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'{{about||the Singaporean artist|Liu Kang (artist)|the Chinese football player and coach|Liu Kang (football manager)}} {{good article}} {{Infobox character |name=Liu Kang |image= LiuKangMKXRender.png |caption=Liu Kang in ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' (2019) |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 |accessdate=November 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116021746/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=46532&tab=credits |archivedate=November 16, 2014 }}</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 |accessdate=November 20, 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829181447/http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_mortal-kombat-9_a.html |archivedate=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|accessdate=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201164925/http://note.taable.com/post/45A/conceptartworld.com/?p=39447|archivedate=February 1, 2016}}</ref> |first = ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992) |voice=[[Ed Boon]] (''MKII'')<br />Randy Hamilton (''TLB'')<br />[[Brian Tochi]] (''DoTR'')<br />Josh Tsui (''MK4'')<br />Jin Kim (''SM'')<br />[[Tom Choi]] (2008–2015)<br />[[Matthew Yang King]] (''MK11'')<br />[[Jordan Rodrigues]] (''MKL:SR'')<ref>{{cite web|first=Aaron|last=Couch|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/heat-vision/animated-mortal-kombat-movie-works-joel-mchale-1270671|title=Animated 'Mortal Kombat' Movie Sets Cast With Joel McHale, Jennifer Carpenter|website=hollywoodreporter.com|date=January 17, 2020|accessdate=January 17, 2020}}</ref> |motion_actor=[[Ho-Sung Pak]] (''MK'', ''MKII'')<ref name="egm95"/><br />Eddie Wong (''MK3'', ''UMK3'', ''MKT'')<ref name="egm95"/><br />Carlos Pesina (''MK:A''/''MK:D'')<br>Lawrence Kern (''MKvDCU'', ''MK2011'') |portrayer=[[Robin Shou]] (''films'')<ref name="egm95"/><br/>[[Brian Tee]] (''MK:L'')<ref name="egm95"/><br/>[[Ludi Lin]] (''2021 film'')<br> | origin = Earthrealm (China)<ref>[https://theragingfanboy.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/mortalkombatkit-liukang-cardback001.jpg Liu Kang ''Mortal Kombat'' biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201164925/https://theragingfanboy.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/mortalkombatkit-liukang-cardback001.jpg |date=2016-02-01 }} (John Tobias, 1992)</ref> | family = Kee Kang (father; deceased)<br>Lin Lang (mother; deceased)<br>Chan Kang (brother; deceased) | 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 Jeet Kune Do]] (''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'') }} '''Liu Kang''' ({{zh|candian=Lu Kayng|p=Liúkāng|c=刘康|s=|t=}})<ref>Canadian manual of SNES version ''Mortal Kombat''</ref> is a fictional character in 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). Following his victory in the tournament, Liu Kang becomes the ''Mortal Kombat'' series' [[hero]] as the champion and chief defender of Earthrealm guided by his mentor, the thunder god [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]]. 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. While some less gory skills have been criticized for lacking the appeal of other characters' finishing moves, as well as the sounds he yells during regular attacks, Liu Kang's darker characterization in the later games has been praised. ==Design== {{multiple image | footer = [[Bruce Lee]] and [[Minamoto Yoshitsune]] 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 }} 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...] {{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> 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 |author1=Goldman, Michael |author2=Aaron, Richard E. |lastauthoramp=yes |title=Official MK3 Kollector's Book|year=1995 |chapter=Ed Boon & John Tobias Interview|publisher=Electronic Gaming Monthly|isbn=}}</ref> According to Tobias, whose favourite character in the series is Liu Kang,<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'|last=|first=|date=2012-11-07|website=EventHubs|language=en|access-date=2018-12-24}}</ref> he "was originally going to be a [[Buddhist monk|traditional monk]] &ndash; bald and in robes &ndash; but he wound up resembling [[Bruce Lee]]."<ref>{{cite magazine|last= |first= |title=The Game Makers: The Artists|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=88 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=January 1996|pages=34–36}}</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=https://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 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612053717/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzSPtos75W8 |archivedate=2014-06-12 }}</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 by 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> Had Tobias continued to work on ''Mortal Kombat'' beyond 1999, he would have continued to center the plot 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> Liu Kang was played by [[Ho-Sung Pak]] in the first two games. John Tobias 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104181827/http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=52997|archivedate=January 4, 2007}}</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|series=''[[ScrewAttack's Top 10]]''|publisher=ScrewAttack|date=August 29, 2010|accessdate=February 13, 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219054031/http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/6xohkd/screwattack-s-top-ten-top-10-mortal-kombat-fatalities|archivedate=December 19, 2013}}</ref>|alt=|left]] Liu Kang specializes in kicks, with his most common move being flying across the screen and connecting 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, 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> 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| url-status=live| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328162633/http://psp.ign.com/articles/733/733558p1.html| archivedate=March 28, 2009}}</ref> Liu Kang's Fatality from the original game is the "Shaolin Uppercut", invented by 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> in which he performs a [[butterfly kick]] (often mistaken for a [[Cartwheel (gymnastics)|cartwheel]]) on his opponent before hitting an uppercut that knocks them offscreen before landing.<ref name="mk1"/> In ''Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks'', there were two versions; one where the victim explodes into 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 |author1=Taylor, Matt |author2=Fink, Jim |lastauthoramp=yes |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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222012433/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/mortal-kombat-x/guide/page_8.html|archivedate=February 22, 2014}}</ref> {{Clear}} ==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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821003205/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk1/liukang/|archivedate=2015-08-21}}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317131816/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk2/liukang/|archivedate=2015-03-17}}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325122650/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk3/liukang/|archivedate=2015-03-25}}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823235522/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mk4/liukang/|archivedate=2014-08-23}}</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 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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408080837/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkda/|archivedate=2015-04-08}}</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="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|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319082139/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/liukang/|archivedate=2015-03-19}}</ref> He returns as a playable character in this game, albeit in [[undead]] form and as a [[secret character (video games)|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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151805/http://www.gamerevolution.com/cheats/ps2/mortal-kombat-deception|archivedate=April 2, 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 [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Onaga|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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321235046/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mkd/ermac/|archivedate=2015-03-21}}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403104949/http://mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/raiden/|archivedate=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 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310111443/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/nightwolf/|archivedate=2015-03-10}}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093239/http://www.mortalkombatwarehouse.com/mka/liukang/|archivedate=2015-04-02}}</ref> However, canonically, neither Nightwolf nor Liu Kang's body survived Armageddon. As a result, Liu Kang's spirit was forced to pass on into the afterlife. Along with Kung Lao, Liu Kang is the lead character in the 2005 spin-off [[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. When Shao Kahn is preparing to invade Earthrealm during the third game's events, all his allies are murdered by a soul-infused Sindel. This, coupled with Raiden's failed attempts in changing the future, causes Kang to grow more and more disillusioned with Raiden, engaging him in combat. In both timelines, Liu Kang meets the same fate. In the original timeline, he is killed by his nemesis, Shang Tsung, and his spirit lives as a force for good. In the alternate timeline, Liu Kang is accidentally killed by his mentor, Raiden in the aftermath.,<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> and his soul is corrupted, becoming a member of the Netherealm. This tie continues canonically in the Injustice 2 fighting game where Raiden is a guest character, stating during one of his opening dialogue scenes that Liu Kang's death still haunts him to this day. Liu Kang returns in ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]''. In the game's Story Mode, he is resurrected by Quan Chi and now serves him as one of the revenants until Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Jax are revived. He fights both Jax and Raiden in Story Mode, which he blames Raiden for his death. At the end of the story mode, he and Kitana become the new rulers of the Netherrealm 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 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711083900/http://www.kamidogu.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16886 |archivedate=July 11, 2015 |access-date=March 26, 2015 }}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'', Liu Kang's been further corrupted by Shinnok's influence and now planning to invade Earthrealm. After Raiden and the Special Forces destroy the cathedral in the Neatherrealm, they ally themselves with the keeper of time, Kronika, who plans on creating a new timeline without Raiden in it. Thanks to her temporal anomalies, the younger Liu Kang prior to his death is brought to the present timeline alongside his friends and enemies. Despite hearing what his modern counterpart has become, he still trusts Raiden and allies himself with Earthrealm's warriors. He eventually clashes with Raiden when the latter starts using Shinnok's amulet to power himself while Liu Kang stands for Scorpion's true redemption in carrying his deceased future human counterpart's last wish, until the thunder god finally realizes that Kronika has been manipulating them to fight in every timeline, fearing their combined power. After the revelation, Kronika kidnaps the younger Liu Kang so that his revenant counterpart can absorb his soul to fight Raiden once more. Rather than kill him, Raiden merges with the revenant and younger Liu Kang, transforming them into Fire God Liu Kang. Thanks to Raiden's knowledge method about the time laws affecting those who were Elder Gods in the past like him, the younger Liu Kang gains the knowledge of his now erased revenant counterpart upon fusing with Raiden. With his new combined godly powers, Liu Kang is able to combat Kronika and her time manipulating abilities. The story, depending on the player's actions, ends with Kronika killing Fire God Liu Kang, but players can still restart the last battle; Fire God Liu Kang defeating Kronika and a mortal Raiden becoming Lord Liu Kang's ally in shaping the new era; or him destroying Kronika from entering Dawn of Time and having Kitana as his partner in shaping the new era. In the ''Aftermath'' expansion, Liu Kang and mortal Raiden attempt to restore history, only to be interrupted by Shang Tsung, who tells them they need Kronika's Crown of Souls in order to do so. As Liu Kang destroyed his version of it, the sorcerer has him send him back in time to retrieve a past version of the Crown. Though successful, albeit backfire when Shang Tsung set up to betray Raiden’s force, then eventually both past Shao Kahn and a recently revived Sindel, Fire God Liu Kang knows about this and unaffected by his and Raiden’s past selves’ deaths by Shang Tsung’s hands, thus begin to emerge back to stop the crown empowered sorcerer once Kronika is finished. Fire God Liu Kang represents good ending, where he defeated Shang Tsung and uses the crown to go back in time and improve the Great Kung Lao’s past training, similar to Kung Lao’s Arcade Ladder ending. ===Other appearances=== 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> {{multiple image | footer = While [[Robin Shou]] portrayed Liu Kang as an Earthrealm hero in the live-action films, [[Brian Tee]] played him as an antagonist | image1 = Robin Shou pic.jpg | alt1 = Robin Shou | caption1 = | width1 = 180 | image2 = Brian Tee 2011 (cropped).jpg | alt2 = Brian Tee | caption2 = | width2 = 130 | align = left }} Liu Kang is the main protagonist of both ''Mortal Kombat'' films, 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 (1995 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 |author1=Goldman, Michael |author2=Aaron, Richard E. |lastauthoramp=yes |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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811235215/http://goldsea.com/Personalities2/Shourobin/shourobin6.html|archivedate=August 11, 2013}}</ref> Shou and [[Talisa Soto]] (Kitana) were the only two actors to reprise their roles in the sequel, ''[[Mortal Kombat: Annihilation]]''. 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 1995 animated film ''[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]'', 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 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 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928084531/http://www.hadoken.net/?p=3096%2F |archivedate=September 28, 2013 }}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711000603/http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11597&figure=liukang|archivedate=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 |accessdate=February 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044849/http://www.toywiz.com/mksmluikang.html |archivedate=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 |accessdate=February 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303190502/http://www.toywiz.com/mortalkombatseries2liukang.html |archivedate=March 3, 2009 }}</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]]. In 2019, it was announced that [[Ludi Lin]] will portray Liu Kang for the ''[[Mortal Kombat (2021 film)|2021 reboot of the film series]]''.<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> ==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>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/your-z-guide-90s-raddest-gaming-mascots/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2015-01-23 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123043051/http://www.gamesradar.com/your-z-guide-90s-raddest-gaming-mascots/ |archivedate=2015-01-23 }}</ref> | width = 30% }} The character has received mostly very positive response by gaming publications. Liu Kang topped [[UGO Networks]]' 2012 list of the top fifty ''Mortal Kombat'' characters<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 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031014002/http://www.ugo.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters?page=3 |archivedate=2013-10-31 }}</ref> and placed 94th on their 2008 list of the "top 100 heroes of all time".<ref>[http://www.ugo.com/games/top-heroes-in-entertainment/shows.asp?groupID=shows100-81&showID=liu-kang Top 100 Heroes of All Time]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. [[UGO.com]]. Retrieved on December 13, 2008.</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 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6CjrsgiJh?url=http://www.gamespot.com/greatest-video-game-hero/standings/index.html |archivedate=December 7, 2012 }}</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] {{webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Cjs4P0ou?url=http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-video-game-heroes/ |date=2012-12-07 }}, GamesRadar, October 19, 2012.</ref> [[DigitalSpy]] listed him as the 13th best ''Mortal Kombat'' character comparing 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?|publisher=DigitalSpy|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' listed Liu Kang as the third best character in the franchise based on his heroic traits, moves as well as his undead form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/07/brutal-fighters-mortal-kombat/liu-kang|title=The Most Brutal Fighters In "Mortal Kombat"|publisher=Complex|accessdate=October 3, 2017}}</ref> His relationship 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 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123257/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/688/688837p1.html |archivedate=June 29, 2011 }}</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 |accessdate=January 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=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 |archivedate=December 29, 2008 }}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920021611/http://stars.ign.com/articles/889/889573p1.html|archivedate=September 20, 2008}}</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=https://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> 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015174232/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/377/377894p1.html|archivedate=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|accessdate=March 19, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418034640/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/cyrax|archivedate=April 18, 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=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|archivedate=July 31, 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 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806052152/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2004/day4w_6.html |archivedate=August 6, 2009 }}</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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116141752/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-37-greatest-zombie-triumphs/|archivedate=January 16, 2014}}</ref> but was also ranked as the [[ScrewAttack's Top 10|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] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902075430/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-screwattack/713441 |date=2011-09-02 }}, ''[[ScrewAttack's Top 10]]'', 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|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013235544/http://www.gamesradar.com/characters-we-wish-we-knew-less-about/?page=3|archivedate=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|accessdate=June 12, 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604000039/http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|archivedate=June 4, 2014}}</ref> GamesRadar featured him, [[Fei-Long]] and Tekken's [[Marshall Law (Tekken)|Marshall Law]] in 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929214139/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|archivedate=September 29, 2008}}</ref> Liu Kang's darker characterization starting with ''Deception'' and in the reboot were received with good critical response as [[Den of Geek]] listed him as the 22nd best ''Mortal Kombat'' character due to 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|accessdate=August 4, 2017}}</ref> ===Gameplay and finishing moves=== Liu Kang's famous finishing move of turning into a dragon was ranked by ScrewAttack as the [[ScrewAttack's Top 10|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|series=''[[ScrewAttack's Top 10]]''|publisher=Screwattack|accessdate=May 5, 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527034127/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-screwattack/702288|archivedate=May 27, 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|series=''[[ScrewAttack's Top 10]]''|publisher=Screwattack|accessdate=May 5, 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430043333/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-10-screwattack/703620|archivedate=April 30, 2012}}</ref> Liu Kang's dragon Fatality has 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=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|archivedate=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 |accessdate=June 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501132642/http://www.ugo.com/channels/games/features/mortalkombat/3.asp |archivedate=May 1, 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 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007140255/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/liu-kang |archivedate=2013-10-07 }}</ref> On the other hand, his Fatality in which he drops a ''Mortal Kombat'' arcade machine onto his opponent 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|url-status=live|archiveurl=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|archivedate=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|accessdate=June 28, 2011|archiveurl=https://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|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114052836/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p1.html|archivedate=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|accessdate=January 2, 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929214139/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/651/651620p3.html|archivedate=September 29, 2008}}</ref> [[GameDaily]] too 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|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/65ZuXqCPF?url=http://www.joystiq.com/|archive-date=2012-02-19|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> ==See also== {{commons category-inline}} ==References== {{reflist}} {{Mortal Kombat}} [[Category:Action film characters]] [[Category:Bruceploitation characters]] [[Category:Characters created by John Tobias]] [[Category:Emperor and empress characters in video games]] [[Category:Fictional Buddhist monks]] [[Category:Fictional characters with immortality]] [[Category:Fictional Chinese people in video games]] [[Category:Fictional Choy Li Fut practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional nunchakuka]] [[Category:Fictional Hou Quan practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Jeet Kune Do practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Lóng Xíng Mó Qiáo practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional martial artists in video games]] [[Category:Fictional murdered people in video games]] [[Category:Fictional Pào Chuí practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional Shaolin kung fu practitioners]] [[Category:Fictional slaves in video games]] [[Category:Fictional swordsmen]] [[Category:Male characters in video games]] [[Category:Mortal Kombat characters]] [[Category:Orphan characters in video games]] [[Category:Religious worker characters in video games]] [[Category:Shapeshifter characters in video games]] [[Category:Video game antagonists]] [[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 characters with slowed ageing]] [[Category:Video game mascots]] [[Category:Video game protagonists]] [[Category:Video game secret characters]] [[Category:Zombie and revenant characters in video games]]'