Much like Injustice: Gods Among Us before it, NetherRealm Studios’ upcoming Mortal Kombat X will receive some cross-promotion by way of a graphic novel published by DC Comics. While little is known about the project apart from some vague story details (it’s a prequel, supposedly) and the folks working on bringing it to life, the narrative will link Mortal Kombat X with its predecessors and even has the potential to reveal early information about the game.
Hero Complex recently sat down with lead writer Shawn Kittelson to discuss his work on the series, touching on topics like his beginnings with the Mortal Kombat franchise, what fans can expect to see in the comics, and more.
Because Mortal Kombat X signifies a sort of changing of the guard, with new characters like Kotal Kahn and Cassie Cage taking up residence alongside returning mainstays, the comics will set the stage for their interactions. “The comic book is a prequel series set several years before the game, at a point when many iconic characters must deal with the next generation for the first time,” said Kittelson. “The stories are self-contained enough to be approachable for newer fans, but connected and expansive enough to reward hardcore players.”
As for gruesome fatalities, they too are set to make appearances in the series, though they will serve more of a purpose than just to sate readers’ bloodlust.
“Blood is an important element in our themes,” Kittelson divulged. “On one hand, it’s a tie that binds us across generations. On the other, bloodshed has consequences — fear, pain, vengeance, perpetual cycles of violence. We’re not turning [Mortal Kombat] into a pacifist fable, but it would be ridiculous if these characters just kept killing and killing without consequences.”
Alongside the interview, Hero Complex was able to provide a few preview pages of the opening chapter, which depict some tense interactions between Kenshi and Hsu Hao. While Kittelson mentions that the comic will include characters that won’t be playable in Mortal Kombat X, both have previously been teased in varying capacities.
For more details on the comics, be sure to check out Hero Complex’s full interview with Kittelson here.
The first issue of DC Comics’ Mortal Kombat X series will be available this Wednesday, January 7. The game itself is scheduled to land on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC on April 14.
Source: Hero Complex via DetectiveVidya
