Liu Kang from Mortal Kombat in the GA-HQ Video Game Character DB
Liu Kang, Screenshot from Mortal Kombat (2011)
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Liu Kang is a character from the Mortal Kombat Fighting Game Series. Liu Kang appeared for the first time in Mortal Kombat (1992) and returned in every sequel except Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance (2002). Liu Kang defeated Goro, Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, and even Shinnok in Mortal Kombat 1-4, however during the events of MKDA Liu Kang was killed by Shang Tsung and became a Zombie as one of the most hidden secret characters in Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004). In the sequel Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006), Liu Kang is still a Zombie who is used by the rather darker version of the Thunder God Raiden, but since Mortal Kombat 9 (2011) plays in the past, this rather macabre outcome was prevented. However, Liu Kang got killed again…by Raiden and this time he became a revenant by Quan Chi and is one of the antagonists in Mortal Kombat X (2015). In Mortal Kombat XI (2019) he is the main protagonist again who even has to fight against himself. Liu Kang is one of the two main characters in Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks (2005) with his cousin Kung Lao, and one of the main protagonists of the MK Franchise in general.
Liu Kang was clearly inspired by Bruce Lee and looked almost like a clone of the popular martial arts star in the first game. His..screams are also very Bruce Lee-like usually. He was basically the Ryu of Mortal Kombat, being the Asian Martial Arts expert who can shoot Fireballs and is one of the easier characters to learn and master. In Mortal Kombat II he became the first fighting game character who could shoot a projectile while standing, crouching, and even during a jump. Besides his ability to shoot Fireballs, he also has special moves like his powerful Bicycle Kick, a Flying Kick, and a Parry in the newer games. |
Liu Kang from the Mortal Kombat Games: an Overview
| Character name: | Liu Kang | Developed /Created by | Midway Games later NetherRealm Studios | |
| Game series: | Mortal Kombat | First seen on: | Arcades | |
| First Game: | Mortal Kombat | Year first seen in: | 1992 | |
| Last Game: | Mortal Kombat XI (2019) | Birthplace: | China | |
| Role(s) and Characteristics: | Fighting Game Character, Main Protagonist | Martial Arts Style: | Jeet Kune Do | |
| Additional Tags: | Shaolin Monks in Video Games | Similar Characters: | Fei Long, Marshall Law | |
| Has Relations to: |
Kitana (Love Interest) Kung Lao (Friend and Cousin) Shang Tsung (Deadly Enemy) Bo`Rai Cho (Teacher, Master) |
See also: |
Liu Kang Finishing Moves (Fatalities, Friendships, Babalities etc.)
| Game | Finisher / Fatality Name | Code | Range /Distance |
| Mortal Kombat 11 | Burnout | D, B, F, 1 (Square, X) | Close |
| Belly of the Beast | B, D,B, F, 2 (Triangle, Y) | Mid-range | |
| Shaolin Hustle (Friendship) | B, D, D, B, 2 (Triangle, Y) | Mid-range | |
| Stage Fatalities (Deadpool, Tournament, Shaolin Trap) | B,F,B, 3 (X, A) | Close | |
| Mortal Kombat X | Sore Throat | D, D, F, B, B | Close |
| Splitter | B, F, D, U | Close | |
| Stage Fatalities (Kove, Pit, Refugee Kamp) | D, F, B, 3 (X, A) | Close | |
| Mortal Kombat 9 | Fist of Flame | F, B, D, D, 3 (X,A) | Close |
| The Beast within | D, D, F, D, 4, (O, B) | Mid-Range | |
| Babality | D, D, D, 4 (O, B) | Mid-range | |
| Stage Fatalities (Pit II, Deadpool, Netherrealm, Streets, Subway, Living Forest, Kratos Stage) | D, F, B, 3 (X, A) | ||
| Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe | MK 1 Arcade Drop | F, B, D, D, 3 (X,A) | Sweep |
| Head Stomp | D,D,F,D,4 (O,B) | 1 Step away |
Official Game Art like promotional Illustrations of Liu Kang
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Mortal Kombat X (2015) |
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Mortal Kombat (2011) |
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Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008) |
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Mortal Kombat 4 (1997) |
Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) |
Mortal Kombat II (1993) |
Liu Kang in Game-Art-HQ Art Projects
Liu Kang is a part of our Mortal Kombat Tribute from 2011-2013 and was drawn in all of his designs from Mortal Kombat 1-9 for it
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Selected Fan Art and Cosplay Photos of Liu Kang
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by Tovio Rogers |
by Esau Murga |
by MadiBlitz |
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by Abel Vera |
Fierce Liu Kang |
Updates
22.06.2022 – Added Flavio’s take on Liu Kang
02.02.2022 – Added more MKX Art, and updated the text a bit more.
01.02.2022 – Added the Liu Kang Concept Artworks from Mortal Kombat X, the intro text was updated as well
28.01.2022 – Liu Kang Header Image updated with a screenshot from his MK9 Intro, Text updated a lot + links to other VG Character DB Pages added
– Also added a Table for all of his Finishing Moves
