—To Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat 1 trailer. |
- This article is about Liu Kang, the former undisputed champion of the Mortal Kombat Tournament-turned God of Fire. For another character that uses the Fire God title, see the Fire God's page.
Liu Kang (Chinese: 刘康) is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. A former Shaolin Monk and undisputed champion of the Mortal Kombat Tournament, he is the eternal God of Fire, protector of Earthrealm, and the former Keeper of Time. Liu Kang has remained one of the most recognizable and memorable characters in the series alongside the likes of Raiden, Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero, in one form or another, and Scorpion. He serves as the protagonist of the series.
Liu Kang made his debut as one of the few original characters in the first Mortal Kombat game and is the one of the few characters to have appeared in every generation of Mortal Kombat games as a playable character.
About Liu Kang
Liu Kang is one of the most popular and accessible characters in the series. He is one of Earthrealm's greatest warriors, having defeated many to prove his valor. Throughout the series, he has been gradually portrayed as the main hero, becoming champion after the first Mortal Kombat tournament. Liu Kang has found a nemesis in the traitorous Shang Tsung, a sorcerer who he has defeated on numerous occasions. He is often considered the greatest threat to the plans of Shang and his emperor, Shao Kahn. He is a member of the White Lotus Society and trains extensively at the Wu Shi Academy. It was at the Academy that he was murdered by a Deadly Alliance of Shang with Quan Chi.
His body was resurrected without his spirit in Mortal Kombat: Deception. This physical half killed hundreds of innocent people, with the skills he refined to protect them while he was alive. Liu Kang retained his personality as a zombie, as he still had his trademark yells. A notable exception is the intro of Armageddon, where he groans like a recognizable zombie.
Liu Kang is referred to as the "Immortal Champion of Mortal Kombat" in later games, and his ending in Mortal Kombat: Deception has him again assuming the role upon his restoration to life.
With Armageddon imminent, Raiden sends a mental message to his younger self, altering the timeline. Liu Kang is restored to life but is later killed by Raiden unintentionally to prevent Armageddon from happening again. His soul is later collected by Quan Chi and transformed into a Revenant alongside his other allies in the Netherrealm invasion of Earthrealm. After a second invasion is thwarted by the death of Quan Chi and Shinnok's defeat by Cassie Cage, Raiden decapitated Shinnok and delivers it to Liu Kang who, along with Kitana, now rule the Netherrealm.
Desperate to undo Raiden's actions, the Keeper of Time and mother to Shinnok, Kronika, plans to restart the timeline by allying herself with past and present variants of kombatants, including a Revenant Liu Kang. After learning of an endless cycle, Raiden breaks Kronika's fate of him and Liu Kang by merging with Revenant Liu Kang after Liu Kang's younger variant is captured. Liu Kang becomes a Fire/Thunder God and defeats Kronika, however at the cost of the timeline. Becoming the new Keeper of Time, Liu Kang later dispatches Fujin and younger variants of Nightwolf and Shang Tsung into the fractured timeline to help him retrieve Kronika's Crown to save the timeline. With Shang Tsung manipulating his way to the Crown, a battle for The Hourglass ensues, with Liu Kang emerging victorious and restarting the timeline into his version of Kronika's New Era.
In the current timeline, Liu Kang successfully completes his new timeline as the Keeper, but abandons the power after finding it drove Kronika insane. He now watches over Earthrealm as the God of Fire in a manner just like Raiden from previous timelines, while Geras, Kronika's former enforcer, is reconstructed as his loyal friend and protector of the Hourglass. Despite the utopia Liu Kang created, something is running a muck that irreversibly alters Liu Kang's new timeline forever.
Appearance
At his debut, Liu Kang appeared to be among the many Bruce Lee pastiches; a man of Chinese origin with a bare chest, black pants and white sneakers. He typically has pale white skin to match this. He generally has a slim muscular frame and stands at a height of five foot eight inches tall. From MKII onwards, he is depicted with shaggy black hair, a red headband, spiked gauntlets, red and black kung fu pants, and kung fu slippers; still keeping his upper body bare (with the exception Mortal Kombat 4) where he wears his traditional baggy black and red pants with a new red tank top, and a pair of metal black forearm guards. This design is one of the most consistent in the series.
He is depicted as a zombie in Mortal Kombat: Deception. His screen has a very strong hint of grey in it. He still fights with no shirt on, showing off the chunks of flesh that have decayed all around his upper torso. He now wears a pair of Houan chains with hooks attached to his gauntlets given to him by Raiden when he became corrupted. He still fights on those baggy pants and East Asian style shoes.
In his ghost form, his attire is different than what his corpse wears, instead wearing mandarin boots and pants similar to his original with a new sash and chickenmark design on the sides.
In MK 2011, Kang's appears with a red sash brandishing the Elder Gods' symbol instead of the belt. His physical appearance is altered once more, with longer hair and a more well-rounded physique. Kang loses a lot of skin when taking damage due to his lack of armor or layered clothes.
In Mortal Kombat X, Liu Kang has become one of Quan Chi's Revenants and since has become a dark version of himself, twisted by the sensibilities of the Netherrealm. While he still possesses the familiar glowing yellow veins and glowing eyes as other characters, he now sports a dark, armored uniform made from steel, leather and dragon scales. His hair has grown past shoulder length and keeps it tied like a ponytail. While he retains his iconic headband, it has been tattered. As Emperor of the Netherrealm, he dons a full set of spiky armor with the familiar trappings of a denizen of the Netherrealm. In his default "what-if" form, he has aged significantly like most other characters; his hair the same length as it is as a revenant, but now grey from aging and styled slightly different. He also wears a red and black vest with a black dragon decal. His alternate outfits are "Tournament" and "MK1", one which was based off his MK 2011 alternate costume's appearance, the other being a reimagining of his classic appearance from Mortal Kombat II, despite the name.
In Mortal Kombat 11, outside of the tournament, he wears a white Chinese short-sleeved shirt with black vest. When Raiden merged with his revenant, he became Fire God Liu Kang with glowing dragon tattoos on both his arms and each side of his waist. His hair turns grey and sports a small bun on top of his hair, and his eyes glow white.
In Mortal Kombat 1, his hair has returned to its natural black color but has also grown out past his shoulders. While still a god, he humbly retains many of his familiar design elements with the addition of an open white shirt with gold decorations and a black rear sections. He now sports glowing tattoos on his arms and an aura of blue and orange fire around his arms when in combat. He is also slightly taller with a more well-built physique compared to his previous incarnations.
The continual use of dragons and the MK logo in Liu Kang's techniques, his costumes in recent games, and recurring Fatalities (e.g., his Arcade Drop) all reinforce the perception that Kang is the mascot of the series. However, it should be noted that while Liu Kang has been an important character to the series, both Scorpion and Sub-Zero could also be potential mascots, though no official statement has been made by the developers.
Game Information
Liu Kang was the only Mortal Kombat character who had a Fatality in which the opponent was not explicitly murdered (save for the Pit Fatality). His finishing move was also the only one in the original MK game that was performed without the background dimming. This was because Kang was depicted as a Shaolin monk, and Shaolin monks in general have strict beliefs against committing murder. However, starting with Mortal Kombat II, he was given gory Fatalities as he was depicted as a renegade monk who still had "strong Shaolin beliefs, but was no longer a part of the Shaolin monks".
A victorious round against Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat II does not lead to Kahn's usual voice declaring that the player's character wins. If Liu Kang is the chosen fighter, he will utter a small war cry upon winning the round.
Liu Kang deals double damage upon Onaga in Mortal Kombat: Deception, a bonus granted by the developers for the difficulty of unlocking him.
He is one of four Mortal Kombat characters to have a spin off game based around them (Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks). He and Kung Lao are the game's protagonists.
Even though Liu Kang appears in his spirit form for the events of Deception and Armageddon, his alternate costume in both games depicts his human form. This human form in Deception and Armageddon depicts Liu Kang prior to his death or if he was still human. He was never truly restored to life until MKvsDCU, which ignored the event of his death. In MK 2011, he is still zombified in the story mode intro that takes place at the aftermath of Armageddon until the new storyline begins, where he is once again human until his demise by the hands of Raiden.
The hooked chains that hang from the arms of Liu Kang's zombie form have garnered much demand from fans to be used as a weapon style in the series, especially after Kang himself uses them as such in Armageddon's intro movie (where he rolls the chains up his wrists to fight Shang Tsung, and later uses their hooked tips to stop the sorcerer from reaching for the top of the pyramid). So far, however, these demands seem to have fallen on deaf ears at Midway, and the chains remain a non-interactive costume accessory for the character. Because these chains seem to have appeared arbitrarily to give Zombie Kang a more 'dark' feel, many fans demanded a canonical explanation for why the character has them.
The origins of Liu Kang's shackles were finally revealed in Raiden's bio in the game Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, where he described the shackles as enchanted chains used by an ancient tribe to control the dead. These are known as Houan Chain Hooks. As such, he placed them on the corpse of Liu Kang, recited an ancient incantation, and revived the Shaolin monk as his personal enforcer. [1]
Combat Characteristics
Powers and Abilities
Liu Kang has proven himself to be one of the most powerful characters in the series' span, emerging victorious from every Mortal Kombat tournament he's been involved in. Liu Kang possesses incredible agility, acrobatic skill and martial arts, though the latter is more common. These skills were developed during his training with Bo' Rai Cho, who also taught Kang the Flying Kick technique. It is suggested that Kang meditates regularly in order to keep increasing strength as well as maintain it. Due to his recurring status as the Mortal Kombat champion, Liu Kang hardly seems to age. In the first entry in the series, Liu Kang was shown to be non-violent, in that his finisher did not graphically kill the opponent. Starting with Mortal Kombat II, however, all of his Fatalities were more gruesome.
Liu Kang is commonly associated with the element of fire, which comes in the form of shooting firebound projectiles. He appears to have some degree of control over it as the fireballs sometimes form dragon head-like shapes and has even used the element for finishers as well. Kang also appears to possess a degree of shapeshifting, able to transform himself into a Chinese dragon which includes a serpentine body with small arms. In Shaolin Monks, the form is also revealed to have fire-breathing capabilities, most likely associated with his ability to use fire.
Besides his fiery projectiles, he has other abilities related to the element. He can also ignite his limbs on fire to add fire damage to his attacks and teleport in a burst of flames. Liu Kang can also steal what appears to be a person's energy and convert it into a fireball. In MK11, Liu Kang's wraith has assimilated and mastered his former sire Shinnok's mysticism to bolster his own fighting abilities. Having used it to steal his past self's soul in order to strengthen himself even further. He also has the ability to summon and control a massive winged dragon of fire to assist him in combat.
In MKX, Liu Kang is shown to be able to manipulate his Yin and Yang energies through the Dualist variation, firing searing hot blasts of light in his Yin state along with healing properties while firing dark energy blasts and strengthening himself through his Yang state. He is also shown firing these dark projectiles in the game's Story Mode.
As a reanimated corpse, Liu Kang is incapable of human speech but still retains all of his combat knowledge. He can shrug off lethal blows such as a broken neck and can no longer feel any pain inflicted on him. His zombie physiology allows him to quickly recover from lethal injuries and freely twist and contort his body whilst in combat. He wields two Houan chains that can quickly age people to death if they are caught by its hooks.
In MK11, it is revealed that Kronika fears his power alongside Raiden's and thus manipulated the timelines to force the two to fight against each other. Her fears are fully realized when Raiden merges his own essence with Liu Kang's past and present selves, turning him into a Fire God. With this merger, Liu Kang's powers are boosted exponentially, taking down an entire legion of Netherrealm demons in one fell swoop by simply dive-bombing and creating a massive explosion on impact. He has also inherited Raiden's command over lightning and thunder as well as the abilities to create portals and fly. His power and skill are so much that he is able to best the Elder God Cetrion in single kombat and later defeat Kronika, whose power eclipses that of the Elder Gods, cementing him as one of the most powerful kombatants in the entire franchise. He is also the only person not affected by the full power of the Hourglass even as it was rewinding time back to the prehistoric era.
Following the creation of his new timeline, Liu Kang has since settled into his new form and refined his godly powers in MK1. He is able to summon both orange and blue fire and combine them in a number of ways, such as a spinning fireball, shooting numerous fireballs mid-air, and even summoning orange and blue dragons made of flame. He is also able to turn himself into fire and re-materialize in an explosive manner. He can also create portals and fly, as well as breathe in outer space and create black holes.
Signature Moves
- Flying Kick: Liu Kang flies across the screen and connects with a kick to the opponent's torso. In MK 2011, MKX and MK11 this is called Flying Dragon Kick. As seen in the opening of MKII, telling Shujinko and in one of Raiden's visions, this move was used to defeat Shang Tsung. (MK, MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:D, MK:U, MK:SM, MK:A, MKvsDCU, MK 2011, MKX, MK11)
- In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called Flame Dragon Kick. Liu Kang's leg becomes covered in fire, making him quicker and increases damage.
- In MKX, the enhanced version is called Flying Dragon Strike. It has more range, does more damage, and Liu Kang is armored while performing it.
- In MK11, amplifying the attack has Liu Kang follow up with a knee strike and a mid-air backflip kick, dealing increased damage.
- In MK11, if Liu Kang connects the attack as a Kounter or a Punish from the maximum distance or combos into it after an Air Fireball, the attack turns into a Krushing Blow, where Liu Kang's foot damages the opponent's internal organs, dealing over three times the original damage. The attack cannot be amplified when landing the Krushing Blow.
- This Krushing Blow damage can be increased slightly if Dragon Fire is active.
- Dragon Fire: Liu Kang sends a fiery flame in the shape of a dragon across the screen out of his hands at his opponent. In most games after MKII, Liu Kang is also able to shoot it in the air. In MK 2011 and MK11, this is called High Fireball. In MKX, the Fireballs themselves, their names and the way Liu Kang fires them change according to the variation chosen. (MK, MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:D, MK:U, MK:SM, MK:A, MKvsDCU, MK 2011, MKX, MK11)
- In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called High Dragon Fire. The fireball takes the form of a flaming black dragon.
- In MKX, the different versions of this move are:
- Fireball: Flame Fist variation version. Liu Kang lifts his leg and extends one of his hands to throw a fireball.
- The enhanced version is called Fire Wave. Liu Kang will shoot a larger fireball out of both of his hands to deal more damage and hit crouching opponents. Fire Wave cannot be performed in the air.
- Dragon Fire: Dragon's Fire variation version. Liu Kang throws a dragon-shaped fireball with both of his hands. It can be delayed or run-canceled out of.
- The enhanced version is called Double Dragon. Liu Kang throws two fireballs rather than one. This move may be enhanced further to add a third, larger, fireball. Double Dragon may be performed in the air.
- Fireball: Flame Fist variation version. Liu Kang lifts his leg and extends one of his hands to throw a fireball.
- In MK11, amplifying the attack has Liu Kang throw two additional fireballs after the first for increased damage. None of the fireballs gain increased hitboxes, leaving Liu Kang vulnerable to low attacks when sending the fireballs.
- Low Dragon Fire: Liu Kang crouches and sends a fiery flame in the shape of a dragon across the screen out his hands at his opponent's feet. In MK 2011, MKX and MK11, this is called Low Fireball. In the Dragon's Fire variation in MKX, it is once again called Low Dragon Fire. (MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:D, MK:U, MK:SM, MK:A, MKvsDCU, MK 2011, MKX, MK11 - Equip Ability)
- In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called Low Dragon Fire. The fireball takes the form of a flaming black dragon.
- In MK11, amplifying the attack has Liu Kang follow up with a High Fireball. When used in the corner of an arena, Liu Kang is offered a brief moment of combo extensions; otherwise, the opponent is knocked away by the second fireball. The second fireball does not have an increased hitbox, leaving Liu Kang vulnerable if the first fireball is blocked.
- Large Fireball: Liu Kang fires a larger fireball that sets his opponent on fire. (MK:SM)
- Bicycle Kick: Liu Kang flies across the screen with a series of multiple kicks to the opponent's torso. (MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:D, MK:U, MK:SM, MK:A, MKvsDCU, MK 2011, MKX, MK11)
- In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called Bicycle Steps. Liu Kang's feet become enshrouded by fire, speeding up his kicks and adding an extra 3 kicks.
- In MKX, the enhanced version is called Bicycle Flurry. Liu Kang will add four additional hits for more damage and is armored while performing it. In the Dragon's Fire variation, the Bicycle Kick can also be enhanced at any point to interrupt the series of kicks and make Liu Kang stomp his opponent in the head, bouncing them on the ground and allowing for a juggle.
- In MK11, amplifying the attack allows Liu Kang to continue kicking the opponent until he knocks them away. The move can be amplified twice in a row;
- Amplifying the attack adds 7 additional kicks.
- Amplifying the attack again adds 4 additional kicks.
- In MK11, if Liu Kang connects three amplified Bicycle Kicks during the match, the attack can turn into a Krushing Blow on the attack's third usage or any time after when performing the regular version of the attack, where Liu Kang's foot crushes the opponent's ribcage, dealing nearly three times the original damage.
- This Krushing Blow damage can be increased slightly if Dragon Fire is active.
- Dragon's Tail: Liu Kang does a cartwheel kick on his opponent, similar to his first Mortal Kombat Fatality. Pressing another attack button will allow Liu Kang to follow up with another move that varies depending on the pressed button. (MKvsDCU)
- Shadow Bicycle Kick: A faster version of bicycle kick which leaves a red shadow, this is somewhat copied from Johnny Cage's Red Shadow Kick, but Liu's Bicycle Kick makes it his own. (MKT)
- Dragon's Roar: Liu Kang delivers a powerful spinning back hand punch knocking the opponent away. (MKX)
- The enhanced version is called Dragon's Wrath, which has armor, does more damage and knocks the enemy away for a greater distance.
- Double Dragon Kick: An alternate version of Flying Dragon Kick, where Liu Kang delivers two flying kicks in quick succession to the opponent's torso rather than just one. This replaces Flying Dragon Kick in the Dragon's Fire Variation. (MKX - Dragon's Fire Variation)
- The enhanced version is Double Dragon Strike, it deals more damage and grants armor.
- Upon connecting the first kick, whether blocked or not by the opponent, Liu Kang can enhance the attack, whether this being Double Dragon Kick or Double Dragon Strike, Liu Kang will perform a Bicycle Kick for increased damage.
- After doing this, Liu Kang can enhance the attack a final time upon performing the Bicycle Kick to deliver an overhead flip kick, dealing even more damage and bouncing the opponent off the ground for a juggle.
- Upon connecting the first kick, whether blocked or not by the opponent, Liu Kang can enhance the attack, whether this being Double Dragon Kick or Double Dragon Strike, Liu Kang will perform a Bicycle Kick for increased damage.
- The enhanced version is Double Dragon Strike, it deals more damage and grants armor.
- Windmill Punches: Liu Kang delivers a series of quick punches to his opponent at the height of their chest. Liu Kang can follow up with special attacks after performing this attack. This replaces the Bicycle Kick in the Flame Fist Variation. (MKX - Flame Fist Variation)
- The enhanced version, Windmill Flurry, knocks the enemy away with a Dragon's Roar at the end. Like the original, Liu Kang can follow up with special attacks after performing this version of the attack.
- Shaolin Flame: Liu Kang claps his fists together, engulfing them in flames and increasing the damage of his fireballs and causing punch-based attacks to deal slightly increased damage by burning the opponent briefly for some time. Liu Kang can perform attacks after performing this attack when timed correctly, however the window is very small. (MKX - Flame Fist Variation)
- The enhanced version is called Shaolin-ferno, it allows Liu Kang to recover much faster from the attack.
- Parry: Liu Kang gets in a parry stance with flames emitting from his hands. If his opponent attacks him while he's like this, he'll disappear in a burst of flames, reappear behind his opponent and deliver a swift surprise punch in the back. In MKX, this move is available only in his Flame Fist variation and is known as Dragon Parry, where he counters the opponent knocking them down with a flaming kick then he stomps the opponent on the chest. In MK11, this attack is also known as Dragon Parry, where he counters the opponent delivering a swift punch to their chest and kicks them away. (MK 2011, MKX - Flame Fist Variation, MK11 - Equip Ability)
- The enhanced version in MK 2011 is called Burning Parry. If Liu Kang is struck, he will connect with an uppercut.
- In MKX, Liu Kang may enhance the attack after connecting it, immediately after he stomps on the opponent, for an additional stomp and extra damage.
- In MK11, amplifying the attack has Liu Kang follow up with an uppercut after the punch, dealing increased damage and sending the opponent in the air for a juggle.
- In MK11, if Liu Kang parries a Getup Attack or a Flawless Block Attack, the attack turns into a Krushing Blow, where Liu Kang's fist crushes the opponent's ribcage, dealing over double the original damage. The attack can be amplified after successfully landing the Krushing Blow, retaining the original juggle effect but dealing even more damage due to the Krushing Blow.
- Light Metamorphosis: Liu Kang switches to the Light state, in which he gains new attacks based on the element of Light. (MKX - Dualist Variation)
- Solar Flare: Liu Kang fires a burst of light from one of his hands at his opponent. This replaces his Fireballs in this state and variation, and so there are also Low Solar Flare and Air Solar Flare.
- The enhanced version is called Solar Blast, Liu Kang fires a much larger burst of light with of both of his hands for more damage and to hit crouching opponents. Low Solar Flare and Air Solar Flare cannot be enhanced.
- Yin: Liu Kang heals himself by standing still and focusing his energy for an extremely low amount of health. Liu Kang can heal himself for an indefinite amount of time, however this leaves him vulnerable to enemy attacks, but can also be canceled by a dash. However, if the button is simply released and the attack is not dash canceled, Liu Kang has additional health replenished.
- Solar Flare: Liu Kang fires a burst of light from one of his hands at his opponent. This replaces his Fireballs in this state and variation, and so there are also Low Solar Flare and Air Solar Flare.
- Dark Metamorphosis: Liu Kang switches to the Dark state, in which he gains new attacks based on the element of Darkness. (MKX - Dualist Variation)
- Soul Sphere: Liu Kang fires a dark and reddish projectile at his opponent, which will not directly damage them, but can be stopped in place at any time and position in the arena by performing Stop Sphere. It will explode sometime after being stopped, launching the opponent in the air if they're nearby. This replaces his Fireballs in this state and variation, and so there are also Low Soul Sphere and Air Soul Sphere.
- The enhanced version is called Dark Sphere, which explodes immediately after performing Stop Sphere and deals more damage. Low Soul Sphere and Air Soul Sphere cannot be enhanced.
- Yang: Liu Kang focuses dark energy into his fists, increasing the amount of damage dealt by all of his attacks and giving charge to any incoming Soul Spheres to be fired, reducing the time they take to explode. The longer the attack's input is held, the more damage Liu Kang's attacks will deal based on charges and the more charge will be given to his Spheres.
- 1st Charge - 10% damage increase
- 2nd Charge - 30% damage increase
- 3rd Charge - 50% damage increase
- Soul Sphere: Liu Kang fires a dark and reddish projectile at his opponent, which will not directly damage them, but can be stopped in place at any time and position in the arena by performing Stop Sphere. It will explode sometime after being stopped, launching the opponent in the air if they're nearby. This replaces his Fireballs in this state and variation, and so there are also Low Soul Sphere and Air Soul Sphere.
- Dragon Fire: Liu Kang strikes a pose and wreathes his hands and feet in flames, increasing his damage dealt by 20%, with the exception of his Dragon Parry's Krushing Blow. Only the first strike of the Liu Kang's Fatal Blow gains the damage bonus. Connecting or being struck by a Krushing Blow or Fatal Blow ends this effect prematurely. This ability conflicts with Shaolin Vanish when equipped, disabling the option to select Shaolin Vanish. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
- Dragon's Gifts: Liu Kang gains the ability to use teleporting attacks with different effects. This ability conflicts with Shaolin Vanish when equipped, disabling the option to select Shaolin Vanish. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
- Dragon's Gift: Liu Kang disappears in a burst of flames, reappears behind his opponent and delivers a powerful spinning back hand punch.
- Shaolin Strike: Liu Kang disappears in a burst of flames, reappears in front of his opponent and delivers a powerful spinning back hand punch.
- Shaolin Stomp: Liu Kang disappears in a burst of flames, reappears above his opponent and drops down with a hand chop.
- Shaolin Trip: Liu Kang disappears in a burst of flames, reappears behind his opponent and sweeps their legs with a nunchaku swing.
- Shaolin Stance: Liu Kang enters a stance from which he can perform following moves: (MK11 - Equip Ability)
- By spending a bar of Defensive meter, Liu Kang can cancel the stance and go back into the neutral position.
- Monk Fury: Liu Kang delivers an uppercut and follows up with two nunchaku swings that knocks the opponent away.
- Sneaky Monk: Liu Kang crouches down and delivers a low kick that sweeps the opponent off their feet.
- Kusari Slam: Liu Kang grabs his nunchaku, wraps the chain around the opponent's neck and tosses them to the other side. Liu Kang is also given the option to throw the opponent in the opposite direction This attack has armor breaking properties, ignoring the armor granted by specific abilities and Fatal Blows. When breaking the armor of a Break Away, the damage dealt is slightly increased. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
- Amplifying the attack has Liu Kang add a knee strike before tossing the opponent away.
- Energy Parry: Liu Kang swings his nunchaku in front of himself and destroys any incoming projectiles. This ability conflicts with Nunchaku Stance when equipped, disabling the option to select Nunchaku Stance. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
- Nunchaku Stance: Liu Kang brandishes his nunchaku and enters a stance from which he can perform following moves. This ability conflicts with Energy Parry when equipped, disabling the option to select Energy Parry. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
- By spending a bar of Defensive meter, Liu Kang can cancel the stance and go back into the neutral position.
- Nunchaku Dance: Liu Kang drops to his knees and spins around, delivering a series of low attacks.
- Nunchaku Absorb: Liu Kang swings his nunchaku in front of himself and destroys any incoming projectiles.
- Kusari Slam: If Kusari Slam is equipped, Liu Kang can also perform it while in this stance.
- Nunchaku Flurry: Liu Kang walks forward swings nunchaku in front of himself and finishes with an overhead swing.
- If Nunchaku Dance has been performed before this move, this attack turns into a Krushing Blow, where Liu Kang shatters the top of the opponent's head with his nunchaku, dealing increased damage and sending the opponent high in the air for a juggle.
- This Krushing Blow damage can be increased slightly if Dragon Fire is active.
- If Nunchaku Dance has been performed before this move, this attack turns into a Krushing Blow, where Liu Kang shatters the top of the opponent's head with his nunchaku, dealing increased damage and sending the opponent high in the air for a juggle.
- Shaolin Vanish: Liu Kang wreathes himself in flames and performs a teleport that sends him directly in front of his opponent. This ability conflicts with Dragon Fire and Dragon's Gifts when equipped, disabling the option to select Dragon Fire and Dragon's Gifts. In MK1, this is known as Dragon Breath, and it can damage the opponent with a fiery aura after Liu Kang re-appears, launching the airborne opponent for a juggle. This move has a close variation, known as (Close) Dragon Breath. (MK11 - Equip Ability, MK1)
- In MK1, the enhanced version has faster recovery, allowing Liu Kang to attack quickly after using the move.
- Cosmic Flame: Liu Kang sends a blue-and-orange fireball in the shape of a yin-yang across the screen out of his hands at his opponent, similarly to the Dragon Fire from previous games. The aerial version is known as (Air) Cosmic Flames, where Liu Kang launches a barrage of blue and orange fireballs. (MK1)
- The enhanced version creates a bigger fireball that goes through other projectiles and knocks the opponent down. The enhanced aerial version has faster recovery, allowing Liu Kang to land on the ground faster.
- Low Dragon: Liu Kang crouches down and sends a dragon-shaped flame traveliing across the ground, acting as a version of Low Fireball. (MK1)
- The enhanced version sends another, blue-colored dragon flame along with the orange one.
- Dragon's Tail: Liu Kang makes an orange dragon-shaped stream of flames fly at the opponent and follows up with a Flying Dragon Kick. (MK1)
- The enhanced version makes a blue-colored dragon-shaped stream fly forward that launches the opponent in the air without Liu Kang following up with a kick.
- Dancing Dragon: Liu Kang jumps up and spins in the air while kicking the opponent with alternating legs six times, replacing his Bicycle Kicks. (MK1)
- The enhanced version grants super armor and has Liu Kang perform a cartwheel kick in mid-air with a dragon trail following his leg, launching the opponent in the air.
X-Rays/Fatal Blows
- X-Ray - Chin Up: Another move based on his first Mortal Kombat Fatality, Liu Kang performs a butterfly kick and uppercut, which damages his opponent's jaw and skull and causes them to fly in the air. As they come back down, he kicks them in the face, causing another damaging blow to the jaw and skull. (MK 2011)
- X-Ray - For the Shaolin: Liu Kang delivers a jab to the face and a punch to the stomach before giving a palm to the nose, breaking the skull. Afterwards he kicks the opponent's stomach and delivers two more punches to the face before chopping the opponent's neck, shattering their vertebrae. Finally, he kicks the opponent's face, and delivers three punches to the back, the third punch with enough impact to burst the opponent's ribcage. (MKX)
- Fatal Blow - Enter the Dragon: Liu Kang starts by doing a Dragon Roar, then hits the opponent across the face with his nunchaku. He then proceeds to summon his fire dragon from behind to bite down on the opponent who then disappears in an instant. With one fiery punch to the stomach, Liu Kang manages to send the opponent away. (MK11)
- Fatal Blow - Mark Of The Creator: Liu Kang does a butterfly kick at the opponent, allowing his Kameo partner to attack. He pounces and does multiple bicycle kicks in the air, breaking their ribs. He then concentrates his power and creates the game's dragon symbol made of fire before blasting the opponent back down. (MK1)
Other Moves
- Free-Fall Super Move: Liu Kang, with his fists on fire, spins around hitting his opponent several times. Then he fires a Dragon Blast at them, knocking them to the ground. (MKvsDCU)
- Throw: Liu Kang grabs his opponent, punches them three times, then either delivers a final fiery punch (Forward Throw), or climbs on top of them and kicks them in the back of the head (Backwards Throw). (MK 2011)
- Throw: Liu Kang grabs his opponent and delivers a few rapid punches to the chest and two more to the head, another to the chest then he kicks the opponent away. (MKX)
- Throw (Forward): Liu Kang grabs his opponent, punches them in the chest, strikes them twice with his Nunchaku and kicks them away. (MK11)
- If Liu Kang performs this on an opponent who has failed a Throw Escape during a previous Throw before, the attack turns into a Krushing Blow, with the final kick breaking the opponent's jaw, dealing over double the original damage. If this is successful, Liu Kang cannot perform the Krushing Blow version of his Throw (Backward).
- This Krushing Blow damage can be increased slightly if Dragon Fire is active.
- If Liu Kang performs this on an opponent who has failed a Throw Escape during a previous Throw before, the attack turns into a Krushing Blow, with the final kick breaking the opponent's jaw, dealing over double the original damage. If this is successful, Liu Kang cannot perform the Krushing Blow version of his Throw (Backward).
- Throw (Backward): Liu Kang grabs his opponent and switches sides with them, sweeps them with a nunchaku swing and stomps on their back, twisting his foot. (MK11)
- If Liu Kang performs this on an opponent who has failed a Throw Escape during a previous Throw before, the attack turns into a Krushing Blow, where when Liu Kang delivers the stomp, he shatters and crushes the opponent's ribs, dealing over double the original damage. If this is successful, Liu Kang cannot perform the Krushing Blow version of his Throw (Forward).
- This Krushing Blow damage can be increased slightly if Dragon Fire is active.
- If Liu Kang performs this on an opponent who has failed a Throw Escape during a previous Throw before, the attack turns into a Krushing Blow, where when Liu Kang delivers the stomp, he shatters and crushes the opponent's ribs, dealing over double the original damage. If this is successful, Liu Kang cannot perform the Krushing Blow version of his Throw (Forward).
- Chinese Warrior: Liu Kang performs two swift kicks, a spin kick followed by a mule kick to the opponent's face. Liu Kang is completely vulnerable before performing. (MK11)
- If this combo is performed on an opponent as a Kounter or Punish, the combo turns into a Krushing Blow, with the final kick crushing the upper half of the opponent's skull inward and dealing almost double the original damage and sending the opponent high into the air for a juggle. When used in the corner of an arena, this juggle effect is greatly increased.
- This Krushing Blow damage can be increased slightly if Dragon Fire is active.
- If this combo is performed on an opponent as a Kounter or Punish, the combo turns into a Krushing Blow, with the final kick crushing the upper half of the opponent's skull inward and dealing almost double the original damage and sending the opponent high into the air for a juggle. When used in the corner of an arena, this juggle effect is greatly increased.
- Fire/Thunder God Ascension: In the Story Mode when he ascends to Fire/Thunder God due to merging with Raiden, Liu Kang is now surrounded in both fire and electricity. Additionally, all of his special moves and Throws are now modified, causing either a fire or lightning effect. Also, some of his combos are altered, gaining increased juggle effects while gaining the same lightning or fire properties that his special moves have. (MK11 - Story Mode)
- Cosmic Death Sentence (Backward Throw): Liu Kang strikes the opponent's pressure points in their chest twice, hits them in the collarbone with his fist and switches sides with them as their chest bursts in a small fiery explosion. (MK1)
Fatalities
- Deadly Uppercut: Liu Kang simply does a butterfly twist and uppercuts his opponent. The opponent isn't explicitly murdered unless it is used as a Stage Fatality and was created to show Kang's faith in the Shaolin way. In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, the opponent explodes into pieces upon hitting the ground. In MKvsDCU, this was a special move instead of a Fatality. This Fatality has been integrated into his X-Ray move for MK 2011 and Brutality for MK11 following with head decapitation. (MK, MKII, MK:SM)
- Dragon Bite: Liu Kang's signature Fatality, in which he morphs into a large dragon and chomps the upper body of his opponent. In the Game Boy version of MKII, he still turns into a dragon, but scorches his opponent alive instead, then the remains explode within a few seconds, scattering the bones. This Fatality became Liu Kang's Animality in MK3 and was reverted to a normal Fatality in MK4. In MK4, the dragon picks the opponent up after biting the opponent, violently shaking them, before slamming the corpse back to the ground. In MK 2011, it is called The Beast Within, and the dragon takes on a chrome-like appearance similar to the dragon in the game's logo, complete with flames coming out of its nostrils. (MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MKG, MK4, MK:SM, MK 2011)
- Arcade Drop: Liu Kang disappears, then an arcade cabinet of MK crushes the opponent. Afterwards, Liu Kang reappears and does his victory pose. In MK vs DCU, Liu Kang does not disappear when the arcade cabinet falls onto the opponent, leaving the opponent squirming as they are crushed. This Fatality returns in MK11 as a Brutality with Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks labeled in the arcade cabinet. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MKvsDCU)
- Incinerate: Liu Kang disappears and reappears inside his opponent as living fire, immolating the victim from the inside before reappearing. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
- Fire Shot: Liu Kang tosses the opponent high in the air towards the screen, then shoots a fireball at them, causing the opponent's body to explode. (MK4, MKG)
- Focused Fireball: Liu Kang extracts what appears to be the opponent's chi and charges it with his own into a large fireball. He then fires it at the victim, tearing them to pieces. (MK:D, MK:U)
- Soul Invasion: Liu Kang transforms into a spiritual state and enters the victim's body. Afterwards, the possessed victim rips their own head off to reveal Liu Kang's head in its place before bowing down. (MK:D, MK:U)
- Fiery Head Clap: Liu Kang charges his arms with fire and claps the opponent's head, destroying it. (MK:SM)
- Fire/Kick Combo: Liu Kang fires a large fireball which sets his opponent on fire. He then does his Flying Kick, making them explode. (MK:SM)
- Shaolin Soccer: Liu Kang uppercuts his opponent's head off, then does a backflip kick that sends the head flying towards the victim's body, making it explode. (MK:SM)
- Arm Rip: Liu Kang tears off his opponent's arms and beats them to death with them. (MK:SM)
- Bonebreak Combo: Liu Kang kicks his opponent's leg then snaps their arm, leg, and neck. (MK:SM)
- Giant Stomp: Liu Kang kicks the opponent in the gut, sending them back and on the floor. He then jumps and impales the opponent in the gut with his feet, twisting his legs to make the lower half of the opponent explode. (MK:SM)
- Fire Combo: Liu Kang sucker punches the foe to the ground, then does multiple bicycle kicks to their face before jumping high into the air to throw a fireball onto the opponent's body. (MKvsDCU)
- Fist of Flame: Liu Kang bows and charges his hand with fire, then punches his fist through his opponent's chest and pulls it back out, leaving his arm bloodied and the opponent with a gaping wound in their chest as they collapse onto the ground in defeat. This Fatality was also used in Liu Kang's fight against Shao Kahn toward the end of Kung Lao's chapter in Story Mode to defeat the Emperor. (MK 2011)
- Sore Throat: Liu Kang rips his opponent's larynx out of their throat, then shoves it back into their mouth, letting his opponent stand and choke on their own blood for a moment before pushing their body over with his finger. (MKX)
- Splitter: Liu Kang performs a backflip kick, launching his opponent in the air. He proceeds by concentrating fire on his feet and leaping into the air. He then lands onto his airborne opponent, impaling them with both his legs. Finally, he splits his legs, tearing the opponent's upper and lower body apart. Blood and flesh start to rain as Liu Kang lands and wipes his boot. (MKX)
- Burn Out: Liu Kang delivers a barrage of punches to the opponent's torso, followed by four more, each one leaving a burning hole in the torso. Liu Kang charges fire into his fist and delivers a one-inch punch with enough power to destroy the entire torso. (MK11)
- Belly of the Beast: Liu Kang does a double hitting overhead cartwheel kick to knock out the eyes of the opponent, then uppercuts them which causes the upper torso to fly upwards while the arms and head are separated. He then takes out his nunchaku to strike each falling body part into viscera starting with an arm, the head and finally the torso. (MK11)
- Double Dragon: Liu Kang punches the opponent, causing them to kneel to the ground, then summons two orange and blue dragons made of fire which grab the opponent by the arms and lift them upwards. Then, he launches himself above the opponent and the dragons and grabs the former's head and shoves it through their body, splitting it in half. Liu Kang smashes the head on the ground as he lands, followed by the two halves of the opponent's body falling to the ground. (MK1)
- Spaghettification: Liu Kang summons a portal behind the opponent and grabs the opponent by the neck, forcing them both into it and into outer space. Liu Kang then snaps his fingers, summoning a black hole before holding his victim at its event horizon, causing it to violently suck in and rip off their lower body, then their organs, clothes, skin, and finally their muscles, leaving only their skeleton. Liu Kang then drops the skeleton into the black hole as it crumbles to dust, leaving him floating in front of the black hole. (MK1)
Brutalities
Mortal Kombat X
- Hot Head: Liu Kang performs either an (Air) Fireball or an (Air) Solar Flare to the opponent's head, reducing their head to a flaming skull. (MKX)
- The projectiles must hit the opponent's head.
- Can be performed on a standing opponent during a combo.
- Can not be performed on a juggled opponent.
- Dragon's Den: Liu Kang performs a Dragon's Wrath with so much force it bifurcates the opponent at the waist. (MKX)
- A number of Dragon's Roar must connect during the match.
- Can not be performed on a juggled or airborne opponent.
- Kounter Top: Liu Kang performs an enhanced Dragon's Parry, only this time, Liu Kang delivers two additional stomps to the opponent, puncturing a hole in their abdomen that causes blood to spurt from and causing their head to pop off while on the ground. (MKX - Flame Fist Variation)
- A button must be held.
- Tread Lightly: Liu Kang performs either an enhanced Bicycle Kick or an enhanced Bicycle Flurry, with the overhead flip kick from either enhanced version destroying the opponent's entire head upon knocking them to the ground. (MKX - Dragon's Fire Variation)
- Can be performed on a juggled opponent.
- Hot Mess: Liu Kang performs a Solar Blast that reduces the opponent to a charred skeleton. (MKX - Dualist Variation)
- A number of Solar Flares must connect during the match.
- Can be performed on a standing opponent during a combo.
- Can not be performed on a juggled opponent.
- Deep Fried: Liu Kang performs either a Low Fireball or Low Solar Flare that reduces the opponent's lower body to a charred skeleton. (MKXL - Secret)
- Can be performed on a standing opponent during a combo.
- Can not be performed on a juggled opponent.
Mortal Kombat 11
- The Klassic: Liu Kang performs an uppercut, decapitating the opponent with a rising swing of his Nunchakus with their spine still attached. This Brutality is shared with every character. (MK11)
- Must not block an attack for the entirety of the final round.
- A button must be held.
- Get Chucked: Liu Kang performs a Kusari Slam, tearing out the opponent's jaw with his Nunchaku in the process. (MK11)
- Requires Liu Kang to be at a certain health level.
- A button must be held.
- One Inch Death Strike: Liu Kang performs a Dragon Parry, and after a few moments the center of his opponent's chest explodes. (MK11)
- Requires a number of Dragon Parries to connect.
- Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
- Insert Koin: Liu Kang performs his Throw (Backwards) breaking his opponent's back and a Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks arcade machine drops onto them destroying their entire upper body. (MK11)
- Mercy must be performed.
- Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
- Fly By: Liu Kang performs Flying Dragon Kick only to completely destroy his opponent's entire upper body and set their remains on fire. (MK11)
- Requires a number of Flying Dragon Kicks to connect.
- Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
- The Chosen One: While in Nunchaku Stance, Liu Kang performs a Nunchaku Flurry, destroying his opponent's head with the last hit.
- A button must be held.
- Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
- Klassic Kicks: Liu Kang does his Throw (Forward) and then performs a variant of his klassic Deadly Uppercut Fatality only to have him uppercut the opponent's head off. (MK11)
- Several buttons must be pressed during the Throw (Forward).
- Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
- Scorching Presence: Liu Kang perform Fireball move, only for his opponent's skin and flesh to burn off their entire upper body. (MK11)
- Must not be close to the opponent.
- A button must be held.
- Gonna Take You For A Ride: Liu Kang performs a Bicycle Kick, tearing off the opponent's arms, head and upper body in process. (MK11)
- Certain buttons must be pressed repeatedly.
- Toasty: Liu Kang performs a Shaolin Stomp and does his victory pose as the opponent rises to their feet. As they get up, Liu Kang disappears and reappears inside his opponent as living fire, immolating the victim from the inside before reappearing. (MK11)
- A button must be held.
- Popping Off: Liu Kang performs his Throw (Forward) with Krushing Blow, destroying the opponent's head. (MK11)
- A button must be held.
- A Krushing Blow must be triggered during the last hit.
- Alternate Insert Koin Brutality: Liu Kang does his Insert Koin Brutality only for his opponent's head to appear past the arcade cabinet door. (MK11 - Secret)
- Has the same requirements as Insert Koin.
- Requires certain buttons to be held.
Mortal Kombat 1
- The Klassic: Liu Kang performs an uppercut, decapitating the opponent with their spine still attached. This Brutality is shared with every character. (MK1)
- A button must be held.
- Bleeding Heart: Liu Kang performs his Throw, punches his fist through his opponent's chest and pulls out their heart before he crushes it with his hand. (MK1)
- A button must be held.
- Dancing Around: Liu Kang performs Dancing Dragon and keeps kicking the opponent as their arms and head are torn off before severing their torso with the final kick. (MK1)
- A button must be pressed repeatedly.
- Pop Goes The...: Liu Kang performs his Holding Back kombo and destroys the opponent's head with the final kick. (MK1)
- A button must be held.
- Just A Nibble: Liu Kang performs Dragon's Tail and has the dragon flame destroy the opponent' upper half. (MK1)
- Must be Jump distance away.
- A button must be held.
- Let's Go For A Ride: Liu Kang performs Dragon's Tail right after an Enhanced Dragon's Tail and has the dragon head grabs the opponent in its teeth, biting and swallowing their upper half before flying upwards. (MK1)
- The opponent must be airborne.
- Must be Jump distance away.
- A button must be held.
Other Finishers
- Friendship #1 - Shaolin Hustle: A disco ball comes down from the top of the screen and Liu Kang dances. (MKII, MK11)
- Friendship #2 - Shadow Theater: A projector screen appears and Liu Kang uses his fingers to make a shadow puppet of the MK dragon. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
- Hara-Kiri - Liquidation: Liu Kang releases what appears to be green fire and melts himself. Similar to one of Ashrah's Fatalities. (MK:D)
- Animality #1: Liu Kang performs his Dragon Bite Fatality (see more details above). (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
- Animality #2 - Rising Phoenix: Liu Kang turns into a Fenghuang/Phoenix & covers the opponent with his fiery wings, which results in their flesh burning off and him and the opponent being reduced to ash; he rises from the opponent’s ashes immediately afterward (MK1)
- Multality #1 - Dragon Breath: Liu Kang turns into a dragon and breathes fire onto his enemies. (MK:SM)
- Multality #2 - Trial By Fire: Liu Kang creates several fireballs that makes enemies explode when hit. (MK:SM)
- Brutality - Rage Mode: Liu Kang covers himself in flames, running towards his opponents, fires an exploding fireball at the foe, and pounding his opponent and stomping them to death. (MK:SM)
- Babality: Liu Kang will try to perform a cartwheel, only to fall on the ground and cry. (MK 2011)
Movie and TV Appearances
Portrayed by Robin Shou, Liu Kang is the main protagonist in both Mortal Kombat films (Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation). These films created a romantic relationship between Kang and Princess Kitana, which was never hinted upon during MKII or the prequel comics. This was integrated into the games from MK4 onward.
Mortal Kombat
In the first movie, Liu Kang's brother Chan was killed by Shang Tsung. The guilt of his brother's death provides Kang's primary motivation for competing in the Mortal Kombat tournament.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
In the second movie, he joins the Earthrealm warriors to stop Shao Kahn's menace. Jade appears as his secondary love-interest, and Nightwolf helps him learn to master his Animality.
His dragon form appears briefly with a more western design, while retaining the klassic green coloration. This form has wings, but he is not shown flying with them.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy
Liu Kang appears in Mortal Kombat: Legacy in its second season, portrayed by Brian Tee.
For the first time in the series, Liu Kang does not fight as Earthrealm's champion but as one of Outworld's chosen kombatants, serving under Shang Tsung himself, having become disgusted by humanity's vices.
Sometime in the past, Liu Kang was a member of the White Lotus and participated in the Mortal Kombat tournament before and emerged victorious, even defeating Shang Tsung by decapitating him, though this did not kill the demigod sorcerer.
After this, he chose to leave the White Lotus and pursue a life with his girlfriend Molly, much to the disappointment of his friend and fellow monk Kung Lao. Liu Kang became a chef for a diner and proposed to his girlfriend, only for a robbery to take place the same day, with one of the robbers taking Molly hostage. Unable to intervene in time, Kang could only watch in horror as his love was killed right before him.
After this, Liu Kang killed them in revenge, exercising 'karma' he claimed to Kung Lao when he went to his friend, looking for sympathy for Molly's death. Lao instead turned his back on Kang, disappointed by his actions and forbid him from returning to the White Lotus temple.
Over the next ten years, Liu Kang became a bitter hitman, killing those he judged unworthy and confirming to himself the righteousness of his path. Two weeks before the next Mortal Kombat tournament, shortly after finishing a job, Kang was confronted by Shang Tsung in a restaurant, although he initially did not recognize him. Shang was offering recruitment to Kang, urging him to fight for Outworld.
At first, the former monk refused, claiming he still fought for Earthrealm, but Shang Tsung appeals to Liu Kang's hatred of the evils of Earthrealm's populace and his growing animosity at Kung Lao for abandoning him. At this, Kang agreed to fight for Outworld.
Two weeks later, Liu Kang is drinking himself into a stupor in Macau when he gets into a fight with some thugs, and while he brutally dispatches most of them, the last one gets the upper hand and is pummeling Kang senselessly before Kung Lao intervenes. The two former friends converse, but Kang refuses to hear anything that Lao has to say, only slurring belligerent curses at him and punches him when he refuses to get out of his way. Lao then departs and Kang contemplates for a moment while holding the ring he had given Molly.
The next day, Liu Kang is the last kombatant to arrive on Shang Tsung's island, appearing among the sorcerer's chosen fighters, much to Shang's delight.
Liu Kang would lie in wait in the center of the island where he spotted Kurtis Stryker and Johnny Cage as the cop tended to Johnny's wound. Kang instigated a battle with them by throwing a fireball, knocking Stryker out and further injuring Johnny. Recognizing the actor, Kang was briefly surprised to discover he was skilled enough to be invited to the tournament and offered Johnny two choices: to die in the dirt or a chance on his feet. Johnny opted to fight, and while Kang was momentarily impressed, the action star could hold his own, as he was quickly and easily defeated.
Before he could kill Johnny, Stryker revived and shot Liu Kang with his stun gun. Kang overcame the pain and fought Stryker up close, dodging all of his handgun's shots and even stole the weapon before proceeding to bash Stryker's head with the butt of the weapon. Kang attempted to execute Stryker with his own weapon, but Kung Lao intervened yet again, disarming the rogue monk with his hat toss.
Kung Lao expressed his shock at Liu Kang's appearance and his horror over the fact he was fighting for Shang Tsung, and pleaded with his former friend that it was not too late to go back on the right path. But Kang refuted all of Lao's words before declaring humanity was not worth protecting. He then challenged Lao, but his former friend refused to fight, so Kang declared that he would die.
The season ends as the two stare each other down.
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm
Liu Kang is one of the lead characters in the animated series Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm. Even though in other media he's the main protagonist, the animated series focuses on a group of heroes instead of just one, leaving him to reprise important roles on few episodes. In Episode 4, Skin Deep, he shows jealousy towards Rain, Kitana's old fiancee. His turkey voice is not used in this series. In Episode 1, Kombat Begins Again, it is replaced by a loud banshee shriek.
Comic Books
Comics Published by Malibu
Liu Kang is the main protagonist of the Malibu Comics series. His story is mostly intact (he being an Order of Light monk out to restore the tournament to their righteous owners), though in the comics he is not the chosen one to defeat Goro, the role instead falls on a character created exclusively for the comics: the twin monk brothers Sing and Sang, which are capable of fusing their bodies and minds into one being, Siang. Liu Kang steps as the only hope for the Temples of Light after Siang is brutally murdered by Goro. Another changed aspect is that he works in Chicago as an architect, having left the Order of Light before the events of the first series.
The following series Battlewave states Liu Kang won the first tournament, which happened after Blood & Thunder ended and is never shown in any comic, after defeating Goro. He returns to his normal life, but 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.
Liu Kang is never shown interacting with Kitana, thus their relationship is never brought up or developed, instead choosing to pair her with Kung Lao. His friendship with Kung Lao is also greatly overlooked, only becoming friends during the Blood & Thunder series when Kung Lao saved a near death Liu Kang after Kano backstabbed him.
Quotes
Mortal Kombat (1995)
- "We should head for that tower. Shang Tsung would have taken Sonya there."
- "There's something else..."
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
- "Our Mortal Kombat victory closed those portals."
- "Who are you?" (to Nightwolf)
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks
- "Cage!"
- "Thank you, Master Raiden."
- "You're beautiful! Who are you?"
- "Here, let me help you."
- "I am Liu Kang, I come from Earthrealm. This is Kung Lao. We are here to stop Shang Tsung from attacking Earth."
- "Not Shang Tsung?"
- "I do not understand."
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
- "It was really your move. I merely redirected your own power against you."
- "And I could sense your chi. I know you were there."
- "I am surprised to see you so soon after Shao Kahn's defeat."
- "Many White Lotus have also disappeared."
- "Who do you think is responsible?"
- "The Lin Kuei and the Black Dragon."
- "You'll need more than just my help. Contact Sonya Blade. She has a better understanding of the Black Dragon than I. I will search for Sub-Zero."
- "Snow. Out of place this time of year. If my hunch is correct..."
- "Kitana. Have you contacted Sonya Blade?"
- "I'm not surprised."
- "Not yet. But I feel I'm getting... close!"
- "It was you who attacked me, ninja!"
- "I didn't kill any Lin Kuei."
- "We're investigating the disappearance of our comrades as well."
- "It seems we have a common enemy, Sub-Zero. The question is are you willing to work together to uncover the truth?"
- "Because I'm about to save your life."
- "Go. Now! We will meet again later."
- "I have seen this trick before..."
- "Your illusion does not fool me, Shang Tsung!"
- "Strange. If this was Shang Tsung, he would've reverted back to his normal state."
- "This aura... It feels strange. Foreign."
- "I must take him to my masters. They will be able to attune to his chi and discover his origin."
- "Masters! Masters!"
- "Where are they? Why won't they answer?"
- "Shang Tsung!"
- "May the Elder Gods find you in another realm for your treachery, sorcerer."
- "This is Liu Kang."
- "Have you found Kano?"
- "The Lin Kuei aren't behind this. They are suffering losses as well."
- "I think there is a new threat. I fought a warrior, something resembling a red devil with a bolt of lightning on his chest."
- "At first, I thought it was Shang Tsung transforming his appearance."
- "I have ruled out that possibility. This is a different warrior altogether. I clearly sense an abnormality in his chi."
- "The energy that courses through all things in the universe. His aura is unlike anything I have seen before. I will try to attune to it."
- "I will be fine."
- "I am Liu Kang."
- "I thought I defeated you, sorcerer..."
- "By the Elder Gods, I will finish you!"
- "I was captured by the invaders. Fortunately, Raiden rescued me."
- "But Shao Kahn was destroyed. We stopped him from merging Earthrealm with Outworld."
- "Kitana."
- "Kitana?"
- "Kitana!"
- "Then Dark Kahn must be stopped."
- "I will... do as you asked, Raiden."
- "Shang Tsung and I have just arrived at the Fortress. No sign of the--"
- "The warriors Sub-Zero warned us about."
- "Do not test me, Shang Tsung! I should've killed you at the Academy!"
- "Shang Tsung, your treachery ends here!!!"
- "How... How can this be? You are more powerful than before."
- "You defeated him. You defended me."
- "I owe you my gratitude." (Thanking Shang Tsung)
- "It may be as you said, Shang Tsung. Energy shifting causing imbalance."
- "Kano, calm down! You don't want to do this."
- "I can sense something. Something's big. It's here!"
- "Raiden, stop! Shang Tsung is not the enemy this time."
- "No! I will not let you kill him!"
- "Raiden... Stop!"
Mortal Kombat (2011)
- "Show me what you can do!" (Battle Cry)
- "You should be more respectful of Lord Raiden. He is the protector of Earthrealm, the god of thunder, the..." (To Johnny Cage)
- "This tournament is more than a chance at personal glory. We're fighting for the very survival of Earthrealm." (To Johnny Cage)
- "What do you see in him?" (Discussing Johnny Cage with Raiden)
- "Your visions... what causes them?" (To Raiden)
- "I trust you will make the right decisions." (To Raiden, about the visions)
- "I am ready!" (Facing off against Ermac)
- "Earthrealm will not fall into your master's hands!" (After defeating Ermac)
- "You're good! Show me more." (To Kitana)
- "I am impressed." (after defeating Kitana)
- "I hope we meet again. Under... different circumstances." (To Kitana, after their fight)
- "I do not fear you, demon." (To Scorpion)
- "As I said, I do not fear you. I pity you." (After defeating Scorpion and Quan Chi)
- "I know who you are, I am ready for you!" (To Goro)
- "It seems the Shaolin trained a warrior greater than a Shokan." (After defeating Goro)
- "Shang Tsung! Only one fight remains. Face me... in Mortal Kombat!" (Facing off against Shang Tsung)
- "Say it!" (After defeating Shang Tsung)
- "But you are responsible for her capture! You persuaded her to turn against Shao Kahn!" (To Raiden)
- "Noticed that I'm ignoring you. (When Kung Lao is teasing him about Kitana)
- "You lie!" (To Goro)
- "But I am not he who must win." (To Raiden)
- "The murderer of my friend!" (To Shao Kahn after he killed Kung Lao)
- "You will taste your own blood!" (To Shao Kahn)
- "On your feet!" (After defeating Shao Kahn)
- "For Kung Lao, the Shaolin and Earthrealm!" (Just before delivering a final blow to Shao Kahn)
- "But the battle is joined here, in Earthrealm."
- "We abandoned them! And they're dead!" (To Raiden, after discovering Sindel has killed most of their allies)
- "What is next Raiden? Tell me the future! How do we honor their "sacrifice"?!" (To Raiden)
- "What?! Grovel before Quan Chi?! What will he demand? What price will be paid?" (To Raiden)
- "I have prayed it not true. But you have gone mad, Raiden. Your visions. They are nothing. Delusions of an addled mind."
- "Back from the Netherrealm empty-handed, I see."
- "That is insane!" (When Raiden tells him they must let Shao Kahn merge the realms)
- "He is here!" (When Shao Kahn begins to enter Earthrealm)
- "Then you are my enemy!" (When Raiden refuses to let him fight Shao Kahn)
- "Enough of your madness! If you must die, SO BE IT!" (To Raiden)
- "You... have killed us... all..." (After being mortally wounded by Raiden)
Mortal Kombat X
- "In your weakened state, is it still possible for you to release Shinnok?" (To Quan Chi)
- "So you returned to Raiden? A fool will follow fools." (As he attacks Jax)
- "He murdered me!" (To Jax about Raiden)
- "You were not there! He stole everything from me!" (To Jax about Raiden)
- "You do not deserve to rejoin us." (To Jackson Briggs)
- "Instead you will learn... There are worse things than death." (To Jax, before their fight)
- "Praise be to Lord Shinnok." (Pledging allegiance to freed Shinnok)
- "More visions, Raiden? Do you still see the future?" (Mocking Raiden)
- "I was put here by your hand." (To Raiden)
- "I should thank you. You freed me. The Elder Gods you blindly serve? I will help Shinnok end their rule!" (To Raiden)
- "We must withdraw."
Past
- "Bo' Rai Cho said two ships."
- "No extraordinary means, Kung Lao."
- "I still cannot believe Shao Kahn would order such a brazen attack."
- "We will succeed, Lord Raiden."
Mortal Kombat 11
- "This is why *I'm* the champion."
- "You won't be remembered."
Story Mode
Liu Kang (Past)
Part 1: Mortal Kombat 11
- "Lord Raiden? What do we do?" (To Raiden)
- "Shinnok's defeated?" (To Kotal Kahn)
- "So, this is goodbye." (To Kitana)
- "I will come back for you."
- "To aid you. Princess."
- "Yes, Lord Raiden." (To Raiden)
- "We must help our Shaolin masters."
- "The Dragon Grotto. It's underneath the Academy. Earthrealm's Jinsei energy bubbles up in its springs."
- "Obsessing over it will not change it."
- "I'm not. But we can't change a future we don't fully understand. Lord Raiden will guide us."
- "So many Shaolin! They died defending our sacred ground."
- "The Netherrealm will pay."
- "Whoever came here knew how to disarm these traps."
- "More likely you did not attend class. Watch for the pattern. And pick your moment." (To Kung Lao)
- "Everything. Poison gas, shooting spears, flame jets--"
- "Scorpion. Of course you survived the time-merger..."
- "If Scorpion doesn't kill us, these traps will. Find a way to shut them down!" (If the player chooses him to fight Scorpion)
- "Let's see whose fire burns hotter." (To Scorpion)
- "Your fire is out, Scorpion." (After defeating Scorpion)
- "I can't stop the traps! The locks has been changed!" (After Kung Lao defeating Scorpion)
- "It stopped. Why?"
- "Jade. What happened to you?"
- "You cannot turn us against him. We know about our deaths. They were caused by our mistakes."
- "You lie, Jade." (Refuses to hear Revenant Jade)
- "You will not test my faith." (After defeating Revenant Jade)
- "The Dragon Grotto is through there."
- "Then we fight them, Kung Lao."
- "Is there any point to us asking you to put those back?" (To Geras)
- "Our future may be tragic, but it's not Lord Raiden's fault. You've both been warped by Shinnok's evil."
- "No. I don't believe that!"
- "You spew Shinnok's lies." (If the player chooses him)
- "You attacked Lord Raiden, and he defended himself. He did what he thought right to protect Earthrealm."
- "How did I get so deluded?" (After defeating his Revenant self)
- "Worry about it later, we got better problems."
- "The vials." (If the player chooses him to fight Geras)
- "Sizing me up?" (To Geras)
- "I am already blessed." (After defeating Geras)
- "Lord Raiden. What did the Elder Gods say?"
- "Thank you, Lord Raiden."
- ”What can we do, Lord Raiden?”
- "Kung Lao and I will go."
- "We will rendezvous with Princess Kitana."
- "Princess!"
- "Kotal Kahn has been captured by the Tarkartans. We must act quickly, before he is executed." (Informs Kitana about Kotal's capture)
- "Where are they taking him?"
- "Not to mention Jade. At the first sign of trouble, they could kill her."
- "Who is in charge here?"
- "Our gift for Shao Kahn. We wish to join his fight against Kotal."
- "She is for Shao Kahn. We demand to see Baraka."
- "Of course she did."
- "They will fight until the last man." (To Sub-Zero)
- "There will not be a fight if Kharon does not help us. Is there any word from Grandmaster Hasashi?" (Asks Sub-Zero about Hanzo's whereabouts in Netherrealm)
- "Wrong Scorpion. This cannot be good."
- "Grandmaster Hasashi sent you?"
- "Lord Raiden! We should listen. He may be telling the truth."
- "Raiden, stop this!"
- "Put down the amulet! Its darkness is taking hold of you!"
- "This is not the way. Scorpion is not the enemy this time."
- "I thought it impossible, but the Revenants were right. You cannot be trusted." (To Raiden)
- "Enough of your madness. If you must die, so be it."
- "Enough of your madness. If you must die, so be it!" (To Raiden in a flashback)
- "I do not understand, Lord Raiden. Your rage was consumed by Kronika?" (Confused about Raiden's rage)
- "A new look, just for me? You shouldn't have."
- "What do you want from me?"
- "Not likely."
- "Raiden."
Part 2: Aftermath
- "This is not the way. Shang Tsung is not the enemy this time."
- "Surely you jest, Lord Fujin." (In disbelief from Fujin)
- "What just happened?!"
- "Let's not jump to conclusions."
- "Look!"
- "You love Shao Kahn more than your own daughter?"
- "It is my destiny to defeat you, Shao Kahn."
- "Even for you, that is madness."
Liu Kang (Revenant)
Part 1: Mortal Kombat 11
- "He's a diversion!"
- "She's trapped, Cassandra Cage." (To Cassie Cage)
- "Without the Cathedral's power, we stand alone. We are vulnerable."
- "What can be done? The past is the past, is it not?"
- "How do we begin?" (Accepts Kronika's offer)
- "Who did you think, Kung Lao?" (To Kung Lao's past self)
- "Welcome to your future. Courtesy of Raiden."
- "I would have defeated Shao Kahn, but Raiden wanted the glory. His lightning cut me down."
- "One day Raiden will betray you."
- "Then you will believe."
- "Protect?! Raiden enslaves Earthrrealm."
- "How was I ever so blind as you?"
- "We've lost Shao Kahn, his Outworld army, and now the Black Dragon." (To Kronika about the loss of her armies)
- "That island is in ruins. What could possibly--" (To Kronika about Shang Tsung's Island)
- "Shang Tsung fed off souls."
- "He collected them."
- "They're en route. Kitana and I will see that they arrive as planned."
- "I have mastered Shinnok’s sorcery. I will add your soul’s strength to mine, and finally avenge myself upon Raiden." (To his past self)
- "The two of you will command the army defending the beachhead."
- "This time, it will."
- "A gift to myself, you could say."
- "It's a lesson you taught me, Raiden."
- "To fight my enemies by any means necessary."
- "You will have to kill me."
Part 2: Aftermath
- "Take them to the Bone Temple."
- "Now Shao Kahn turns against us?"
- "We will unleash hell."
- "Shao Kahn... He's smashed my legs!" (To Raiden, upon realizing Shao Kahn broken his younger living-self’s leg far away from them)
Fire God Liu Kang
Part 1: Mortal Kombat 11
- "I am – and I am not."
- "He is part of me. Bound to my soul. He made me a god. For now, at least."
- "My Revenant counterpart. I have absorbed his knowledge of the Keep, of Kronika's plan."
- "I know where to find the Hourglass. We can beat Kronika."
- "Stand back."
- "Whatever happens, I am honored to fight at your side."
- "May the Elder Gods protect us."
- "Kitana! Kung Lao!"
- "Now stand down. I have no wish to harm you."
- "Our bond was no mistake." (After defeating Revenant Kitana)
- "I did not ask for this. It was thrust upon me."
- "Yes, Kronika. You were right to fear mine and Raiden's powers combined."
- "Because your heart is not in the battle, Cetrion."
- "You fight for your mother's vision. But as a goddess of virtue you know that desired balance is folly."
- "Please. No virtue is served by condemning the realms to endless war."
- "Your heart betrays you, Cetrion." (After defeating Cetrion)
- "No!"
- "The realms will not fight your endless wars." (After defeating Kronika in 1st round)
- "The future you offer is not worth living. It will not come to pass." (Starting round 2)
- "With or without you, I will restore the timeline." (After defeating Kronika in 2nd round)
- "Lord Raiden."
- "You honor me, Raiden."
- "The fate of all realms in my hands? Raiden, I cannot do this alone."
- "Then together, let us begin."
- "Where do we go from here?"
- "Kitana."
- "We are far from the past. But not so far that I cannot reach her."
- "Then I will not say goodbye."
- "Are you ready?" (To Kitana)
- "Each realm must choose it's own destiny. Whatever those choices, we will face them together." (To Kitana)
Part 2: Aftermath
- "Nightwolf? Fujin?! What are you--"
- "How do you know this?"
- "If you know so much about the Hourglass, how do you propose I reset the timeline?"
- "The Crown is destroyed."
- "And while I cannot restart history without the Crown..."
- "I see. I must return to the moment before Kronika's defeat, end that battle differently, so that her Crown remains intact."
- "What do you propose, sorcerer?"
- "He has a point, Raiden."
- "Fujin, a word?"
- "I understand your misgivings, but it is the only way."
- "...Will be rewarded. Say nothing to Nightwolf."
- "We will proceed with your plan, Shang Tsung. I must stay behind, to operate the Hourglass, but Nightwolf and Fujin will go with you, to supervise."
- "No, Raiden. I need your counsel here. Have faith in Fujin and Nightwolf."
- "I will try to send you back to the time merger. You should have enough time to claim the Crown before Cetrion delivers it to Kronika."
- "As the Keeper of Time, I am still a novice, Nightwolf."
- "Cease! Before you doom us all."
- "A lie, something you know well."
- "They are not gone, Shang Tsung. They will live again in my New Era."
- "Kronika said much the same, Shang Tsung. You will share her fate."
- "You are mad, Shang Tsung! Your visions are nothing." (if the player chooses Shang Tsung)
- "Delusions of an addled mind."
- "Now hand over the Crown. This is your only chance." (if the player chooses Fire God Liu Kang)
- "Make no mistake, Shang Tsung. You have chosen this fate." (After defeating Shang Tsung)
- "No more timelines will be twisted by your evil."
- "Kung Lao."
- "I am Lord Liu Kang, God of Thunder and Fire."
- "Enough, Kung Lao."
- "You are humble. Not like the Kung Lao I knew..."
- "A story for another time."
- "I have chosen you as my champion, Kung Lao."
- "We have work to do. You must be prepared. Trained."
Mortal Kombat 1
Part 1: Mortal Kombat 1
- “So, Madam Bo, are they ready?”
- ”I am Lord Liu Kang, God of Fire and Protector of Earthrealm.”
- ”Madam Bo has been preparing you for this moment since you were boys. Today you have proven worthy of joining my champions.”
- ”Of your ability and character, yes.”
- ”Bi-Han, Kuai Liang.”
- “The Lin Kuei is a centuries old clan dedicated to Earthrealm’s defense.”
- ”Earth is only a part of Earthrealm. Earthrealm itself is one of many realms. Together they comprise the whole of the universe.”
- ”The time draws near for the grand martial art tournament between Earthrealm and the realm of Outworld. Held once each century, it allows each realm to demonstrate its strength. While our realms are at peace, there are Outworlders who would prefer us to be at war. Our victory in the tournament will… temper their zeal.”
- “Come. The monks at the Wu Shi Academy await to continue your tutelage.”
- ”And you, Raiden?”
- ”Excellent. I will join you soon. First, there are other champions I must gather.”
- "Good evening, Johnny Cage. I am Liu Kang, Protector of Earthrealm. May we enter?"
- "Yes. We come on a matter of grave importance. We must speak to you and your guest."
- "Because I am the God of Fire."
- "Kenshi Takehashi. A tragic figure with a noble cause. Your actions this evening do you no credit."
- "I also know your struggles, Johnny Cage. I am here to offer you both a path forward."
- "This is no prank."
- "Bi-Han, Kuai Liang. If you please?"
- "ENOUGH!"
- "Indeed, Johnny Cage."
- "Kuai Liang?"
- "Lord Liu Kang. Protector of Earthrealm. God of Fire."
- "All will be explained, Johnny Cage. For now, what is important is that you both have been chosen to join its champions."
- "Because I have faith that you will rise to the challenge. And because your service will change the arcs of your lives."
- ”And today one of you will be chosen to fight for it at the tournament.”
- ”The tournament’s rules give the host realm that advantage. And it is Outworld’s turn as host.”
- ”Earthrealm and Outworld have long been evenly matched. But Outworld is gaining strength. Should it win, it’s more militant factions will be emboldened.”
- ”It is a place of great wealth and beauty. But our realms do not share goals or beliefs. We coexist peacefully because Outworld respects our strength. Should we show weakness, our rival will become our enemy.”
- “First you must win the right to represent us. Whichever one of you outlasts the others will be chosen. Raiden, step forward.”
- ”You shall face him, Johnny Cage.”
- ”Kenshi Takahashi, you are next.”
- ”You may rest, Raiden. This evening, you will face your final opponent.”
- ”Raiden. Kung Lao. The winner of this match will represent Earthrealm against Outworld. It is a grave duty, not to be undertaken lightly. You may step back now and suffer no dishonor.”
- ”Then may the best person win.”
- "Although you have all trained well, Raiden has excelled. This outcome does not surprise me."
- "For the tournament, you will need this."
- "Forged by the Elder Gods, it gives the wearer power over lightning and thunder."
- "Go ahead. Try it."
- "In addition to possessing great might, the Outworlders you will face also wield great magic. The amulet levels the playing field."
- "No tournament participant has ever been grievously injured or killed."
- "I would never send my champions unwittingly into mortal kombat."
- "We leave in seven days for Outworld's capital, Sun Do. The tournament will be held at the Palace of Empress Sindel."
- "Outworld can be both alien and intoxicating to Earthrealmers. Do not become drawn in. You must focus on the task at hand."
- "Empress Sindel's daughters, yes." (Answers Cage's question)
- "Thank you, Princess Mileena."
- "Of course. Princess Kitana."
- "May I introduce Johnny Cage... Kung Lao... Kenshi Takahashi... and Earthrealm's champion... Raiden."
- "I see that Her Majesty once again spares no expense on the festival."
- "I admire, Princess. I do not judge. As did all of Outworld, I valued greatly Jerrod's fellowship."
- "Li Mei used to lead the Umgadi, the palace guard. It was on her watch that the Princess's father was murdered."
- "Worry expends energy for no purpose, Raiden."
- "Focus on your actions, not the outcome. It is all you can control."
- "General Shao. Do not let him goad you."
- "Will prove himself soon enough."
- "It is safer that way, General."
- "You presume them frail, General? Should you... given how frequently they win this tournament?"
- "Empress Sindel. It pleases me to once again be your guest."
- "Earthrealm's champion is Raiden, Your Majesty. He has earned his place by embodying the very best qualities of Earthrealm's people."
- "He is a hero, Raiden... Though he may not yet know it."
- "Do you recognize everyone here?"
- "That is Rain, the High Mage of Outworld. Not his given name, but one earned due to his mastery of water magic."
- "By tradition, you should not. If you did... you would be tested."
- "Umgadi, like Tanya, are warrior priestesses... Selected from the first born daughters of Outworld. From infancy, they are trained to defend the royal family."
- "Its past has been difficult. Though the last thousand years of Empress Sindel's reign have been a true golden age... the memories of that strife still linger."
- "Your Majesty, this is unprecedented. Raiden's next opponent should be your heir."
- "But I have not prepared him to battle Kitana."
- "Very well."
- "Well done. You have exceeded my greatest expectations." (Congratulates Raiden)
- "Because of you, the Outworlders who would disturb the peace will once again be held at bay."
- "Come. Let us bid our hosts farewell and return to Earthrealm."
- "Geras, my old friend. It's been eons. It is good to see you."
- "It suits me far better than being Keeper of Time ever did. I never wanted to replace Kronika."
- "Being history's architect drove her mad. I had no wish to share her fate. Which is why I am forever grateful that you volunteered to safeguard the Hourglass."
- "Despite my having relinquished its power, the new era has unfolded as it should."
- "While I am glad you are here, you are not one for social calls. Is there trouble with the Hourglass?"
- "What, Geras?"
- "Go on."
- "I saw no sign of him during the tournament. But if that snake is in Sindel's ear—"
- "I appreciate this warning, Geras. I will investigate. Please return to the Hourglass and see what else you can learn."
- "Yes. If what I fear has happened, he is a grave threat to the realms."
- "Shang Tsung is a master of deceit. Do not trust a word he utters."
- "This mission must be done quietly. I am breaking my word with Empress Sindel by sending you into Outworld without her knowledge."
- "Due to the tournament, Raiden is now a familiar face there. Sending him will only increase your risk of being discovered."
- "This talisman is attuned to Shang Tsung's chi. Follow it to him. And be careful."
- "May the Elder Gods protect you."
- "Johnny, Kenshi, Kung Lao. You have safely returned."
- "By the Elder Gods!" (Shocked of Kenshi's blindness)
- "I am glad that Sento bonded with you. Though my hope was that the means would be different this time."
- "Forgive me, Kenshi. I misspoke."
- "Go. The monks will tend to your wounds."
- "Rest. Eat. Then we will discuss."
- "Ashrah and Syzoth."
- "As Earthrealm's Protector, there is much I know."
- "A new deadly alliance?"
- "Come, all of you. You must tell me all you know."
- "Shang Tsung and Quan Chi again conspire against Earthrealm? What Johnny and Kenshi report should not be possible."
- "You witnessed how I rewrote history. I gave the sorcerers meaningless lives... They should not have gained power, let alone joined forces."
- "Interfered? What do you mean?"
- "Who is she?"
- "Who could have that power? Is it Kronika, somehow resurrected?"
- "Then someone else must have survived the previous timeline... Someone with a vendetta against me."
- "You must determine its validity, Geras. The fate of the realms may depend on it."
- "Shang Tsung is here, at the ruins of Ying Fortress. His soul stealers are already under construction."
- "You must destroy them, and capture Shang Tsung, before either can inflict harm upon Earthrealm."
- "You and Raiden have my full confidence, but you are needed elsewhere."
- "Go to the Wu Shi. The monks must prepare you for war."
- "How did you achieve this, sorcerer?"
- "You arrive not a moment too soon, Geras. What have you learned?"
- "Not of this timeline? How could someone from a previous timeline enter this one?"
- "If that cannot happen, then what has happened, Geras? There are no other timelines than those that have come before."
- "Two timelines, side by side, moving forward simultaneously."
- "Hmm... And who she is, why she's here, where she's from... all questions we need answered. Which we can't, while we are under attack."
- "I will go to Sindel. Convince her to withdraw from Earthrealm by showing her how history is being manipulated."
- "The situation gives me no choice. I will need your help, Geras. To prove my claims to the Empress."
- "I must see Her Majesty. She must call off her attack on Earthrealm." (To Li Mei about Sindel)
- "The Empress has been deceived. Shang Tsung and General Shao have fomented this crisis as a means to steal her throne."
- "He gained her trust by treating Princess Mileena's condition. Tragically, she is afflicted with Tarkat disease."
- "I have shared this with no one. I trust that you, of all people, will keep this secret."
- "Li Mei, Empress Sindel needs our help. Will you join me?"
- "It is the fruit of a poisonous seed planted by Shang Tsung."
- "He played to the General's vanity, inflamed his prejudices, to convince him that he alone can save Outworld."
- "Know that I, too, will aid in the Empress's defense."
- "I am Earthrealm's Protector, Li Mei. I am no stranger to kombat."
- "And that you live will help prove that fact to the Empress."
- "I am glad she is safe, and that our conflict has ended."
- "I seek only peace, Your Majesty."
- "I understand your anger. But I had reason to believe that Shang Tsung posed a threat to both of us."
- "Until I confirmed them, I did not want to burden you with my suspicions."
- "They have proven true. Shang Tsung... Quan Chi... The General... They conspire to conquer our realms."
- "At Shang Tsung's laboratory. If what you see there does not convince you, I will surrender Earthrealm without a fight."
- "Despite my best efforts, neither man, nor Quan Chi, are who they were meant to be." (To Sindel)
- "But it is I who crafted their destinies... along with those of all other beings, at the dawn of history."
- "I am a mere demi-god now. But eons ago I was more powerful than all of the Elder Gods combined. I was a Titan, and the Keeper of Time." (To Kitana)
- "This is Geras."
- "Geras is the guardian of the Hourglass. A celestial object which lies beyond the realms, the Hourglass regulates time and destiny."
- "When I wielded its power, it was upon me to craft all of existence. Which I did, when I restarted history."
- "In prior timelines, Kronika gave Shang Tsung and Quan Chi mastery of the most vile magics."
- "Shao was not a general, but a tyrannical ruler, bent on conquest."
- "You, Sindel, were his ruthless wife. who would do anything to preserve your privilege."
- "When I took the Hourglass from Kronika, I vowed to do better."
- "So in this timeline, the sorcerers would not gain their dark powers. Shao would be your loyal follower... and you would rule Outworld firmly, but fairly."
- "No, Your Majesty. My prior role was thrust upon me by circumstance. I am in no way divine."
- "Because I saw how it drove Kronika mad. I knew I would fare no better, had I kept it."
- "Empress. Everyone. Stay back!"
- "The Amulet of Shinnok. A weapon of terrifying power."
- "Yet more proof of foreign interference."
- "Put down the amulet. Its evil is beyond your control!"
- "Tanya and your daughters. They are not dead, but trapped in the amulet. We can still save them."
- "The amulet, Your Majesty."
- "I hate to disrupt, but we must act quickly to save Earthrealm."
- "No, Your Majesty. It is the request of a friend."
- "Yes they do. We should split up." (to Smoke)
- "Greetings, Jerrod." (meets Jerrod once again)
- "It is good to have you back. We once again find ourselves in challenging circumstances."
- "Look at them conspiring. It is history we should not be repeating."
- "Thanks to the Princess, this fight has ended."
- "True. Until your benefactor is caught, the realms remain threatened. Who is she, sorcerer?"
- "Damashi?!"
- "You are the victim of deception, sorcerer."
- "This Shang Tsung is whom I battled for the Hourglass. I thought him dead."
- "Know that I trust neither of you. I will finish you both at the first hint of treachery."
- "Hurry, everyone! We must withdraw." (Telling everyone to retreat)
- "More than one. He will need a nexus of portal gateways." (to Kitana)
- "Agreed. But we cannot strike until Raiden and Kung Lao arrive." (to Mileena)
- "This is but the opening battle in a longer war. "Titan" Shang Tsung has prepared his entire timeline for it... we cannot match its strength."
- "Why the thought experiment, sorcerer?"
- "If they exist. We have no proof that they do."
- "Geras. Your thoughts?"
- "And I no longer wield that power."
- "What? How do you mean?"
- "Why did you never tell me this?"
- "And you didn't want me tempted to make that sacrifice... unless it was absolutely necessary."
- "Thank you, Geras. You have saved us with your wisdom. Now. Where have you stored my power? We must retrieve it."
- "You could have picked no better vessel to store my power, Geras. I have always treasured the Great Kung Lao's gift. It reminds me of his meticulous nature and his generous heart."
- "It now occurs to me that, all along you have had unfettered access to the power stored within. You could have taken it, become Keeper of Time, but chose not to. Why?"
- "Thank you, Geras. Now this process you propose. You are sure it will restore my power?"
- "I pray this is not a fool's errand. I hate leaving the others behind."
- "May the Elder Gods protect them."
- "Ready enough. May there be other timelines and titans to find."
- "Easy, Kitana. You are among friends."
- "A long way from home. In a different timeline, to be precise." (Replied Titaness Kitana where she is)
- "A Keeper of Time? Yes."
- "The battle for Kronika's Hourglass ripped apart time's fabric. Where there was once one timeline, there are now many. Each new timeline represents a different possible outcome of that battle."
- "In mine, I became time's keeper. In yours, it was you. In others, it could Jade, Sindel, even Kano. The possibilities are endless."
- "The same one who battled you in Shang Tsung's Courtyard. Who fought at your side at the Koliseum."
- "Who beamed with pride when you became Outworld's Kahn."
- "I don't know. Perhaps in one of many timelines, they are ours."
- "I will tell you... But first, we must gather more of our old friends."
- "Thank you, my friends."
- "He is here." (Sense Titan Shang Tsung's arrival)
- "Retreat to yours, Shang Tsung. Your attempt to merge timelines has failed."
- "You fight how I remember. I know what you'll do before you do it." (To Titaness Kitana)
- "Why not slither back to your timeline?" (After defeating Dark Baraka in a round)
- "How I've missed fighting by Kitana's side." (After defeating Dark Baraka)
- "You should meet mine, she's a vast improvement."
- "There's no question that I prefer my Li Mei to you." (After defeating Dark Li Mei in a round)
- "Are you the best Shang Tsung can do?" (After defeating Dark Li Mei)
- "Ugh!" (grunts as Titan Shang Tsung, Dark Kitana, and Dark Mileena damaging Liu Kang's Hourglass)
- "We must stop them. If the Hourglass is emptied, this timeline will be destroyed."
- "Heal quickly, my friend." (After saving Geras from Dark Nitara)
- "I don't fear your bravado. I have bested twins far more evil than you."
- "It's time to break my magic mirror." (After defeating Dark Liu Kang in a round)
- "Go back to your timeline, brothers." (After defeating Dark Liu Kang)
- "Kitana and I will fight them. You save the Hourglass!"
- "They are abominations. Neither will survive this fight." (To Titaness Kitana about Dark Kitana and Dark Mileena)
- "I won't lose to one of Shang Tsung's mad experiments." (After losing to Dark Kitana in a round)
- "Once Shang Tsung is finished, you will be too." (After defeating Dark Kitana)
- "Thank you, everyone, for your aid. This battle was won together."
- "Agreed. Shang Tsung is likely already gathering allies as I gathered you."
- "We must best his efforts. Assemble an overwhelming army from across all timelines."
- "There is nowhere to run, Shang Tsung. Nowhere to hide."
- "We have banded together to rid all timelines of your evil. The threat you pose to them ends today."
- "It can end no other way. Because across all timelines, the arc of history bends toward justice."
- "Your defenses have failed, Shang Tsung. This is over."
- "Realize, sorcerer, that you've brought this on yourself. Avarice and ego have again proved your undoing. We have no choice but to eradicate you."
- "And they called me the Chosen One." (After the final warrior defeated Titan Shang Tsung)
- "You have done more than enough. Please, permit me to end this."
- "May that be the last we see of you."
- "The timeline! Without Shang Tsung to hold it together, it's falling apart!"
- "You must return to your timeline before this one collapses."
- "Indeed, Johnny Cage. Which is why I must now depart."
- "Between her father and her sister, Mileena is receiving plenty of good advice."
- "And with the sorcerers and the general imprisoned, there are a few threats to her rule."
- "I am simply shoring up our defenses."
- "As you know, Bi-Han and his Lin Kuei have abandoned their roles as Earthrealm's guardians. His brother Kuai Liang has agreed to build a new clan, the Shirai Ryu, to take its place. I must go aid his efforts."
- "Not yet. But I will call upon all of you when the time comes."
- "Madame Bo. Once again, you have served an excellent meal." (To Madam Bo)
- "Enjoy the rest of your evening. And thank you, all of you. You have served well as Earthrealm's champions."
- "I am glad."
- "The realms are in safe hands."
Dark Liu Kang
- "This battle ends with your timeline obliterated. Your final moments will be torture and pain!"
- "Shang Tsung has made us resilient. I won't go down easily." (After Liu Kang lost to him in a round)
Light Liu Kang
- "Face me. In Mortal Kombat."
- "Surrender. You cannot win."
- "You've no hope against a Shaolin."
- "Thinking you can win is an arrogant presumption."
- "It is unfortunate you make me do this."
- "Thank you, Kitana." (Thanking Titaness Kitana)
- "Glad to live up your example. Shall we?"
- "Liu Kang! What's happening?!"
Part 2: Khaos Reigns
- "Havik."
- "I have them."
- "One does not trifle with gods."
- "Stay back. I will finish them."
- "Desist, Havik! Or be banished to the Void!"
- "This timeline will not succumb to chaos. Its being are not meant to live that way!"
- "Indeed."
- "No, Bi-Han! Your ego is too—" (Attempts to reason with Bi-Han)
Khaos Liu Kang
- "You will be scorched by the flames of anarchy!"
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm
- "Could I have beaten him without Kitana's secret?"
- "Hey, Sub-Zero's cool! Uh, sorry. He's a warrior of honor."
- "What is it now Stryker? You know, backseat drivers are usually in the same vehicle."
- "I still don't understand why I have to pilot this... this thing! I'd rather face a thousand ninjas than a single computer!"
- "Better suck it in!"
- "No can do. We have all we can handle out here!"
- "The truth is, I've never been sure I could've defeated Sub-Zero's brother without your help, Kitana."
- "Wait! Think before you leap!"
- "Yeah. But no one's in more danger than Kitana."
- "Sub-Zero! Don't let your anger give Scorpion the edge!"
- "Scorpion! I challenge you to Mortal Kombat!"
- "Sub-Zero! Without honor, you're no better than your brother!"
- "Sub-Zero gave me the tool, I merely used it."
- "No wonder this place was condemned, it's ready to cave in."
- "I'd say we were outnumbered."
- "Hey, watch it! Man, you just took ten years off my life!"
- "I'm not exactly ageless. We don't grow old, but either way, I'd rather not be a shish kabob."
- "Never age...?"
- "Flawless victory!"
- "It's kind of strange, but I've been thinking a lot lately. About never growing older, because of the Mortal Kombat tournament."
- "Right, but since the Outworlders violated the rules, there may never be another tournament, which means I may... I may never age."
- "That's part of it, but the idea of spending eternity in constant struggle, I just don't know if I can handle it."
- "You don't look a day over five hundred."
- "Well then, I guess that makes us the perfect match..."
- "Just hold on a second! I'm not convinced we should be following this guy anywhere!"
- "Who is he? And why are you acting like you owe him something?"
- "I'm not leaving! Not without Kitana!"
- "Maybe... but I have to know! I'm staying!"
- "Don't you see? I need to know the truth about Kitana; if she really cares about Rain or about me. Who else can I grow old with?"
- "Tell me something Stryker: why did you stay?"
- "We make a good team Kitana, even if I let my emotions cloud my judgment."
- "Who--or what--is that?"
- "Listen, we still have a couple dozen nomads to contend with. Best we can do is split up."
- "Zip! There's no rip here!"
- "It's not about trusting you, but you've gotta admit you're wearing us down."
- "It must be nice knowing you're not losing it."
- "Get Stryker clear, we'll cover you!"
- "Stryker's right! You need time to cool off and think about what you did!"
Mortal Kombat: Legacy
- "You think now's the time to have a talk with him?"
- "Who the fuck are you?" (To Shang Tsung)
- "Shang Tsung."
- "I could say the same about this new incarnation of yours."
- "As I recall, I removed your head."
- "Get to the point."
- "We've got nothing to discuss. Unless you've changed sides in the last 10 years."
- "Shut the fuck up. Do not mention her." (When Shang Tsung mentioned Liu Kang's dead fiancée)
- "I do what I do to get by."
- "It's not about the money. I fight for Earthrealm. Not interested."
- "Where's Kung Lao?"
- "Molly is dead."
- "You're sorry?"
- "Karma. I bought karma to the men that killed her."
- "They murdered her."
- "I cleansed the world of filth. I did nothing different than I would have in a tournament."
- "I protected filth that didn't deserve to live."
- "Why?"
- "I am no longer White Lotus, remember?"
- "Forgiveness from you? Maybe I was hoping for some understanding. Some humanity."
- "Please."
- "Don't sing that song." (To a thug singing a song he sang to Molly)
- "Kung Lao? Fuck you." (To Kung Lao, after being beaten by a thug)
- "My brother. If I were sober, that stupid hat would be up your ass. Maybe later." (To Kung Lao, expressing disgust toward him)
- "So I heard. Congratulations. You found out I was in town and you wanted what? Tell me how much you love me? To beg for my forgiveness before going off to die?"
- "After 10 years? Crazy what your conscience comes up with when you realize you may be about to lose your life. That's what it takes to apologize to me, huh?"
- "And it was your decision to abandon me when I needed you the most. After risking my life for all these ungrateful animals, what did I get?"
- "If only you knew how fucked up it's been."
- "I don't need to understand you and you'll never understand me. So fuck off." (Warning Kung Lao to let him be)
- "You gotta be kidding me. You were that actor, right?" (To Johnny Cage)
- "Huh. Always thought you had a stunt double."
- "Obviously. Must have skills to be invited here."
- "So modest. You bit off more than you could chew. You should've stuck to the movies."
- "Would you rather have a quick death or a chance on your feet? Show me what you got."
- "You're good."
- "You do make this look easy."
- "Why would I?"
- "Another life, a long time ago."
- "There's no coming back from this."
- "In the last 10 years, I've done things you wouldn't believe. But each time the righteousness of my path was confirmed."
- "They're unworthy and ungrateful."
- "You're naive to think humanity is worth protecting."
- "Were you aspiring to those ideas when you turned your back on me?"
- "Then you will die."
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge
- "Liu Kang of the White Lotus society."
- "Yes. I've trained many years for this moment."
- "That is Lord Raiden, protector of Earthrealm."
- "He has no idea what he's doing. Should we tell him?"
- "I do not wish to hurt you."
- "Do not get up."
- "I take no pleasure in hurting such a worthy foe. And know this: I will do whatever it takes to defend Earthrealm and win this tournament."
- "I promise you, I will never bow before that madman."
- "Because I have something no one in Outworld had."
- "Hope."
- "Stay behind me. I'll take care of this."
- "We have to continue. Once Mortal Kombat has been declared, it must be finished."
- "Lord Raiden."
- "The rule states that it must be single kombat."
- "No, stay together. We'll survive, we have to."
- "Be ready."
- "Down!"
- "Shang Tsung!"
- "Scorpion..."
- "Vengeance is not the way, Scorpion."
- "What about Scorpion?"
- "But..."
- "I failed. I did not defeat Goro. If it wasn't for Scorpion..."
Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms
- "We shall."
- "Still on the wrong side?"
- "And if you did?"
- "So have I."
- "Lord Raiden!"
- "No!"
- "Enough? For what?"
- "Find cover. This is my fight now."
Mortal Kombat (2021)
- "I'm not your enemy. I'm Liu Kang from The Shaolin Order of Light."
- "Finally, you have come to seek out Raiden's temple."
- "There is much to learn, but not here." (to Kano)
- "It wasn't always like this. For thousands of years, this temple was a holy place of worship." (about Raiden's temple)
- "The most brutal and murderous of all the realms. Our greatest enemy." (to Sonya about Outworld)
- "The fate of Earthrealm is in our hands. There are not many of us left with the marking left, so you must train harder and faster. Because if you fail to discover your inner power, you will never defeat your opponent. They will ravage everything you hold dear. There will be no mercy. The Dragon has swallowed many before us."
- "Now put that back." (to Kano after he steals Shinnok's amulet)
- "It has been my charge to gather all the champions of Earth. By the time I found Jax, I was too late."
- "My lord, I've gathered the remaining champions of Earth." (introducing Raiden to Cole, Sonya, and Kano)
- "Welcome back, cousin." (to Kung Lao after being saved from Sub-Zero)
- "Your inner power comes from your arcana, a gift from the marking of the Dragon. The point of your training is for you to unlock that power. Without it, defeating Outworld will be impossible."
- "A fighter without a marking can never achieve their arcana. And a fighter without an arcana is a liability to the others." (about Sonya)
- "All you can do now is test your might."
- "Unlike Kung Lao, I was just a worthless stray. For reasons beyond my ken, Master Bo' Rai Cho found me half dead in the gutter and brought me to the Wu Shi Academy. There, I was given a purpose. A brother... Kung Lao."
- "Upon graduation, I was given a name of a man. He was a purveyor of rare things... children. Orphans like me. He had a marking, so I chose to take it from him. And in that moment, my arcana came forth."
- "Let me ask you this. Why would you jeopardize the goodwill of the only chance of your survival?" (to Kano about Kung Lao)
- "He is here to save you because you cannot save yourself."
- "You're like... and aggressive little bunny. Soft and useless. Angry mentally, physically. You should be on you knees before this man."
- "We are running out of time, Cole. Focus on what you can't deny. Find the truth in you. The pain; it's the ultimate catalyst."
- "NO!" (as Shang Tsung takes Kung Lao's soul)
- "If we're to die... it was supposed to be together."
- "Without Kung Lao, Earthrealm is lost."
- "Fatality. For Kung Lao." (after burning Kabal)
- "I am Liu Kang. Sit, I will warm you." (meeting Allison and Emily)
Trivia
General
- Liu Kang was originally going to be called Yoshitsune Minamoto, a historical character based on a famous Japanese clan, but John Tobias stated that they could not deal with the name.
- Although "Liu" (劉), a common Chinese surname, is generally treated as Liu Kang's family name as seen in various localizations in Asia per his localized name "劉鋼" or "劉康"[2] , his surname is officially "Kang" in Mortal Kombat Collector's Edition, the SNES manual of Mortal Kombat, and the 1995 film. This is further reinforced by the introduction of his ancestor, Cheh Kang, in a Mirror Match intro in MK11.
- Liu Kang is said to be one of the Great Kung Lao's descendants in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat and its spin-off trading card.[3]
- It should be noted that Kung Lao is the Hokkien and Cantonese pronunciation of "鋼劉" (while Kang Liu is Mandarin).
- Liu Kang's official theme is "Born in China", which is featured in Mortal Kombat: The Album.
- According to his person information in Mortal Kombat, Liu Kang's father is Lee Kang and his mother is Lin Kang. He also has a younger brother, Chow Kang.[4][5]
- Liu Kang is the longest running protagonist in franchise history, playing the hero for an entire decade. However, in recent years, he has been written into increasingly-antagonistic roles, starting as a monstrous zombie beginning in Mortal Kombat Deception and culminating in becoming an anger-driven enemy in Mortal Kombat (2011), resulting in his accidental death at Raiden's hands. Throughout Mortal Kombat X's story mode, though he is an unwillingly evil revenant, his behavior portrays him as a self-centered, taunting and vengeful warrior, while his human form in the game's Arcade mode portrays him as jaded and self-aggrandizing. Mortal Kombat 11 marks his return to the series protagonist for the first time in over two decades, this time as the God of Fire and a Keeper of Time.
- Liu Kang retains all of his special moves from Mortal Kombat into Mortal Kombat (2011).
- Liu Kang is uniquely playable in all 5 Mortal Kombat Arcade games, this being MK, MKII, MK3, UMK3, and MK4.
- Liu Kang has been in every major game but not every spin-off. The only major game to not feature him as a playable character was Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.
- Liu Kang is the default choice for player 1 in MKII and the default choice for player 2 in MK3. In both games, the opposing default character is a reptile-themed villain (Reptile and Shang Tsung respectively).
- Ho Sung Pak, who played Liu Kang in the first two games, also portrayed Shang Tsung in the first game as well. He did not reprise his role in MK3 along with other actors from MK and MK II. He was replaced by Eddie Wong.
- Liu Kang is unique in that he has his own voice files in each game he has appeared in, which consist of 'kiai', a shouting technique that serves to maximize the force of the user's attacks.
- Liu Kang's dialogue speaking voice was changed from a regular American voice in Shaolin Monks to a more East Asian inspired accent in MK vs DCU. MK 2011 and MKX saw the return of an American accent, which was then replaced with an East Asian accent in MK11.
- Liu Kang is in several "Top 10" lists hosted by Screwattack.com. His zombie form was placed at #9 of the worst characters in the Mortal Kombat series due to his late accessibility (needing to clear Konquest Mode in Deception) as well as his zombie status; and both his Dragon Bite and Deadly Uppercut Fatalities were both placed at #2 of the best and worst Fatalities in the Mortal Kombat series respectively.
- Liu Kang was the second fighting-game character to be based on Bruce Lee. He is predated only by Kim Dragon from World Heroes, released two months before the first MK game.
- An interaction with Reptile in Mortal Kombat Xhas the Saurian refer to Liu Kang as "Little Dragon", which was the English translation for Bruce Lee's mandarin name, Li Xiao Long.
- An achievement for the Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection is called THE CHOSEN ONE, referring to Liu Kang's moniker in the films. It is earned by completing all three tournaments.
- Liu Kang is one of the few characters in the series to be listed as multiple species: Human, Undead, Revenant, and God. He ties with Sub-Zero who at different points has been a Human, a Revenant, a Cyborg and, in his MKA ending, a God for the most depicted species.
- The wrestler Human Tornado uses a move he calls the Liu Kang Kick in homage to the character.
- According to Daniel Pesina on the WWE wrestler Xavier Wood's UpUpDownDown Youtube Channel, Liu Kang's later design from MKII onward was modeled after Marvel's character Shang Chi.[6]
Mortal Kombat
- The original Mortal Kombat was the only game that portrayed Liu Kang without his red bandana, arm gauntlets, or red and black pants.
Mortal Kombat II
- Liu Kang's MKII Dragon Bite Fatality resembled the Mortal Kombat dragon logo.
- It became his Animality in MK3, UMK3, and MK Trilogy, then returned as a Fatality in MK4/MK Gold.
Mortal Kombat 3/Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3/Mortal Kombat Trilogy
- Liu Kang's alternate color for MK3 is orange instead of blue. Orange is the traditional color real-life Shaolin monks wear.
Mortal Kombat 4/Mortal Kombat Gold
- In MK4/MK Gold, a red tanktop is added to Liu Kang's MK3 outfit. His alternate color however, which returns to the same blue as his original MKII colors, removes the tanktop.
- Strangely, Liu Kang's VS portrait depicts him in his tanktopless alternate color instead of his primary red.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
- MKDA is only mainline Mortal Kombat title where Liu Kang wasn't playable in any form due to his death by The Deadly Alliance's hands.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
- Liu Kang was intended to be a “surprise/secret” character during Mortal Kombat: Deception, being one of the most difficult to find/unlock during Konquest because the creators intended to cause a shock to the fans of the series by having their hero resurrected in such a corrupted way. This even led them not to release an official high resolution render of the character to avoid any leaks.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
- Contrary to his ending in MK Armageddon, Liu Kang cannot relieve Raiden as Protector of Earthrealm in the original timeline as Fujin has held that position since the final moments of the Mortal Kombat 4/Gold storyline. The concept of Liu Kang ascending to godhood is perpetuated in Shang Tsung's ending, and his own, with varied results in MK 2011.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
- Liu Kang’s DC Counterpart in the game is Green Lantern.
- Liu Kang's ending in MKvsDCU showed him becoming a Mortal Kombat version of Captain Marvel. The words used to transform were screamed in the opening theme of the first live-action film - "MORTAL KOMBAT!".
Mortal Kombat (2011)
- Liu Kang is the only character to be playable in another character's Chapter in the Story Mode. He wears his more traditional bareback costume, mirroring his victory over Shao Kahn in the original timeline.
- The damage Liu Kang received in the alternate timeline by Raiden is the same that Kintaro gave Kabal, just not to the same degree, with burns all over his body, a blinded left eye and possible damage to the lungs.
- Liu Kang is one of three characters whose X-Ray move is based on an original Fatality, the others being Baraka and Mileena.
- Zombie Liu Kang can be playable through the Kombat Kode "Zombie Kombat", though he lacks his wrist-mounted chains.
Mortal Kombat X
- Liu Kang's Arcade outfit is never seen in the Story Mode. This is the same for Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kitana, and Kung Lao.
- Liu Kang is one of two characters to receive two Revenant outfits in Mortal Kombat X, the other being Kitana.
- Liu Kang is one of four characters in MKX to be safe on a Low poke. The others are Torr, Takeda, and Kung Jin.
- Liu Kang is the only character with a special attack that is not an X-Ray that can spend all three bars of Super Meter to perform.
- If the player chooses any of Liu Kang's skins that depict him as being alive (ex: "Tournament" and "MKI"), his fighting grunts will be high-octave "kiai" noises. However, if the player chooses any of his Revenant skins, he will instead fight with regular-octave, serious grunts.
Mortal Kombat Mobile
- Liu Kang's Circle of Shadow Card was originally one of three characters to inflict Lethal Damage. The others were Nightmare Freddy Krueger and Kobu Jutsu Tanya.
- As of Update 2.0, many of the revamped character cards now gain passives that grant Lethal Damage, most notably MK11 Scorpion's Passive.
- Liu Kang's Klassic Card was originally one of two Diamond cards that lacked an unblockable attack. The other was Erron Black's Black Dragon Card.
- Due to Update 2.0 and later updates, many characters were upgraded to Diamond cards, resulting in many characters not having unblockable attacks as Diamond cards.
- Liu Kang's Klassic Card is one of the few cards that is completely immune to damage-over-time effects.
- Liu Kang's Klassic Card is also one of the few cards immune to Power Drain effects, however he still loses Power from Frostbite.
- Liu Kang is one of the few characters with more than one exclusive Equipment Card.
- Liu Kang is one of the few characters that can actually kill the opponent, this being from a Brutality.
Injustice 2
- Liu Kang is mentioned in Injustice 2 by Raiden, who is featured as a playable guest character. His name also appears on some of Raiden's gear pieces.
Mortal Kombat 11
- Liu Kang and Scorpion are the only two characters playable in two chapters in Story Mode in MK11. This is due to them both being playable in a two-character chapter as well as their own individual chapter.
- Liu Kang is one of two characters whose move list is affected in the Story Mode, this being during his Fire God Chapter where a majority of his specials and some combos gain lightning effects. The other is Sonya who loses her energy ring attacks and Fatal Blow in her Chapter.
- Cetrion states that Liu Kang's flames are same as Onaga's and has implied a possible relation between them.
- In a mirror match interaction, one of the Liu Kangs is revealed to be his ancestor, Cheh Kang. [7]
Mortal Kombat 1
- Liu Kang's virtue is presented as "Security".
Errors
- Despite being in his Flame Fist variation in the Story Mode, he is shown to be able to spawn the Soul Sphere from his Dualist variation. This is a consistency error.
- The frame data on his Dragon's Roar special attack is significantly incorrect. He is safe when using the regular version of the attack despite being negative on block, being -2. The actual data is around +1 to +4.
- In MK Mobile, when Liu Kang performs his X-Ray on any character, the audio is incorrect, with the victim of the attack using Liu Kang's audio instead of their own.
- In MK11, if Kabal's Screamer Brutality is performed on him, he will be simply delayed for a second before his soul runs in fear.
- In MK11, though a minor consistency error, during Raiden's flashback to when Shao Kahn arrived in Earthrealm before Liu Kang's death in MK 2011, both Raiden and Liu Kang are wearing their outfits from MK11 rather than MK 2011. This error is also present with Shao Kahn when he walks through the portal despite the game having the correct outfit in the Kustomization to match his appearance in MK 2011.
- In MK11, in any of his outfits that change him to Fire God, Raiden's hat, which is on his back, will clip through the back of his triceps.
- In MK11, if Liu Kang performs his Fatal Blow on the opponent after dodging a projectile up-close, during the Fatal Blow, the projectile will pass through both Liu Kang and his opponent.
References
- ↑ Raiden's Armageddon bio. Official Mortal Kombat Armageddon website. (Retrieved on 2007-01-23).
- ↑ 劉康 (WG: Liu2 K'ang1; PY: (Līu Kāng) per localization in East Asia since 2010s; previously 劉鋼 (WG: Liu2 Kang1; PY: Līu Gāng) per Japanese manual of SNES version Mortal Kombat)
- ↑ 1995 SkyBox Mortal Kombat - Gold Foil Warrior Champions #W1 Liu Kang | Trading Card Database
- ↑ Page 15, Mortal Kombat Collector's Edition (1992)
- ↑ Mortal Kombat - Nintendo SNES - Manual - gamesdatabase.org
- ↑ Daniel Pesina aka MORTAL KOMBAT's JOHNNY CAGE visits UpUpDownDown! Round 1 - Special Guest Savepoint - YouTube
- ↑ LIU KANG MEETS CHEH KANG DIALOGUE ALL INTROS & VICTORIES - MORTAL KOMBAT 11 ULTIMATE VERSION - YouTube