June 10, 2003
Kano
In the Earth realm, he could achieve elite status, using his strength, temper, and general disregard for the law, all in his quest for money and power. In Outworld, however, he was nothing more than a minion, a weak, pathetic fool that would get himself killed all too easily.
Kano (Trevor Goddard) never had much of a chance once he stepped onto that rickety, old, Dragon-shaped boat. All he wanted to do was lead Sonya Blade into another unfamiliar situation where he could have the upper hand, taunt her about her partner's death (which he caused), and try to kill her once and for all. As shapely and beautiful as Sonya was, Kano certainly wouldn't mind having a close, physical altercation with her before doing her in. Fighting her in the Mortal Kombat tournatment to decide who will control the Earth realm, however, was not what he had in mind.
He was rude, crude, and disgusting, and had no table manners whatsoever. So, it's no wonder that Shang Tsung, the evil sorcerer behind the tournament, saw limited usefulness in the mercenary. Sending him out to fight Sonya was merely a chance for some entertainment. Either way, the tournament would hinge on the performance of one of the stronger fighters, namely Liu Kang. For Kano, though, once he entered Outworld and his personal vendetta with Sonya became fodder for the tournament, he was in way over his head.
INTELLIGENCE - 4: Shang Tsung was correct when he noted how surprising it was that an idiot like this could be so powerful on Earth.
POWER - 6: A somewhat capable fighter, but he did get beaten by a girl.
VILENESS - 8: Killed Sonya's partner and taunted her every chance he got.
SWAY - 6: At times, he could be a strong presence; at others, he was downright pathetic.
PURITY - 7: Greedy and disgusting, Kano is a prime example of underworld villainy.
PHYSICAL - 6: His metallic face plate and glowing red eye make a scary first impression.
TOTAL: 37
Posted by Destro at 09:35 AM
April 30, 2002
Shang Tsung
As the overseer of the Mortal Kombat tournament, Shang Tsung has great responsibility. He must obey the wishes of his emperor and make sure the "puny mortals" of the Realm of Earth do not happen to pull out an upset victory in the bottom of the ninth. Well, this would be the tenth tournament, but no matter - a loss is a loss.
Shang Tsung's team of monsterous mofos are indeed formidable, but the humans have a few aces up their sleeve in Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade, three brave but flawed individuals who must work as a team to defeat the dark forces... but still fight individually. Well, you know what I'm saying.
Anyway, this evil sorcerer can shapeshift into trusted friends or send an entire temple full of weightlifters after you, but even he must face his destiny in the end. His desire to control and feed off the souls of those he has vanquished drunkens him with power, and with that power he becomes even stronger. Not to mention, he's one of the best shit-talking villains ever. It also pays to have half a dozen catch phrases already well-known from the wildly popular video game. I just can't hear him taunt "Your soul... IS MINE!" enough times.
Shang Tsung is a rare well-rounded mofo who has few weaknesses. Only destiny - and the desire of an Asian man with seemingly perfect pecs - can seem to defeat him.
INTELLIGENCE - 7: A clever and sly villain who was well-versed in the rules of the Mortal Kombat Tournament.
POWER - 8: This sorcerer is powerful enough to engineer the Tournament and fight one-on-one with the likes of Liu Kang.
VILENESS - 9: Sucks the souls out of the bodies of his victims - and that ain't a pretty (or painless) process.
SWAY - 8: His ability to intimidate even the biggest (and ugliest) warriors gives him a reputation.
PURITY - 7: Determined to rule the Realm of Earth and will bend the rules of the Tournament to see it happen.
PHYSICAL - 8: When he wasn't shapeshifting to his advantage, he was always decked out in some cool black leather.
TOTAL: 47
Posted by Destro at 11:23 AM