The heroes of Outworld and Earthrealm aren't doing so great. In fact, they are almost all being held captive by Havik, who plans to turn them into his slaves through the wonders of blood magic.

That's where issue Mortal Kombat #30 picks up, and things only get worse for our heroes from there. Last issue proved to be the goriest yet, in which Havik revealed his master plan. Reiko and the "prophecy" were nothing more than a cruel joke for the purpose of acquiring Shinnok's amulet. Now with Reiko dead and the amulet in his possession, Havik can move onto phase two of his plan: destroying the Netherrealm and ending death as we know it.

It sounds like eliminating death might not be such a bad thing. As Havik explains in this issue, removing death is removing order from the universe, allowing chaos to reign. What that really means is Havik and Shinnok possessing an army of undying servants, as evil gods are wont to do.

Up until the last moment, readers will likely be waiting for somebody, anybody, to show up and rescue Kotal Kahn, Mileena, Johnny and Sonya from such a fate. They have long been the center of attention in this series, after all. Surely they will emerge victorious. But that's not the case. Each is stabbed with a Kamidogu dagger to become Havik's servant, joining the ranks of Cassie, Jacqui and Raiden.

Hope isn't completely lost, however. The Shokan are still off the coast (or what's left of them) and there are still characters who may arrive to save the day — as readers will see on the last page of issue #30.

For such a despair-filled issue, it was a smart move on writer Shawn Kittelsen's part to inject some much-needed humor. Two moments in this issue go a long way in reminding readers that Mortal Kombat isn't always so serious. The franchise may be bloody and at times dramatic (in a cheesy, old kung-fu movie kind of way) — but it is also over-the-top and can often be completely silly. Kittelsen has walked the line before and hasn't always succeeded. At times, he comes off as too light-hearted, at others, too serious.

This issue achieves a balance between the two that makes for a satisfying read, one that will have fans waiting for next week's issue and the bloody battle royale that is certain to ensue.

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More Comic Book Reviews:

Mortal Kombat #29
Batman: Arkham Knight #23
Batman #42
Mad Max: Fury Road: Max #1

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