Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat character)
Liu Kang is a character in the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, and from the first game up until the introduction of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, has been its main hero, being the only character to appear in every game of the franchise until Deadly Alliance (although a character named Sub-Zero has appeared in every game, he is actually several different characters).
About Liu Kang Liu Kang is the ultimate stereotype in fighting games, and a fusion of both Eastern and Western traditions in martial arts films. Although in name a Shaolin fighting monk, his style and manners owe more to Bruce Lee; he has the typical turkey-voice, moves quickly and possesses formidable fighting skills. Throughout the series, he has been gradually portrayed as the main hero, becoming Grand Champion after the first Mortal Kombat tournament, and then mainly following whatever quest Raiden had in mind for him. His infallible good-guy persona seems to have contributed to his loss of popularity. In a shock move, he was murdered by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi in the prelude of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, and his soul consumed by Tsung. However, Kang's body was reanimated by an unknown force after his rebirth and forced to prey on innocents, somehow retaining its earthly knowledge of martial arts despite not containing Kang's soul. Following Tsung's death at the beginning of Mortal Kombat: Deception, Kang's soul was released and allowed to return to his body, beginning an internal struggle for control between body and soul.
Storyline Liu Kang was one of the last descendants of the Great Kung Lao, and the Temple of Light's only hope of ever defeating Shang Tsung. At the time of Kang's entry, Outworld had won nine Mortal Kombats in a row, and Raiden had lapsed into cynical indifference. In a surprise move, however, he won the tournament and even defeated Shang Tsung. However, Tsung's master in Outworld, Shao Kahn, was ever resourceful, and continued scheming to absorb Earthrealm into Outworld. The Grand Champion was lured to Outworld and tempted to take revenge: coming home from the Lost Island, he found many of his Shaolin brethren killed in a vicious attack by a Tarkatan horde. Despite receiving a warning from Raiden, Liu Kang decided to travel to Outworld by himself, backed by his friends Johnny Cage and fellow White Lotus member Kung Lao. On Outworld, Liu Kang learned the true nature of the hoax tournament, presumably through Kitana. The Earthrealm warriors fled back to Earth and began to prepare for the coming invasion. During this invasion, Liu Kang was the main focal point of attacks by the extermination squads, but proved that he was up to the task by playing a vital role in the final attack on Shao Kahn's fortress, and in linking the desperate warriors of Edenia and Earth in a joint battle. The invasion was foiled, but Liu Kang still could not enjoy the peace he deserved. He and other Earthrealm warriors were summoned by Raiden to combat his longtime arch-enemy and fallen Elder God Shinnok, who had overrun the Netherrealm and was planning to attack Earthrealm. In these battles, too, Liu Kang once again loyally participated, and later honorably declined an offer of Kitana to rule Edenia at her side. For some years, Liu Kang went on to enjoy relative peace. However, the Deadly Alliance brutally made itself known on Earth by its successful assassination attempt of Liu Kang. Shang Tsung posed as Kung Lao and snuck up on the champion, but his attack would have been useless without the assistance of Quan Chi. Shang Tsung used this critical moment to gain the upper hand and break Liu Kang's neck. He then consumed his soul. For the events of Mortal Kombat: Deception, Liu Kang's body was resurrected by an unknown force, and forced to fight on its behalf.
Movie appearance Liu Kang is the main hero in both Mortal Kombat movies (Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation), and it's there that his love interest with Kitana develops, and was later ported to the games. In both films he is played by Robin Shou.
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