations...|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> While the "Shaolin Uppercut" was carried over into ''Mortal Kombat II'', Liu Kang was otherwise given more graphic Fatalities thereafter as he was depicted by Midway as having "strong Shaolin beliefs, but was no longer a part of the Shaolin monks." He was additionally designed as a character that both casual and experienced gamers could play as with little difficulty.<ref name="card">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games|date=2006 |level=Liu Kang's Bio Kard}}</ref> Liu Kang specializes in kicks, with his most common move a flying kick that launches him across the screen to connect with his opponent's torso.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game|Mortal Kombat]]|date=1992|level=|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> ''Mortal Kombat II'' introduced another of the character's signature special moves, the "Bicycle Kick", which again propels him across the screen with a flurry of kicks targeting the opponent's midsection and resembling the pedaling of a bicycle.<ref name="MK2g">{{cite book |author1=Taylor, Matt |author2=Fink, Jim |name-list-style=amp |title=Mortal Kombat II: Official Player's Guide|year=1995 |publisher=Infotainment|isbn=1-57280-028-3}}</ref> A different kind of his signature abilities is the "Dragon Fire": with it Liu Kang sends a fiery flame in the shape of a [[Chinese dragon]] across the screen out of his hands at his opponent.<ref name="mk1"/> After ''Mortal Kombat II'', he gains the ability to perform the "Dragon Fire" while crouching and in the air, also for ''Deception'' and ''Armageddon''.<ref name="UMK3">{{cite book |author=Wartow, Ronald |title=Official Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Fighter's Kompanion|year=1996 |publisher=BradyGames|page=370 |isbn=1-56686-639-1}}</ref> In contrast to the not Shaolin Uppercut, the Dragon fatality is meant to instantly kill his opponent to convey his new sense of revenge against his nemesis, Shang Tsung, who had killed his fellow Shaolin partners in ''Mortal Kombat II''.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=John Tobias |user=therealsaibot |number=1288144712398811141 |title=His transformation into a dragon in MKII was meant to convey an abandonment of those principles as he sought revenge against Shang Tsung for the slaughtering of his Shaolin brothers.|date=July 28, 2020|accessdate=May 28, 2023}}</ref> The series' composer and co-designer John Vogel noted it to be his favorite Fatality due to how much Liu Kang's appearance changes.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]] Premium Edition |developer=Midway Games|publisher=Midway Games|date=October 11, 2006 |level="The History of Fatalities" commentary}}</ref> Another famous Fatality of Liu Kang has him vanish and a ''Mortal Kombat'' [[arcade game]] machine drop down and crush his opponent.<ref name="UMK3"/> ==Appearances== ===''Mortal Kombat'' games=== ====In Midway Games==== Introduced in the first ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' game as a Chinese [[Shaolin Kung Fu]] monk, Liu Kang enters the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament in order to protect Earthrealm from being destroyed. He defeats Grand Champion [[Goro (Mortal Kombat)|Goro]] and the tournament host, the nefarious [[Magician (paranormal)|sorcerer]] [[Shang Tsung]], and emerges as the new Mortal Kombat champion.<ref name="bio1">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk1/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821003205/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk1/liukang/|archive-date=2015-08-21}}</ref> However, by ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' (1993), Liu Kang finds many of his Shaolin brethren were killed in a vicious attack by a horde of nomadic mutants led by [[Baraka (Mortal Kombat)|Baraka]] under orders from the evil Outworld emperor [[Shao Kahn]], Shang Tsung's master. Enraged, Liu Kang travels to Outworld to seek revenge, backed by a friend and fellow Shaolin monk [[Kung Lao]]. At the tournament, Liu Kang defeats Shao Kahn.<ref name="bio2">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk2/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat II'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317131816/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk2/liukang/|archive-date=2015-03-17}}</ref> Liu Kanga once again faces Khan in In ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'' to stop the Emperor during another invasion.<ref name="bio3">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk3/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat 3'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325122650/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk3/liukang/|archive-date=2015-03-25}}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat 4]]'' (1997), Liu Kang discovers that his lover, Princess [[Kitana]], has been captured by the disgraced Elder God [[Shinnok]]'s forces, and begins gathering Earth's warriors to defeat him.<ref name="bio4">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk4/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat 4'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823235522/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk4/liukang/|archive-date=2014-08-23}}</ref> Liu Kang confronts Shinnok and once again emerges victorious. Kitana then invites the winner to Edenia, but he is unable to commit himself to a relationship due to his duty as Earthrealm's champion.<ref name="end">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 4]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=1997 |level=Liu Kang ending}}</ref> Liu Kang becomes unplayable for the first and only time in the ''Mortal Kombat'' series in 2002's ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'', in which the titular partnership of Shang Tsung and fellow sorcerer [[Quan Chi]] join forces to kill him in the game's introductory sequence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkda/|title=''Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance'' Introduction|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408080837/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkda/|archive-date=2015-04-08}}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' (2004), an unknown party reanimates Liu Kang's corpse and sends it on a murderous rampage, leaving his soul to attempt to regain control.<ref name="bio_deception">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319082139/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/liukang/|archive-date=2015-03-19}}</ref> He returns as a playable character in this game, albeit in an [[undead]] form and as a [[secret character (video games)|secret character]] that can only be unlocked by completing the game's training mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/cheats/ps2/mortal-kombat-deception|title=Mortal Kombat: Deception Cheats for the PS2|date=22 June 2005 |publisher=GameRevolution|access-date=March 31, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151805/http://www.gamerevolution.com/cheats/ps2/mortal-kombat-deception|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> His spirit enlists the reformed ninja [[Ermac]] to try to save Kitana and his Earthrealm allies from the Dragon King [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Onaga|Onaga]].<ref name="MKDending">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]|level=Ermac ending|date=2004|developer=[[Midway Games]]|publisher=Midway Games}}</ref> Liu Kang is still unable to fully regain control of his body in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]'' (2006), where he is playable along with the entire series roster, and in which it is revealed that his superior, the Thunder God [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]], had revived Liu Kang's corpse in ''Deception''.<ref name="raiden">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/raiden|title=Raiden ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon'' biography|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403104949/http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/raiden/|archive-date=2015-04-03}}</ref> Liu Kang's bond with Kitana had succeeded in keeping his power in check, with [[Nightwolf]] then assuming her position as Liu Kang's "spiritual anchor" in an attempt to find a way to reunite his body and soul.<ref name="nightwolf">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/nightwolf|title=Nightwolf ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon'' biography and ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310111443/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/nightwolf/|archive-date=2015-03-10}}</ref> Along with Kung Lao, Liu Kang is the lead character in the 2005 spin-off [[action-adventure game]] ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]'', which serves as a retelling of the events leading up to ''Mortal Kombat II'' and features the two Shaolin monks traveling to Outworld to find and defeat Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn, rescuing Kitana along the way.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=2005 |level=The Portal: Part 6}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=2005 |level=The Arena}}</ref> Liu Kang is among the eleven characters representing the ''Mortal Kombat'' franchise in the title ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]'' (2008), which features fights between characters from the ''Mortal Kombat'' and the [[DC Comics]] universes. In this game, Liu Kang appears as the protagonist of the first chapter of the ''Mortal Kombat'' story mode.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Amusement Games |publisher=Midway Games |date=2008 |level=Chapter 1: Liu Kang}}</ref> Tobias said that the fight he expected to see in the game was between Liu Kang and [[Batman]] as he noted their back-stories are very similar, as both attempt to help their respective leaders regain their senses.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Amusement Games |publisher=Midway Games |date=2008 |level=Kollector's Edition Making of Video}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Amusement Games |publisher=Midway Games |date=2008 |level=Chapter Raiden}}</ref> ====NetherRealm Studios titles==== In the [[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|'' Mortal Kombat'' reboot game]] (2011), which serves as a retelling of the first three games, Liu Kang reprises his role from the first three tournaments as one of Raiden's chosen warriors.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter Liu Kang}}</ref> Raiden starts having visions of Shao Kahn killing everybody and with the dying Raiden wondering who should win.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter Kung Lao}}</ref> When Shao Kahn prepares to invade Earthrealm following the second tournament, all of Liu Kang's allies are murdered by a soul-infused [[Sindel]]. When Khan invades Earthrealm, Liu Kang tries to face him, only to Raiden accidentally killing Liu Kang in the process.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter 16: Raiden}}</ref> Liu Kang returns in ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]'' as Quan Chi's undead revenant.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat X |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2015 |level=Chapter Jax}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat X |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2015 |level=Chapter Raiden}}</ref> Following Quan Chi's death and Shinnok's defeat, he and Kitana become the new rulers of the Netherrealm. They are visited by Raiden, who brings them Shinnok's disembodied head as a warning for them not to attack Earthrealm.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat X |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2015 |level=Ending}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kamidogu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16886 |title=Liu Kang + Kung Lao to Fight Alongside Shinnok |author=Christopher Veljanovski |publisher=Kamidogu.com |date=March 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711083900/http://www.kamidogu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16886 |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |access-date=March 26, 2015}}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'', Liu Kang plans to invade Earthrealm. After Raiden and the Special Forces destroy his castle in the Netherrealm, Liu Kang and his allies join the keeper of time, [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Kronika|Kronika]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 1: Next of Kin (Cassie Cage)}}</ref> While making preparations however, she creates brings a younger version of Liu Kang to the present.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 2: Timequake (Kotal Kahn)}}</ref> Despite learning of what happened to him, Liu Kang continues to trust Raiden and aligns himself with Earthrealm's warriors to combat Kronika.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 3: Shaolin Monks (Liu Kang & Kung Lao)}}</ref> When he clashes with Raiden after the latter uses Shinnok's amulet to strengthen himself, the thunder god discovers that Kronika manipulated them into fighting. Kronika kidnaps the past Liu Kang so his revenant can absorb his soul. Raiden merges with the revenant and younger Liu Kang, transforming them into "Fire God Liu Kang".<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 11: Cutting the Strings (Raiden)}}</ref> With Raiden's godly powers and his revenant counterpart's knowledge of Kronika's plan, he storms Kronika's keep and engages her in battle. Liu Kang defeats Kronika and is either joined by a mortal Raiden or Kitana in shaping a new timeline.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 12: End of an Era (Fire God Liu Kang)}}</ref> In the DLC story expansion ''[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Aftermath]]'', Liu Kang and Raiden attempt to restart the history, only to be interrupted by Shang Tsung, Nightwolf and [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Fujin|Fujin]], who tell them they need Kronika's Crown of Souls in order to do so. The sorcerer has the Fire God send him, Fujin, and Nightwolf back in time to retrieve a past version of the Crown.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=introduction sequence}}</ref> While Shang Tsung is successful,<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 15: Winds of Change (Fujin)}}</ref> he discovers that Liu Kang had manipulated events to ensure his victory. Liu Kang erases Shang Tsung from history and, in the process of forging his New Era, visits Kung Lao's ancestor to give him special training for his future battles.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 11#Aftermath|Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2019 |level=Chapter 17: Checkmate (Shang Tsung)}}</ref> Liu Kang will appear in [[Mortal Kombat 1|the upcoming 2023 reboot game]]. It is a reboot of the series and is set in the New Era timeline created by Liu Kang after he attained godhood in ''Mortal Kombat 11''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mortal Kombat 1 Revealed, Releases In September |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/mortal-kombat-1-revealed-out-in-september/1100-6514056/ |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> ===Other media=== ====Printed media==== Liu Kang was the hero of the [[Mortal Kombat comic books|comic book adaptation]] of the ''Mortal Kombat'' series [[Malibu Comics]]. In the first miniseries, ''Blood and Thunder,'' his backstory was mostly kept intact as a Shaolin monk out to restore the tournament to their righteous owners, with the only difference being that he was not the chosen one to defeat Goro, which instead fell on twin monk brothers named Sing and Sang, two original characters created specifically for the comics; after they are killed by Goro in the third issue, Liu Kang becomes the Shaolin's only hope in defeating Shang Tsung.<ref>{{Cite comic|writer=Charles Marshall|inker=Bruce McCorkindale|penciller=Kiki Chansamone|story=Armed and Dangerous|title=[[Mortal Kombat (comics)#Comics published by Malibu|Mortal Kombat - Goro: Prince of Pain]]|issue=3|date=1995|publisher=Malibu Comics}}</ref> The following miniseries, ''Battlewave,'' stated that Liu Kang won the first tournament after defeating Goro, which never appeared in the first miniseries. He returns to his normal life as an architect in [[Chicago]], having left the Order of Light before the events of the first series. However, he suffers from constant attacks by an unknown force of ninjas and later receives help from [[Johnny Cage]]'s bodyguard Bo when Goro ambushes him in an office building. Eventually he decides to travel to Outworld, realizing that he cannot avoid Mortal Kombat.<ref>{{cite book|author=Marshall, Charles|title=Mortal Kombat: Battlewave|year=1996|publisher=Norma Editorial|isbn=84-7904-360-1}}</ref> ====Film and television==== {{multiple image <!-- Layout -->| align = right | direction = | width = | total_width = 350 <!--image 1-->| image1 =Robin Shou pic.jpg | width1 = 2325 | height1 = 3488 | alt1 = A photo of Robin Shou <!--image 2-->| caption1 = | image2 = Brian Tee 2011 (cropped).jpg | width2 = 218 | height2 = 276 | alt2 = Brian Tee <!--image 3-->| caption2 = | image3 = Ludi Lin at Camp Conival.jpg | width3 = 174 | height3 = 220 | alt3 = Ludi Lin <!-- Footer -->| footer =While [[Robin Shou]] portrayed Liu Kang as an Earthrealm hero in the live-action films, [[Brian Tee]] played him as an antagonist. [[Ludi Lin]] portrayed the character in the 2021 film. }} Liu Kang is the main protagonist of [[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|1995]] ''Mortal Kombat'' move and the direct sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation|Anihilation]]'', in which he is played by [[Robin Shou]]. Director [[Paul W. S. Anderson]] wanted Liu Kang's character to be "really engaging" and cast Shou, noting his skills with martial arts.<ref name="journey" /> Anderson compared Shou with [[Jackie Chan]] due to how both actors did not rely on stunts for their movies.<ref name="HRheatvision">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mortal-kombat-movie-oral-history-815287|title='Mortal Kombat': Untold Story of the Movie That "Kicked the Hell" Out of Everyone|website=Hollywood Reporter|date=18 August 2015 |access-date=July 16, 2020}}</ref> In the [[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|first film]], he takes part in the tournament out of guilt over his brother's death at the hands of Shang Tsung. Raiden recruits Liu Kang on the journey to Shang Tsung's island where he helps him get over his brother's death while defeating the sorcerer.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Goldman, Michael |author2=Aaron, Richard E. |name-list-style=amp |title=Mortal Kombat: The Movie|year=1995|publisher=Prima Games|isbn=0-7615-0082-0}}</ref> As a result of the film's style the relationship between Liu Kang and Kitana is more of a metaphysical than a romantic nature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://goldsea.com/Personalities2/Shourobin/shourobin6.html|title=Asian American Personalities|publisher=GoldenSea|access-date=April 2, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811235215/http://goldsea.com/Personalities2/Shourobin/shourobin6.html|archive-date=August 11, 2013}}</ref> Shou stated that the fight against Reptile was the most memorable, as he had suffered a rib injury shooting a scene in which Liu Kang is thrown backfirst into a pillar. The take in which he was injured was used in the final cut, as Shou felt that viewers would notice his pain during the fight. In retrospective, Shou commented that the production team managed to "find Liu Kang" during the making of the feature, with Shou's facial expressions fitting their criteria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2VeFNWdrmA|title='Mortal Kombat' Stars Play 'Mortal Kombat': Robin Shou vs Linden Ashby! Heat Vision|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> Randy Hamilton voiced Liu Kang in ''[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]'', a straight-to-video animated prequel released four months prior to the film.<ref name="journey">{{cite video|date=1995|title=[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]|medium=Animated film|publisher=[[New Line Cinema]], [[Threshold Entertainment]]}}</ref> Shou and [[Talisa Soto]] (Kitana) were the only two actors to reprise their roles from the first film in the 1997 sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation]]''. In the sequel, Liu Kang joins the Earthrealm warriors to stop Shao Kahn's menace.<ref name="annihilation">{{cite AV media|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation]]|publisher=[[New Line Cinema]] |date=1997|medium=Motion picture}}</ref> [[Brian Tee]] played Liu Kang in the 2013 second season of director [[Kevin Tancharoen]]'s web series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Legacy]]''.<ref name="movieweb">{{cite web |url=http://www.hadoken.net/?p=3096/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Hadoken.net interviews MK Legacy's Director Kevin Tancharoen |publisher=Hadoken.net |access-date=2011-04-09 |date=April 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928084531/http://www.hadoken.net/?p=3096%2F |archive-date=September 28, 2013 }}</ref> Liu Kang was played by [[Ludi Lin]] in the 2021 reboot film ''[[Mortal Kombat (2021 film)|Mortal Kombat]]''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rebecca|last=Davis|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mortal-kombat-ludi-lin-new-line-liu-kang-warner-brothers-1203304518/|title=Ludi Lin in Talks to Play Liu Kang in New Line's 'Mortal Kombat' (EXCLUSIVE)|date=August 16, 2019|magazine=Variety|access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Borys|last1=Kit|first2=Mia|last2=Galuppo|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mortal-kombat-movie-adds-fistful-fighters-1232599|title='Mortal Kombat' Movie Adds Fistful of Fighters (Exclusive)|date=August 16, 2019|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lawrence|first=Gregory|date=2021-03-03|title=27 Things We Learned About 'Mortal Kombat' From Our Set Visit|url=https://collider.com/mortal-kombat-movie-details-characters/|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Collider}}</ref> An orphaned street child now living as a warrior monk and protege of Raiden, Liu Kang guides Earthrealm's warriors towards discovering their abilities. After his friend and ''shī xiōng''<ref>{{Cite web|title=shi xiong : senior male fel... : shī xiōng {{!}} Definition {{!}} Mandarin Chinese Pinyin English Dictionary {{!}} Yabla Chinese|url=https://chinese.yabla.com/chinese-english-pinyin-dictionary.php?define=shi+xiong#:~:text=%E5%B8%AB%E5%85%84-,sh%C4%AB%20xi%C5%8Dng,than%20oneself)%20of%20one%27s%20teacher|access-date=2021-05-25|website=chinese.yabla.com}}</ref> Kung Lao is murdered by Shang Tsung, he avenges him through killing [[Kabal (Mortal Kombat)|Kabal]].<ref>{{cite AV media|title=[[Mortal Kombat (2021 film)|Mortal Kombat]]|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Pictures]] |date=2021|medium=Motion picture}}</ref> Liu Kang is one of the lead characters in [[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm|the 1996 animated series ''Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm'']], and was voiced by [[Brian Tochi]]. He is not the protagonist as opposed to the games' storyline, instead sharing this role with several other Earthrealm heroes.<ref>{{cite video|date=2001|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]|publisher=Threshold Entertainment}}</ref> [[Jordan Rodrigues]] voiced the role of Liu Kang who appeared as one of the lead characters in the 2020 animated movie ''[[Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge]]''. He, Cage, and [[Sonya Blade]] reprise their roles from the first ''Mortal Kombat'' game with Scorpion's aid. Rodrigues reprises his role in the sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms]]'' as the film's central protagonist.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Couch|first=Aaron|date=2021-06-16|title=Animated 'Mortal Kombat Legends' Sequel Arriving This Summer (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mortal-kombat-legends-battle-of-the-realms-cast-1234968317/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref> In 1996, Toy Island published a Liu Kang action figure which had a white shirt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11597&figure=liukang|title=Liu Kang - Action Figure Gallery|publisher=Figure Realm|access-date=March 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711000603/http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11597&figure=liukang|archive-date=July 11, 2011}}</ref> Two Liu Kang [[action figure]]s from ''Shaolin Monks'' were released by Jazwares. Apart from being flexible, both figures included different types of weapons such as swords and axes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toywiz.com/mksmluikang.html |title=Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks Series 3 Exclusive Action Figure Liu Kang |publisher=ToyWiz |access-date=February 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044849/http://www.toywiz.com/mksmluikang.html |archive-date=November 29, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toywiz.com/mortalkombatseries2liukang.html |title=Mortal Kombat Shaolin Series 2 Action Figure Liu Kang |publisher=ToyWiz |access-date=February 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303190502/http://www.toywiz.com/mortalkombatseries2liukang.html |archive-date=March 3, 2009 }}</ref> ==Reception== The character has received mostly mixed positive response by gaming publications. [[Digital Spy]] compared him with ''[[Street Fighter]]'' character [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]], stating they while both are "kind of dull", they develop appealing techniques across their respective series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/feature/a663360/the-20-best-mortal-kombat-characters-ranked-but-who-scores-a-flawless-victory/|title=The 20 best Mortal Kombat characters ranked – but who scores a flawless victory?|date=2 January 2017 |publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=September 22, 2017}}</ref> GamesRadar referred to him as one of gaming's various "kickass [[Bruceploitation|Bruce Lee clones]]" citing his similarities with Bruce Lee and with one of his shouts featured in famous quotes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/kickass-bruce-lee-clones/a-200809179541634057|title=Kickass Bruce Lee clones|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Nagata, Tyler|date=18 September 2008 |access-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929214139/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|archive-date=September 29, 2008}}</ref> IGN's Douglas Perry wrote that he preferred Liu Kang over Kung Lao as a playable character in ''Shaolin Monks'' because of his "intuitive fighting moves,"<ref name="review">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p1.html|title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks review page 1|publisher=IGN|author=Perry, Douglass C.|date=September 16, 2005|access-date=January 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114052836/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p1.html|archive-date=January 14, 2009}}</ref> adding that his shouts were "annoying" yet "strangely pleasing."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks review page 3|publisher=IGN|author=Perry, Douglass C.|date=September 16, 2005|access-date=January 2, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929214139/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|archive-date=September 29, 2008}}</ref> [[GameDaily]] also complained about his voice, saying that "Liu Kang screams out like a chicken,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/mortal-kombat-shaolin-monks/xbox/game-reviews/item/3709/854/?page=2|title=A new take on the traditional Mortal Kombat formula that's actually good? Indeed!|publisher=GameDaily|author=Workman, Robert|date=September 22, 2005|access-date=January 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221033901/http://www.joystiq.com/|archive-date=2012-02-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> and GamesRadar wrote that "the strange squeals he emits during his trademark Bicycle Kick move are unforgettable."<ref name="gr" /> Nevertheless, Mary Shearman from ''100 Entertainers Who Changed America: An Encyclopedia of Pop Culture'' considered that Bruce Lee himself used to make animal noises when attacking.<ref>{{cite book|page=249|title=100 Entertainers Who Changed America: An Encyclopedia of Pop Culture|publisher=Greenwood|author=C. Sickels, Robert|asin=B00H1TUQO8|year=2013}}</ref> In ''Game of Death'', David Church the writers found Liu Kang and Shang Tsung obvious references Lee and Han from ''[[Enter the Dragon]]''. While hardly the only fighting game character to be modeled after Lee, Liu Kang’s high-pitched vocalizations—were linked to [[David Bordwell]], another allusion to his cinematic inspiration, as further confirmed by Liu Kang's Dragon Transformation fatality in ''MKII'' and usage of Jeet Kune Do. However, Shaolin kung fu that Lee uses in ''Enter the Dragon'' was also exaggerated too in a similar manner to Liu Kang's.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mortal Kombat: Games Of Death|publisher=Greenwood|author=Church, David|year=2013|url=https://library.oapen.org/viewer/web/viewer.html?file=/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/61378/9780472902620.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|publisher=University of Michigan PressAnn Arbor}}</ref> IGN claimed that Liu Kang and Kung Lao make the franchise "at its best" when they join forces.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Phil |last1=Pirrello |first2= Jesse |last2= Schedeen |date= 2010-01-29|title= Rebooting the Mortal Kombat Franchise |url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/106/1065271p2.html |page=2 |access-date= 2010-01-29}}</ref> In the book ''World of Martial Arts!'', Robert Hill noticed that the duo was so popular that they earned their spin-off which helped to popularize shaolins more in the west, comparing them to early portrayals of fighters in ''[[Dragon Ball]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=World of Martial Arts!|year=2010|isbn=9780557016631|publisher=Lulu Enterprises Incorporated|author=Hill, Robert}}</ref> Among other moves Liu Kang's dragon Fatality has been listed as one of the best Fatalities from the series,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=1&PageIndex=4|title=Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=May 3, 2010|page=1|access-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509201419/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=1&PageIndex=4|archive-date=May 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/mortalkombat/3.asp |title=TOP 11 MORTAL KOMBAT FATALITIES (5-3) |publisher=UGO.com |page=3 |access-date=June 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501132642/http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/mortalkombat/3.asp |archive-date=May 1, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/liu-kang |title=15. Dragon Transformation — The Best "Mortal Kombat" Finishing Moves in Video Game History |publisher=Complex |date=2013-10-01 |access-date=2014-01-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007140255/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/liu-kang |archive-date=2013-10-07 }}</ref> while the arcade throw instead was criticized for being ridiculous.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=3&PageIndex=4|title=Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=May 3, 2010|page=3|access-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020141320/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/05/03/the-best-and-worst-mk-fatalities.aspx?PostPageIndex=3&PageIndex=4|archive-date=October 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|title=The 12 LAMEST Fatalities|publisher=GamePro|author1=Rudden, Dave |author2=Shaw, Patrick |date=November 25, 2008|page=1|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531010838/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|archive-date=2010-05-31}}</ref><ref name="gr">[http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ 100 best heroes in video games] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111101246/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ |date=2012-11-11 }}, GamesRadar, October 19, 2012.</ref> In regards to the crossover, Jesse Schedeen of IGN said that "it just wouldn't be right having a game without [Liu Kang]," noting him to be as fierce as the [[DC Universe]] characters in this game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/889/889573p1.html|title=Kast of Kharacters: MK vs. DC, Part 1|publisher=IGN|author=Schedeen, Jeese|date=July 15, 2008|access-date=November 15, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920021611/http://stars.ign.com/articles/889/889573p1.html|archive-date=September 20, 2008}}</ref> Upon his death in ''Deadly Alliance'', IGN's Jeremy Dunham noted that Liu Kang was killed as the series needed "'starting over' mentality".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377894p1.html|title=Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance|publisher=IGN|author=Dunham, Jeremy|date=November 19, 2002|access-date=December 15, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015174232/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377894p1.html|archive-date=October 15, 2008}}</ref> ''Complex'' remarked that the ''Mortal Kombat'' developers "finally found their groove again with ''Deadly Alliance'', which began by snapping Liu Kang's neck."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/cyrax|title=Cyrax - The Best Mortal Kombat Finishing Moves in Video Game History|first=Kevin|last=Wong|publisher=Complex.com|date=March 2013|access-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418034640/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/cyrax|archive-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' was more negative by the handling of Liu Kang's death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/27/characters-that-died-under-our-watch.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|title=Characters That Died Under Our Watch|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110731155013/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/04/27/characters-that-died-under-our-watch.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|archive-date=July 31, 2011}}</ref> His redesign in ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' earned mixed response with praise given to his berserker side.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Fighting Game |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day4w_6.html |date=January 5, 2005 |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=September 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806052152/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day4w_6.html |archive-date=August 6, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-37-greatest-zombie-triumphs/|title=The 37 greatest zombie triumphs|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Wilde, Tyler|access-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116141752/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-37-greatest-zombie-triumphs/|archive-date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> while GamesRadar used Liu Kang as an example of a stereotype of gaming heroes who reveal an evil [[alter ego]] that ruins the character's appealing traits,<ref>{{cite web|title=Characters we wish we knew LESS about|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/characters-we-wish-we-knew-less-about/?page=3|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Barrat, Charlie|access-date=August 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013235544/http://www.gamesradar.com/characters-we-wish-we-knew-less-about/?page=3|archive-date=2012-10-13}}</ref> and considered him to be "a little like the Shaolin version of [[Goku]], in that he's saved his world countless times and come back from the dead even more frequently."<ref name="gamesradarX">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|title=Mortal Kombat X roster|author=Staff|publisher=GamesRadar|date=June 11, 2014|access-date=June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604000039/http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|archive-date=June 4, 2014}}</ref> Liu Kang's darker characterization starting with ''Deception'' and in the reboot were received with good critical response as [[Den of Geek]] enjoyed this aspect.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mortal Kombat: Ranking All the Characters|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/mortal-kombat/243041/mortal-kombat-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/4|publisher=Den of Geek|access-date=August 4, 2017|archive-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516212717/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/mortal-kombat/243041/mortal-kombat-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/4|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[File:FireGodLiuKangform.png|thumb|right|Fire God Liu Kang earned praise for his development in the narrative and actions in ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]''.]] Both ''Den of Geek'' and ''Hardcore Gamer'' found Liu Kang's possible role in the series after the reboot to be shrouded in mystery due to his possible revival as a villain as well as how he is not available to face Shinnok as in the first games created for the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mortal-kombat-x-8-things-to-expect-in-the-story/|title=Mortal Kombat X: 8 Things to Expect in the Story|website=Den of Geek|date=20 June 2014 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2015/03/21/liu-kang-is-the-24th-and-final-mortal-kombat-x-character/140508/|title=Liu Kang is the 24th and Final Mortal Kombat X Character|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=21 March 2015 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> In regards to his and Kitana's role in ''Mortal Kombat 11'', ''Escapist Magazine'' found it confusing as a result of Liu Kang's transformation into a god and the couple becoming rulers of time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kitana Fulfilled Her Destiny but Mortal Kombat 11 Erased It|date=24 May 2019 |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/kitana-fulfilled-her-destiny-but-mortal-kombat-11-erased-it/|publisher=Escapist Magazine|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> Game Revolution enjoyed Liu Kang's ending in the ''Mortal Kombat 11'' and thus wondered which of his two endings where he allies with either Raiden or Kitana would be taken as canonical.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mortal Kombat 11 All Endings Explained How to get the best ending|date=24 April 2019 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/529843-mortal-kombat-11-all-endings-explained-best-ending-mk11|publisher=GameRevolution|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> GamesPCN found Liu Kang's development in the game touching due to the handling of his character to the point gamers looked forward to his best ending which was difficult to achieve.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mortal Kombat 11 endings: all three story endings explained|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/mortal-kombat-11/endings-all-best-secret|publisher=GamesPCN|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> Upon God Liu Kang's inclusion in the game as playable, Game Revolution compared it with Ryu's evil persona.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mortal Kombat 11 patch removes Ash's files, hints at new characters, modes, battle pass|date=27 May 2020 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/647625-mortal-kombat-11-removes-ash-files-hints-new-characters-modes|publisher=Game Revolution|access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> Shacknews enjoyed the actions Liu Kang makes as a god due to the major direction the narrative takes in the DLC ''Aftermath'' as he aims to restart the generation.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath sets up the series' future|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/118309/how-mortal-kombat-11-aftermath-sets-up-the-series-future|publisher=Shack News|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> ''Den of Geek'' commented that Liu Kang's role as a protagonist in ''Mortal Kombat 11'' was well handled as he fitted the heroic role through his transformation into the God of Fire and Lightning.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mortal Kombat Characters Ranked|date=30 July 2019 |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters-ranked/|publisher=Den of Geeks|access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> Though noting that the first trilogy provides Liu Kang with a notable character arc represented not only in his moves but also design, Medium found Robin Shou's take on the character to be more appealing due to his more complex guilty nature when remembering his late brother or how the film expanded on his relationship with Kitana, something the games incorporated. His death at the beginning of ''Deadly Alliance'' was criticized for being only done for shock value and return as a zombie in latter games made it without any active role. With the eventual reboot in, Liu Kang and Kitana were replaced by Johnny Cage and Sonya as leads and love interest focus which was labelled as whitewashing. While Liu Kang reappears in ''Mortal Kombat X'' once again as undead, his dialogues and darker persona were disliked by Medium for coming to aggressive to most of his opponents and having no major role in the main story. However, by the release of ''Mortal Kombat 11'', the writer found that Netherealm finally found a proper role for the former main character and how he supports Raiden while negating the death he was told about his other persona. This comes to a resolution when Raiden tries to save his underling from corruption by combining and erases the undead persona in the process. With Raiden's gambit in action, Liu Kang returns as a superpowered hero who managed to defeat the worlds from Kronika.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@GeenaHardy/how-mortal-kombat-11-does-right-by-liu-kangs-story-714a39128f78|title=How Mortal Kombat 11 does right by Liu Kang's Story|website=Medium|access-date=July 12, 2020}}</ref> Polygon believes both Liu Kang and Raiden "fell from grace" in 2000s with the former being killed only resurrect as zombie while Raiden became corrupted after his failure. With the new reboot game from 2011, Polygon once again criticized the handling of these two leads as Raiden kills Liu Kang by accident in the final chapter, leaving ''Mortal Kombat 11'' as the last attempt to redeem the two heroes from their chaotic paths. The eventual reenacment of Liu Kang's agressive words towards Raiden led to praise as through this Raiden realizes how the two have been used to fight one another like in the first reboot, making a drastic change in two heroes at the same time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/31/18642909/mortal-kombat-11-story-violence-gore-fatalities|title=Mortal Kombat 11 story violence gore fatalities|accessdate=May 27, 2023|website=Polygon}}</ref> ==Notes== {{Reflist|group=note}} ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category-inline}} {{Mortal Kombat}} [[Category:Action film characters]] [[Category:Fictional murdered people]] [[Category:Bruceploitation characters]] [[Category:Deity characters in video games]] [[Category:Emperor and empress characters in video games]] [[Category:Fictional Buddhist monks]] [[Category:Fictional Chinese people in video games]] [[Category:Fictional Choy Li Fut practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Hou Quan practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Jeet Kune Do practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Lóng Xíng Mó Qiáo practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Pào Chuí practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Shaolin kung fu practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional characters with immortality]] [[Category:Fictional gods]] [[Category:Fictional male martial artists]] [[Category:Fictional martial artists in video games]] [[Category:Fictional nunchakuka]] [[Category:Fictional pacifists]] [[Category:Fictional slaves in video games]] [[Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games]] [[Category:Male characters in comics]] [[Category:Male characters in video games]] [[Category:Video game antagonists]] [[Category:Mortal Kombat characters]] [[Category:Orphan characters in video games]] [[Category:Religious worker characters in video games]] [[Category:Science fantasy video game characters]] [[Category:Shapeshifter characters in video games]] [[Category:Video game characters based on real people]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1992]] [[Category:Video game characters with fire or heat abilities]] [[Category:Video game characters with slowed ageing]] [[Category:Video game mascots]] [[Category:Video game protagonists]] [[Category:Zombie and revenant characters in video games]]'