Last week's issue of Mortal Kombat X turned out to be one of the best issues yet — we finally got to learn more about the troubled relationship between Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. It was an emotional issue that helped develop the two core characters of this series.
It's great to see that issue #24 doesn't let up the pace. At long last, Johnny and Sonya make it to Shang Tsung's island to rescue their daughter Cassie. Thanks to the potent backstory from last issue, the arrival of these two warriors-turned-parents holds even more significance. They both know they haven't been the best parents, so when Reiko mocks them for taking so long to get there, his insults ring true.
This issue isn't only about Johnny and Sonya, though. After a one-issue break, we return to the showdown between Hanzo and Havik. Their fight makes for one of the most gruesome battles we've seen in the series yet, as Havik has his face nearly destroyed. Blood flows freely, bones are broken and brain tissue is exposed.
Not that it slows Havik down. He is barely phased by the pain. He only wants one thing: for Hanzo to give into his vengeance and once again become Scorpion. Hanzo refuses, and events take a surprising turn.
It can't be too surprising, of course. We ultimately know which characters will live, which will die and who is around in the storyline of the Mortal Kombat X video game. But that doesn't stop this issue from delivering some truly emotional moments — which is certainly saying something for a game series that prides itself on laughably over-the-top finishing moves. It feels like the choices these characters make have real and meaningful consequences, in spite of the occasionally ludicrous plot device.
Igor Vitorino provides this issue with some solid pencil work. He truly delivers on the bloody spectacle we all expect from a comic bearing the Mortal Kombat name. Not only that, his work on the faces and eyes manages to make the pain and horror of this issue's events ring true for the book's cast of characters.
DC Comics has proven that its digital-first prequel series like Injustice and Batman: Arkham Knight aren't soulless video game cash-ins. They're high quality books that are worthy of your attention — and if you're a Mortal Kombat fan, you are truly missing out if you aren't reading this series each and every week.
Story
★★★★☆
Art
★★★★☆
Overall
★★★★☆
More Comic Book Reviews:
Mortal Kombat #22
Batman: Arkham Knight #17
Batman #41
Convergence #8
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