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'{{about||the Singaporean artist|Liu Kang (artist)|the Chinese football player and coach|Liu Kang (football manager)}} {{good article}} {{Infobox VG character |name=Liu Kang |image=http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/mkwikia/images/e/e4/Liu_Kang_5.png/revision/latest?cb=20150516165245 |caption=Liu Kang in ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]'' |series=''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' |creator=[[John Tobias]] (with brainstorming input from [[Ed Boon]]) |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 |accessdate=November 17, 2013}}</ref><br>Atomhawk Design (''MK2011'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_mortal-kombat-9_a.html |title=Mortal Kombat Characters & Concept Artwork |publisher=CreativeUncut.com |date= |accessdate=November 20, 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|accessdate=May 4, 2015}}</ref><br>Susan Mazer (''The Journey Begins'')<br>Ha Nguyen (first film)<br>Lynell Forestall (''MK:DotR'')<br/>Jennifer L. Parsons (''Annihilation'')<br/>Lisa Tomczeszyn (''Legacy'') |firstgame=''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/characters/liu-kang |title=Liu Kang - IGN |publisher=Uk.ign.com |date= |accessdate=2013-07-21}}</ref> |voiceactor=Josh Tsui (''MK4'')<br>Tom Choi (''MKvDCU'', ''MK2011'', ''MKX'')<br>Randy Hamilton (''The Journey Begins'')<br />[[Brian Tochi]] (''MK: DotR'') |motionactor=Carlos Pesina (''MK:A''/''MK:D'')<br>Lawrence Kern (''MKvDCU'', ''MK2011'') |liveactor=[[Ho Sung Pak]] (''MK'', ''MKII'')<ref name="egm95"/><br />[[Eddie Wong]] (''MK3'', ''UMK3'', ''MKT'')<br> [[Robin Shou]] (films)<br />Carmichael Simon, Jon Valera, Michael Li, Allan Sandoval (''Live Tour'') <br />[[Brian Tee]] (''Legacy'') |inuniverse={{Mortal Kombat character | origin = Earthrealm (China)<ref>[https://theragingfanboy.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/mortalkombatkit-liukang-cardback001.jpg Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat'' biography] (John Tobias, 1992)</ref> | weapon = Dragon Sword (''MK4'', ''MKG'')<br />[[Nunchaku]] (''MK:D, MK:A'') | fighting-styles = [[Jun Fan]] (''MK:D'', ''MK:A'')<br /> [[Pao Chui]] (''MK:D'')<br /> [[Jeet Kune Do]] (''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 /> [[Kung Fu]] (''MK:SM'') }}}} '''Liu Kang''' ({{zh|c=劉鋼|p=Liúgāng}})<ref>Japanese manual of SNES version ''Mortal Kombat'')</ref> is a fictional character from the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' [[fighting game]] series from [[Midway Games]], introduced as one of the original seven [[player character]]s in the 1992 [[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|first game]] as a [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolin monk]] who enters the Mortal Kombat tournament to save Earthrealm (Earth). Since his victory in the tournament, Liu Kang becomes the ''Mortal Kombat'' series' [[protagonist]] as the champion and chief defender of Earthrealm guided by his mentor, the thunder god [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]]. He also becomes romantically involved with [[Kitana|Princess Kitana]], the adopted daughter of evil Outworld emperor [[Shao Kahn]]. Designed with special moves intended to be easier to perform than the moves of other characters, Liu Kang has appeared in many of the ''Mortal Kombat'' fighting installments, in addition to starring with [[Kung Lao]] as the title characters of the [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] game ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]'', and being among the eleven series characters representing the franchise in the crossover game ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]''. Liu Kang has extensively featured in alternate ''Mortal Kombat'' media and official merchandise, serving as the primary protagonist of the two feature-length films and the [[Malibu Comics]] comic book adaptations, in addition to supporting roles in other media such as the 1995 ''Mortal Kombat'' novel and the animated series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]''. Critical and general reception of the character has been mainly favorable, although various aspects have been criticized. ==Appearances== ===In video games=== Introduced in the first [[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|''Mortal Kombat'']] game as a Chinese [[Shaolin Kung Fu]] fighting monk, Liu Kang's main fighting style is [[Jeet Kune Do]] and he has experience with [[Kung Fu]]. He enters the tenth Mortal Kombat tournament in order to protect Earthrealm from being destroyed after having lost the previous nine tournaments. 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}}</ref> In the 1993 sequel ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'', Liu Kang finds many of his Shaolin brethren 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 decides to travel to Outworld to seek revenge, backed by friend and fellow Shaolin [[Kung Lao]]. At the tournament, Liu Kang fights Shao Kahn, eventually overpowering the emperor.<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}}</ref> In ''Mortal Kombat 3'' (1995), Liu Kang and his friends fight against Shao Kahn's extermination squad which invaded Earthrealm. He once again defeats Shao Kahn, causing him and his forces to retreat back to Outworld.<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}}</ref> In the events of ''[[Mortal Kombat 4]]'' (1997), Liu Kang discovers that his lover and ally, [[Kitana|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}}</ref> Liu Kang confronts Shinnok and once again emerges victorious with Kitana and her people having survived to the attack, but he is unable to commit himself to a relationship due to his duty as Earthrealm's champion while Kitana has to remain in Outworld to rule her kingdom.<ref name="end">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 4]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=1997 |level=Liu Kang ending}} (Liu Kang: "The war is over. I've once again defended my title as the champion of Mortal Kombat, and defended the realm of Earth. But I've failed to save the realm of Edenia. In doing so, I have also lost Kitana... Forever." / Liu Kang: "Kitana?" / Kitana: "Yes, Liu Kang. It is I." / Liu Kang: "But I thought you were gonna lo-" / Kitana: "With Shinnok's destruction, you've not only saved the Earth, but you've also saved my own realm. For that, I can never repay you." / Liu Kang: "Knowing that you survived is all that I need." / Kitana: "As heir to the throne of my realm, I offer you the chance to rule at my side, as King of Edenia... Forever." / Liu Kang: "... I... cannot accept your offer. I belong here on Earth, as Champion of Mortal Kombat." / Kitana: "Then... I wish you good luck, Liu Kang. On all your journeys." / Liu Kang: "Goodbye, Princess Kitana...")</ref> Liu Kang becomes unplayable for the first 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}}</ref> In the events of ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' (2004), an unknown party reanimates Liu Kang's corpse and sends it on a murderous rampage, causing Liu Kang's soul to attempt to control it.<ref name="bio4">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/liukang/|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' Biography and Ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005}}</ref> He returns as a playable character in this game, albeit in [[undead]] form and as a [[secret character]] that can only be unlocked by completing the game's Konquest Mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/cheats/ps2/mortal-kombat-deception|title=Mortal Kombat: Deception Cheats for the PS2|publisher=GameRevolution|accessdate=March 31, 2015}}</ref> His spirit enlists the reformed ninja [[Ermac]] to try to save Kitana and his Earthrealm allies—Johnny Cage, Jax, Sonya and Kung Lao—who had all been killed by the Deadly Alliance and then resurrected by the Dragon King [[Onaga]] for use as his slaves. Though they successfully accomplish this task,<ref name="ermac">{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/ermac/|title=Ermac ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2005}}</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 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}}</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 attempt to find a way to reunite his body and soul, which he accomplishes in his ending.<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}}</ref> Liu Kang was among the many characters who were not given a biography for ''Armageddon,'' while in his own noncanonical in-game ending, his body and soul reunite on their own before he confronts Raiden and defeats him in combat to become Earthrealm's new protector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/liukang|title=Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon'' ending|publisher=Mortal Kombat Warehouse|date=2006}}</ref> Along with Kung Lao, Liu Kang is the lead character in the 2005 [[Spin-off (media)|spinoff]] [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] game ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]''. The game is a retelling of the storyline of the events leading up to ''Mortal Kombat II,'' and features the two Shaolin monks traveling to Outworld to find and defeat Shang Tsung, later ending in a fight with Shao Kahn and 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> He is among the eleven characters representing the ''Mortal Kombat'' franchise in the 2008 [[Crossover fiction|crossover]] title ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]'', 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 to be very similar, due to fact, both Liu Kang and Batman are fought in Raiden and [[Superman]]'s chapters respectively, trying to snap their rage influenced respective leaders back to their sense from killing the leader's respective arch-enemies, [[Lex Luthor]] and Shang Tsung, reminding them that Dark Kahn is their true enemy.<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> In the [[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|2011 ''Mortal Kombat'' reboot video game]], Liu Kang reprises his role from the first three tournaments as one of Raiden's chosen warriors. Raiden, who has visions from the future in which Shao Kahn remained as the last warrior, believes that Liu Kang is the warrior which his future self chose as the savior. As in the first game, Liu Kang succeeds in defeating Goro and Shang Tsung, though Raiden's amulet continues to crack, unchanging the future. During the second tournament, Liu Kang meets Kitana, and the two engage romantically with each other in this timeline too. It is during this tournament that Kang begins to doubt Raiden's visions after he ordered him and Kung Lao not to rescue Kitana, and when Lao is killed by Shao Kahn. He seemingly kills Shao Kahn, and avenges his fallen friend. However, Kahn survives, and begins plotting to invade Earthrealm. When Shao Kahn is preparing to invade Earthrealm during the third game's events, Liu Kang is among Earthrealm's protectors, and notices Raiden's futile attempts to alter the future. He and Raiden visit the Elder Gods in order to put a stop to Kahn's plan, but refuse to intervene, stating that Kahn's invasion is not a violation of Mortal Kombat, but the merging of Earthrealm and Outworld is. When they return, nearly all of their allies are dead, murdered by a soul-infused Sindel, and Liu Kang rushes to Kitana, only for her to die in his arms. This, coupled with Raiden's failed attempts in changing the future, and his plan to form an alliance with the Netherrealm, causes Kang to deem Raiden insane, and decides to take on Shao Kahn alone. He arrives as Kahn enters Earthrealm, but Raiden attempts to stops him as he realized Kahn had to win and merge the realms in order to avoid the events of the future. Having enough of Raiden's continued mistakes, the two fight, but Kang is defeated. As he attempts to shoot a fireball at Raiden, the thunder god uses his lightning to protect him, inadvertently electrocuting Liu Kang, much to Raiden's horror. Rushing to his burnt body, Raiden pleads for his forgiveness, but Kang coldly says to the Thunder God: "You...have killed us...all..." and dies. After Raiden defeats Shao Kahn with the help of the Elder Gods, and thus changing the future, he and the surviving warriors, Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, leave and begin the restoration of Earthrealm, and he takes Kang's body with him.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat |developer=Netherealm Studios |publisher=Midway |date=2011 |level=Chapter 16: Raiden}} (Raiden: "Defeating Shao Kahn before the merge is but temporary. He will return, bringing Armageddon. I have foreseen it!" [...] Raiden: "Liu Kang, forgive me..." / Liu Kang: "You... have killed us... all...")</ref> Liu Kang returns in ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]''. In the game's Story Mode, he was resurrected by Quan Chi and now serves him as one of the revenants until Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Jax are revived. At the end of the story mode, he and Kitana become the new rulers of the Neatherrealm due to Quan Chi's death and Shinnok's defeat. A now darker Raiden brings them Shinnok's disembodied head as a warning for them not to attack Earthrealm.<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}}</ref> ====Design==== Liu Kang was originally going to be a Japanese character called [[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...] 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…] by John Tobias on Twitpic.</ref> but ''Mortal Kombat'' co-creator and character designer [[John Tobias]] stated that the staff could not "deal with the name."<ref name="egm95">{{cite book |author=Goldman, Michael and Aaron, Richard E. |title=Official MK3 Kollector's Book|year=1995 |chapter=Ed Boon & John Tobias Interview|publisher=Electronic Gaming Monthly|isbn=}}</ref> According to Tobias, Liu Kang "was originally going to be a [[Buddhist monk|traditional monk]] &ndash; bald and in robes &ndash; but he wound up resembling [[Bruce Lee]]."<ref name="GamePro 78 January 1996">''[[GamePro]]'' 78 (January 1996).</ref> As stated on his ''Mortal Kombat: Armageddon'' bio card, [[Ed Boon]] mentioned that Liu Kang was designed to be the most easily "accessible" character, meaning that both casual and experienced gamers could play as him with little difficulty.<ref name="card">{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]] Premium Edition |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=October 11, 2006 |level=Liu Kang bio card}}</ref> According to Tobias, Liu Kang was purposely the only character that voiced his finishing move in the original game, and was "the best" in the first sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzSPtos75W8 |title=The On Blast Show Ep19: John Tobias Part 1 |publisher=YouTube |date=2012-11-07 |accessdate=2013-11-16}}</ref> Liu Kang was the only character in the first game whose finishing move ([[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality]]) did not explicitly murder his opponent, and also without the background dimming. This was because Liu Kang was depicted therein as a Shaolin monk, who in general have strict beliefs regarding killing and murder. However, starting with ''Mortal Kombat II'', he was given gory Fatalities as he was thereafter depicted as a renegade monk who decided to grow his hair back, and who had "strong Shaolin beliefs, but was no longer a part of the Shaolin monks." In response to rumors that Liu Kang would die in ''Mortal Kombat II'' and therefore not make it into ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'', Boon said, "It'd be like doing part three of ''[[Star Wars]]'' and not having [[Luke Skywalker]] in there. You don't do that."<ref name="egm95"/> His eventual death caused Dan Forden, the music composer of the series, to make a "funeral song" for Liu Kang as he felt saddened for his death. The track titled "Liu Kang's Tomb" would be used in ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' in the arena that shows his tomb.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]] |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=2004 |level=Kontent: Soundtracks: Liu Kang's tomb}}</ref> Liu Kang was played by [[Ho Sung Pak]] in the first two games, and John Tobias stated in an interview that he originally intended for the character to be a traditional bald monk, but the actor refused to shave his head.<ref name="egm95"/> In the first game, Liu Kang was modeled after Bruce Lee, as he had short hair and went shirtless, with a threadbare outfit of only black pants and white shoes. In ''Mortal Kombat II,'' his outfit was enhanced with red stripes, and now included a red headband, black shoes, and studded wristguards (the intro of ''MKII'' shows the younger version of the character defeating Shang Tsung in the background, while the updated character is in the foreground). In ''Mortal Kombat 3,'' his hair was considerably longer, with the only alteration to his outfit being thin black leg strips wrapped above his ankles in order to give him a "sleeker" look for the game.<ref name="egm95"/> He was given a red tank top in addition to his usual costume in ''Mortal Kombat 4'', but his alternate outfit was blue and featured him shirtless again.<ref name="MK4g">{{cite book |author=Arnold, Douglas |title=Mortal Kombat 4 Survival Guide: Players Guide|year=1998 |publisher=Semantix Design Llc|isbn=1-884364-44-6}}</ref> His wardrobe from the third game was carried over into ''Deception'' and ''Armageddon'', but due to his resurrection, his skin was ash gray, and he wore hooked chains around his wrists. This form is also known by fans and ''Mortal Kombat'' producer Shaun Himmerick as "[[Zombie (fictional)|Zombie]] Liu Kang".<ref name="inter"/> Nevertheless, his alternate outfit for both games featured him as a living person in order to contrast his undead form.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]] Premium Edition |developer=Midway |publisher=Midway |date=October 11, 2006 |level=Krypt: Liu Kang alternate outfit}}</ref> In ''Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe'', he sported a slightly altered version of his third costume, in addition to a championship belt adorned with the ''Mortal Kombat'' dragon emblem. Although Liu Kang's design in ''Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks'' remains similar to his ''Mortal Kombat II'' one, Himmerick said that it was the most revised one from the game, along with Kung Lao's.<ref name="devd">{{cite web|url= http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=52997|title=Developer Diary#3: Characters|publisher=Mortal Kombat Online|author=Himmerick, Shaun|accessdate=December 26, 2008}}</ref> ====Gameplay==== [[File:Liu Kang Fatality.png|thumb|A screenshot of Liu Kang's recurring [[Chinese dragon]] [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|Fatality]] in its original version in ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' as seen in the canceled HD remake version for ''[[Mortal Kombat: Arcade Kollection]]''. [[ScrewAttack]], in 2010, deemed the finisher "the most iconic Fatality of the entire game."<ref name="SAfatality">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/6xohkd/screwattack-s-top-ten-top-10-mortal-kombat-fatalities |title=Top 10: Best Mortal Kombat Fatalities|first=Craig|last=Skistimas|publisher=ScrewAttack|date=August 29, 2010|accessdate=February 13, 2014}}</ref>]] Liu Kang specializes in kicks, with his most common move being flying across the screen and connect with a kick to the opponent's torso.<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> Another such move is the "Bicycle Kick" in which Liu Kang flies across the screen with a series of multiple kicks to the opponent's torso resembling pedaling a bicycle, hence the name. 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 this while crouching and in the air, same 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> The developers made Liu Kang immediately selectable in ''Mortal Kombat: Unchained'', the [[PlayStation Portable]] port of ''Deception'', as they noted that unlocking him in ''Deception'' had proved difficult.<ref name="inter">{{cite web | url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/733/733558p1.html|author=Hayness, Jeff|title=Mortal Kombat: Deception Unchained Producer Interview| publisher=IGN|date=September 10, 2006| accessdate=February 16, 2009}}</ref> Liu Kang's first finishing move is the Fatality "Shaolin Uppercut"; he performs a [[butterfly kick]] (often mistaken for a [[Cartwheel (gymnastics)|cartwheel]]) on his opponent, before hitting an uppercut that knocks them into the air for several seconds.<ref name="mk1"/> In ''Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks'', there were two versions; one where the victim explodes to pieces upon impact and the original, in which the opponent is torn to pieces upon falling to the ground. In another signature Fatality, he morphs into a large dragon, chomping the upper body of his opponent.<ref name="MK2g">{{cite book |author=Taylor, Matt, and Fink, Jim|title=Mortal Kombat II: Official Player's Guide|year=1995 |publisher=Infotainment|isbn=1-57280-028-3}}</ref> This Fatality was turned into an [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)#Animality|Animality]] in ''Mortal Kombat 3'' and back into a normal Fatality in ''Mortal Kombat 4''. In the [[Game Boy]] and [[Game Gear]] versions of ''Mortal Kombat II'', the dragon torches the opponent with fire instead. 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 |publisher=Midway |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"/> According to [[GameSpy]]'s ''MK2011'' walkthrough, Liu Kang "inflicts better damage" than Kung Lao "by jumping around like a lunatic and kicking the crap out of everything he sees."<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/mortal-kombat-x/guide/page_8.html |title=Mortal Kombat Story Mode Walkthrough|publisher=GameSpy|date=January 19, 2011|accessdate=February 11, 2014}}</ref> ===Other appearances=== Liu Kang was the protagonist of the [[Mortal Kombat comic books|comic book adaptation]] of the ''Mortal Kombat'' series [[Malibu Comics]]. In the first miniseries, ''Blood & 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> [[File:Liu kang.jpg|thumb|left|[[Robin Shou]] as Liu Kang in the 1995 film ''[[Mortal Kombat (film)|Mortal Kombat]]''|alt=The picture shows a black-haired person wearing a sleeveless white shirt and holding a yellow stick. The background is a forest.]] Liu Kang is the primary protagonist of both ''Mortal Kombat'' movies, where he is portrayed by [[Robin Shou]]. Director [[Paul W. S. Anderson]] wanted Liu Kang's character to be "really engaging" and chose Shou, noting his skills with martial arts.<ref name="journey"/> In the [[Mortal Kombat (film)|first film]], he takes part in the tournament out of guilt over his brother's death at the hands of Shang Tsung (portrayed by [[Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa]]), and defeats Tsung in the final battle.<ref>{{cite book |author=Goldman, Michael and Aaron, Richard E. |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|accessdate=April 2, 2012}}</ref> Shou, along with [[Talisa Soto]] (Kitana), was one of only two actors to reprise their roles in the sequel, ''[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation]]'' ([[Keith Cooke]], who played [[Reptile (Mortal Kombat)|Reptile]], returned as well, but as the new [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]]). In the sequel, Liu Kang joins the Earthrealm warriors to stop Shao Kahn's menace.<ref>{{cite video|date = 1998|title=[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation]]|publisher=New Line}}</ref> In the animated film ''[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]'', serving as a prequel to the first film, Liu Kang appears as one of the main characters.<ref name="journey">{{cite video|date=1995|title=[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]|publisher=New Line}}</ref> Liu Kang is also one of the lead characters in the 1996 animated series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]'', voiced by [[Brian Tochi]]. He is not the protagonist therein as opposed to the game 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> Liu Kang appears in the 2013's second season of the web series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Legacy]]'', portrayed by [[Brian Tee]].<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 |accessdate=2011-04-09 |date=April 9, 2011}}</ref> Liu Kang in ''Legacy'' is portrayed as an anti-hero and fighting on the side of Outworld rather than that of Earthrealm in the web series. In this version, he is shown to have left a monastery to live a normal life working at a diner with a fiancée. After watching a pair of thieves kill her in a robbery attempt, he becomes consumed with anger and revenge, and further distances himself from Kung Lao and the ideals that were taught to him. After working as a freelance assassin for a few years, he is approached by Shang Tsung, who convinces him that humanity is not worth protecting and asks him to join the realm of Outworld in the upcoming Mortal Kombat tournament, which he agrees to. During the tournament, he easily subdues Johnny Cage and Kurtis Stryker before being confronted by Kung Lao, who is surprised at his old friend's change of allegiance. 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|accessdate=March 2, 2009}}</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|accessdate=February 26, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toywiz.com/mortalkombatseries2liukang.html|title=Mortal Kombat Shaolin Series 2 Action Figure Liu Kang|publisher=ToyWiz|accessdate=February 26, 2009}}</ref> {{Clear}} ==Reception== {{quote box|Kang is sort of the [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] of the ''Mortal Kombat'' roster. He's one of the easier and more straightforward characters to use, but that doesn't mean he's lacking in radness. Bicycle kicks. Fireballs. And let's not forget he was eventually able to transform into a freaking dragon and gobble people up as one of his fatalities. From ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' onwards Liu Kang was, and still is, an all-around badass. |source=—[[GamesRadar]] in 2015<ref>http://www.gamesradar.com/your-z-guide-90s-raddest-gaming-mascots/</ref>|width=30%}} [[File:Anime Expo 2014 - Lui Kang and Katana Cosplay.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Cosplay]]ers of Liu Kang and [[Kitana]] from 2011's ''[[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' at [[Anime Expo]] 2014 in Los Angeles]] The character has received mostly very positive response by gaming publications. His relation with Kitana was ranked fourth in [[IGN]]'s list of best video game couples in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/688/688837p1.html| title=Top 10 Tuesday: Best Videogame Romances|publisher=IGN|date=February 14, 2006|accessdate=July 18, 2010}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] featured him in their 2009 poll for the title of "All Time Greatest Game Hero", in which he lost to [[Yoshi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/standings/index.html|title=All Time Greatest Game Hero - The Standings|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=September 15, 2009}}</ref> [[UGO Networks]] ranked him as 94th on the 2008 list of top heroes of all time, noting his role in the ''Mortal Kombat'' series as well as character depth.<ref>[http://www.ugo.com/games/top-heroes-in-entertainment/shows.asp?groupID=shows100-81&showID=liu-kang Top 100 Heroes of All Time]. [[UGO.com]]. Retrieved on December 13, 2008.</ref> In 2012, [[GamesRadar]] ranked him as 51st "most memorable, influential, and badass" protagonist in games, adding that while "Sub-Zero and [[Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion]] may get most of the fanfare", Liu Kang "can shoot fireballs, whoops and hollers just like Bruce Lee, and pioneered the Animality with his dragon-transformation fatality--it’s no wonder that Liu Kang’s the chosen champion of Earthrealm."<ref name=gr>[http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ 100 best heroes in video games], GamesRadar, October 19, 2012.</ref> In 2014, Jack Pooley of What Culture ranked him as the second greatest ever fighting game character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whatculture.com/gaming/20-greatest-ever-beat-em-video-game-characters.php/20 |title=20 Greatest Ever Beat Em Up Video Game Character |publisher=Whatculture.com |date= |accessdate=2014-01-17}}</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://web.archive.org/web/20090505220824/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|accessdate=January 17, 2009}}</ref> 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|accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref> In 2010, GamePlayBook ranked Liu Kang as the second best ''Mortal Kombat'' character, commenting that "his nimbleness and fighting expertise make him an ideal pick" and how he is as good as zombie as when he was alive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameplaybook.com/news/the-best-mortal-kombat-characters-of-all-time/ |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100820010338/http://www.gameplaybook.com/news/the-best-mortal-kombat-characters-of-all-time/ |archivedate=2010-08-20 |title=The Best Mortal Kombat Characters of All Time|publisher=GamePlayBook |date=2010-08-20 |author=Robert Workman |accessdate=2011-12-27}}</ref> In 2011, [[Bright Hub]] ranked Liu Kang as the second best character in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brighthub.com/video-games/pc/articles/126073.aspx#secn_2 |title=The Top Ten Mortal Kombat Characters |publisher=Brighthub.com |date=2011-10-27 |accessdate=2011-12-27}}</ref> In UGO's 2012 list of top ''Mortal Kombat'' characters, Liu Kang was given first place.<ref>{{cite web|author=UGO Team |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters?page=3 |title=Top 50 Mortal Kombat Characters - Mortal Kombat |publisher=UGO.com |date=2012-02-28 |accessdate=2012-03-04}}</ref> In 2013, he was ranked as the fifth-top ''Mortal Kombat'' character by Jon Hamlin of The Game Scouts for his popularity and "being incredibly important to the ''Mortal Kombat'' universe."<ref>Jon Hamlin, [http://www.thegamescouts.com/2013/04/top-10-mortal-kombat-characters.html Top 10 Mortal Kombat Characters], The Game Scouts, 4/26/2013.</ref> That same year, the readers of [[Dorkly]] voted him the series' sixth greatest character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dorkly.com/toplist/56586/the-greatest-mortal-kombat-character-of-all-time |title=The Greatest Mortal Kombat Character of All-Time (Vote Now!) - Dorkly Toplist |publisher=Dorkly.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-19}}</ref> Upon his death in ''Deadly Alliance'', IGN's Jeremy Dunham noted that Liu Kang was killed as the series needed "'starting over' mentality", as he regarded Liu Kang as the series' strongest character.<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|accessdate=December 15, 2009}}</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|accessdate=March 19, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' listed his death in their article about "characters that died under our watch" calling it a "shock" as Liu Kang was stated to be one of the "most loved" characters from the series.<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|accessdate=September 15, 2011}}</ref> His redesign in ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' was praised by GameSpot for being one of the best ones from the title,<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|accessdate=September 21, 2009}}{{dead link|date=February 2014}}</ref> and was featured in GamesRadar's list of the "greatest zombie triumphs" in 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-37-greatest-zombie-triumphs/|title=The 37 greatest zombie triumphs|publisher=GamesRadar|author=Wilde, Tyler|accessdate=August 11, 2009}}</ref> but was also ranked as the ninth-worst ''Mortal Kombat'' character by [[ScrewAttack]] in 2011.<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-screwattack/713441 ScrewAttack Video Game, Top 10: Worst Mortal Kombat Kharacters], GameTrailers.com, 04/30/2011.</ref> Additionally, 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|accessdate=August 23, 2011}}</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|accessdate=June 12, 2014}}</ref> GamesRadar featured him the article about "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|accessdate=August 11, 2009}}</ref> ===Gameplay and finishing moves=== Liu Kang's famous finishing move of turning into a dragon was ranked by ScrewAttack as the second best in the series, referred to as the most iconic Fatality in ''Mortal Kombat II'',<ref name="bestfatality">{{cite web|title=Top 10 Mortal Kombat Fatalities|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-screwattack/702288|publisher=Screwattack|accessdate=May 5, 2012}}</ref> but his cartwheel Fatality from the original ''Mortal Kombat'' was ranked by ScrewAttack as the second worst in the series.<ref name="worstfatality">{{cite web|title=Top 10 Worst Mortal Kombat Fatalities|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-screwattack/703620|publisher=Screwattack|accessdate=May 5, 2012}}</ref> Liu Kang's dragon Fatality has also been listed as one of the best Fatalities from the series by both ''Game Informer'' and UGO in 2010,<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|accessdate=June 28, 2011}}</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|accessdate=June 28, 2011}}</ref> as well as by ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' in 2013.<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 |accessdate=2014-01-14}}</ref> On the other hand, his Fatality in which he throws a ''Mortal Kombat'' arcade were pointed by both ''Game Informer'' and ''[[GamePro]]'' as one of the worst 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=3&PageIndex=4|title=Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|publisher=Game Informer|author=Ryckert, Dan|date=May 3, 2010|page=3|accessdate=June 28, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|title=The 12 LAMEST Fatalities|publisher=GamePro|author=Rudden, Dave; Shaw, Patrick|date=November 25, 2008|page=1|accessdate=June 28, 2011|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20100531010838/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|archivedate=2010-05-31}}</ref> even as GamesRadar listed it among the reasons of Liu Kang being "boss".<ref name=gr/> Some video game publications criticized his gameplay and shouts while others noted him to be entertaining. 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|accessdate=January 2, 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|accessdate=January 2, 2009}}</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|accessdate=January 17, 2009}} {{dead link|date=December 2011}}</ref> and GamesRadar wrote that "the strange squeals he emits during his trademark Bicycle Kick move are unforgettable."<ref name=gr/> ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{commons category}} *{{official website|http://www.themortalkombat.com/liukang}} *[http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0010000/ Liu Kang] at the [[Internet Movie Database]] {{Mortal Kombat}} [[Category:Bruceploitation characters]] [[Category:Characters created by John Tobias]] [[Category:Fictional Buddhist monks]] [[Category:Fictional Chinese people in video games]] [[Category:Fictional Jeet Kune Do practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Shaolin kung fu practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional karateka]] [[Category:Fictional wushu practitioners]] [[Category:Male characters in video games]] [[Category:Orphan characters in video games]] [[Category:Mortal Kombat characters]] [[Category:Religious worker characters in video games]] [[Category:Shapeshifter characters in video games]] [[Category:Video game characters based on real people]] [[Category:Video game characters in comics]] [[Category:Video game characters in film]] [[Category:Video game characters in literature]] [[Category:Video game characters in television]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1992]] [[Category:Video game characters with fire or heat abilities]] [[Category:Video game protagonists]] [[Category:Zombie and revenant characters in video games]]'