The overarching storyline seen in previous issues of Mortal Kombat X takes a back seat this week. Instead, we get a detailed origin story for one of Mortal Kombat's newest kombatants: Kotal Khan.

He's been seen in previous issues of the comic, and featured heavily in trailers for the upcoming game. Kotal currently rules Outworld as emperor, taking the place of longtime Mortal Kombat villain Shao Khan as the realm's leader. Unlike Shao Khan, Kotal Khan isn't a total jerk. In fact, he once traveled to Earth to fight for those in need.

It is on Earth where the majority of his origin story takes place. Kotal Khan's father sends his son to Earth as a rite of passage, but once there, Kotal isn't sure what to do. He wanders the land searching for purpose, eventually stumbling upon a region that reminded him of home -- the Amazon, home of the Mayans and currently under siege by Spanish Conquistadors. Kotal believes his true purpose is to defend the Mayans and lead them to victory over their enemies.

If you've been wondering why Kotal Khan had such a Aztec/Mayan vibe to him, this is apparently why. He becomes a God of War to this particular tribe and teaches them the ways of his people. Kotal crushes the tribe's enemies with Mortal Kombat's signature brand of brutality before returning home to Outworld victorious. Too bad his father doesn't see it that way.

We've known Kotal Khan sought Earthrealm's help in defeating Mileena and her alliance with the Red Dragon, only to be denied by Sonya Blade. Back in the present, Kotal Khan tells his people Mileena's forces have been decimated, but that even the smallest threat can destroy an empire and vows to renew his pursuit of her followers.

Series artist Dexter Soy is absent in this week's issue, with issue #6 instead featuring the artwork of Geraldo Borges. The art is about what you would expect from a 99 cent comic, though Borges does a fine job of delivering on the spectacle of exploding heads and severed limbs. Writer Shawn Kittleson manages to avoid the cheesy dialogue that has been a staple of previous issues, taking this issue's origin story seriously. He also makes it easy for Mortal Kombat newcomers to dive straight in, framing the story in a way that includes the rise and fall of Shao Khan that would eventually lead to Kotal's reign over Outworld.

As a piece of the overall storyline, issue #6 doesn't do much to move the ball forward, but as strictly an origin tale it succeeds. It seems clear Kotal Khan will continue to play a large role in the comics and in the upcoming Mortal Kombat X video game, so it's nice to see a light shining on his bloody backstory.

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