After a fatality-filled previous issue, the Mortal Kombat X prequel comic is picking up steam. Issue #9 continues to build on that momentum, as Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade arrive in Outworld to find their kidnapped daughter.
But first, they must confront Kotal Khan and his loyal followers. One of Kotal's men, a mercenary in his service by the name of Erron Black, was the last person to be seen with Cassie Cage. Kotal isn't exactly sure what's up, and Sonya is almost ready to blow his head off because of it.
It's here where Johnny Cage finally gets a moment in the spotlight. Johnny as a character is as classic as he is divisive. You either love his arrogant, over-the-top attitude or you absolutely hate his guts and think he is a total tool. Johnny was really thrust into the role of the hero in the last Mortal Kombat game, so that gives him prestige with which to deal with Kotal Khan here. He is definitely less douchebag, more hero in this issue, but he gets several wise-cracks that are perfectly in character. It's good to have him in the spotlight, even if just for a moment.
We then catch up with Cassie and Jacqui as they are being dragged away by Erron Black and Kano. It's the first time we've seen Kano since #1 -- the perfect time to address that darn cliffhanger from the same issue! Seriously, why it took nine issues to see the conclusion of a fight between Sub-Zero and Kano is beyond me. While the fight doesn't disappoint, it isn't nearly as riveting as the first issue made us believe. Still, it helps that the fight, and the issue in general, is easy on the eyes thanks artist Igor Vitorino. His work continues to improve, and it's easy to see he is getting more comfortable drawing these characters, Kano and his laser eye serving as a particular highlight throughout the issue.
It all builds up to a showdown between Cassie's captors and Mileena's men, before jumping back to Scorpion and his new apprentice. They've finally made it to Raiden's headquarters, but he doesn't seem too happy about their arrival.
Issue #9 isn't nearly as exciting as issue #8. There aren't any fatalities to be seen or any shocking revelations, but issue #9 does give the series some forward momentum while still delivering some satisfactory action. It is a sense of purpose that this series struggled to find in the early issues, so it's great to see the series has found its footing and feels like it is building towards a bigger story. Whatever that story is, we can all rest assured it will be bloody.
Story
★★★☆☆
Art
★★★★☆
Overall
★★★☆☆
More Comic Book Reviews:
Mortal Kombat #8
Mortal Kombat #7
Batman Arkham Knight #1
Batman #39
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