We recently saw some unused Mortal Kombat 1 concept art for Sindel, Sub-Zero, and Raiden as artist Vlada Hladkova posted some of her initial ideas to X.
The ensuing approval and enticement from fans has led Hladkova to post more such art, this time featuring the likes of Liu Kang and Kenshi.
We get quite a few alternate designs for Liu Kang as the franchise’s main do-gooder and recently-established fire god is an especially crucial character. One can see a split between a few themes in his concept art as it seems the artist aimed to capture Liu’s humble monk beginnings, warrior abilities, and godly aura.
For us the most stand out design below is also the most mysterious as Liu dons a hood and almost appears to be a kind of “stranger from out of town.” The rest are surely inspired and beautiful, but hooded Liu is probably the most unique of the bunch.
The blind swordsman Kenshi has some major deviations from what made it to the final game. It seems the telekinetic fighter almost went the route of undead samurai warrior as opposed to the more pressed and clean businessman/modern warrior he ultimately wound up being.
Check out all the awesome artwork from Miss Hladkova in the full gallery here:
Click images for larger versions
Vlada was hired on by NetherRealm Studios early in Mortal Kombat 1’s development to work on some of the main roster characters. We’re not sure all the figures that encompasses beyond those we’ve already talked about, though the artist did reveal that she also worked on at least Geras, Baraka, Havik, and Johnny Cage.
Would you like to see more from Vlada in the future? Be sure to chime into the comments as well as on her X page and let your appreciations and hopes be known.