Kitana

Origin

When Kitana was very young, Shao Kahn invaded Edenia and killed her father, King Jarrod, then took Queen Sindel as his wife and took Kitana as his step-daughter. However, Sindel committed suicide rather than be Shao Kahn’s “Queen.” Afraid of what Kitana would do if she found out the truth, he created a copy of Kitana to watch over her and make sure she didn’t learn the truth. During this time, Kitana and Mileena, as well as Kitana’s best friend Jade became Shao Kahn’s elite assassins. Kitana however would learn the truth and became resentful and remorseful, but would pretend to be loyal to Shao Kahn anyway. When the Earth warriors ventured to Outworld to fight Shao Kahn, he grew suspicious of Kitana and sent Mileena to spy on her. When she found out she was conspiring with the Earth warriors, Millena attacked but was killed when Kitana defended herself. This action revealed Kitana’s treachery and after the Earth warriors returned to save their realm, Kitana was tried for murder. But she managed to escape during the invasion and joined with the Earth warriors to find her reincarnated mother and save her from Shao Kahn’s control. However, Shao Kahn sent Jade and Reptile to kill her. She managed to convince Jade to help her fight off Reptile and they saved Sindel, helping the Earth warriors force Shao Kahn to leave Earth.

Her and her mother began to rebuild Edenia after freeing it from Shao Kahn’s hold, but a new threat would appear in the form of Shinnok who was allowed entry into the realm by an Edenian traitor known as Tanya. Kitana and Sindel were imprisoned, but Kitana escaped and ran into a resurrected Mileena whom fought her. Kitana won and imprisoned Mileena. After Raiden and the Earth warriors defeated Shinnok and his forces, Kitana asked Liu Kang to rule Edenia with her, but Liu Kang hesitantly turned her down, saying that he has to protect the Earthrealm. After this, Kitana arranged a peace treaty between the warring Shokans and Centaurians and they allied with her against Shao Kahn’s armies.

Much later, Kung Lao would come to Kitana, telling her of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi’s alliance and how they killed Shao Kahn and Liu Kang. While upset at the loss of Liu Kang, she agreed to aid them. Raiden and the Earth warriors attacked the Deadly Alliance but were killed by their Tarkatan hordes. They however would be resurrected by Onaga as his servants, and together they attacked Edenia and imprisoned Sindel. Jade however freed Sindel and together they tried to find a way to free Kitana and the others from Onaga’s control. They would ultimately be saved by Liu Kang’s spirit and an unlikely ally, Ermac who had broken free from Shao Kahn’s control. As she returned to Edenia, she crossed paths with Blaze who warned her of Armageddon and told her to find allies to face it. She wondered if the fighting would ever end, and Blaze said it would.

Creation

Kitana is a fictional character from the popular fighting game franchise Mortal Kombat. Kitana first appears in the video game Mortal Kombat II which was released in 1993, and was the sequel to the popular and controversial video game Mortal Kombat. Lady Kitana was created by John Tobias, Ed Boon, Mark Lappin and Mark Runion along with her sister Mileena. Kitana and Mileena were depicted as almost identical, only distinguished visually by a palette swap, Kitana depicted in blue and Mileena depicted in purple. Their depiction as ninjas also drawing parallels to Scorpion and Sub-Zero who also shared a similar palette swap as far as similar depicted visual appearance.

The Mortal Kombat franchise would eventually make its way to the comic book medium with Kitana’s first appearance in a comic book coming in Mortal Kombat II Collector’s Edition released by the publisher Malibu. Kitana would go on to appear in more mini-series such as Mortal Kombat Blood & Thunder and Mortal Kombat Battlewave also released by Mailbu. Kitana would also go on to star in her own titled solo book Mortal Kombat Kitana and Mileena. Kitana’s name comes from the merging of a combo of Kitsune and Katana, Kitsune being Kitana’s original name in predevelopment and katana the word for a traditional Japanese weapon. Her depiction in the video games, Kitana would be modeled after Katalin Zamiar.

Character Evolution

Kitana is a leading protagonist in the Mortal Kombat franchise and one its more popular characters. Much of her appearance and depiction in comic books relying on or mirroring her appearances in video games from which she originated. Although she has not appeared in all installments of the popular but controversial video game franchise, she is considered a franchise staple and one of its most recognizable and iconic characters. The character hailing from a fictional setting of Edenia the character also has a distinct asiatic quality. Originally Kitana served the role of a minor antagonist as well as romantic interest to the character of Liu Kang. Her history and interaction with her sister Mileena as well as dynamic with her father Shao Kahn who frequently serves as the antagonist and villain often serving as a catalyst for character development and growth.

Co-creator of Kitana John Tobias describes her and Mileena as the female equivalents of Scorpion and Sub-Zero, the Mortal Kombat games most popular and iconic ninja characters. When the game Mortal Kombat was created, limited memory with the game led to characters given the identical, bodysuit-based costumes distinguished only by a swapped palette. Apart from her twin sister Mileena, Kitana also shared a palette swap with her Edenian bodyguard Jade.

Major Story Arcs

The Search for Goro

After Shang Tsung’s mightiest warrior Goro mysteriously disappears he gathers Kitana alongside Mileena, Baraka and Reptile to find the Shokan prince. Kitana finds herself between a bickering Reptile and the easy to temper Baraka the Tarkatan. Kitana would use her cool head to pacify the two warriors. Whilst searching for Goro Kitana is unaware that the four-armed warrior has been whisked away by the god of Chaos Zaggot, to participate in a battle between two brothers, one an agent of Chaos and one the agent of Order. Zaggot the god of Chaos would create the composite warrior The Kombatant to beat and teach Goro a lesson, and after doing so empathically the creature would come across Kitana and her team. Viewing the Kombatant as a threat to Outworld Kitana would challenge Zaggot’s creation. Easily outmatched in power the Kombatant would quickly defeat Mileena, Baraka, Reptile and Princess Kitana, but they would be saved from further humiliation but the intervention of Goro himself. Kitana regains her composure to note Zaggot controlling Baraka to fight Goro after Goro had destroyed the Kombatant, but she warns Mileena and Reptile about involving themselves.

Eventually Kitana is whisked away to Shang Tsung’s island by her father Shao Kahn’s power after he grows frustrated with Shang Tsung’s repeated attempts to delay the Mortal Kombat Tournament. Shang Tsung has been trying to unlock the secrets of the Tao Te Zhan, a book of immense power that would grant limitless power to any who could unlock its secrets. The book was safeguarded by a number of riddles that would need to be answered before the power could be accessed and Shang was yet to answer each. After her sudden relocation to Shang Tsung’s island along with every other fighter, Kitana also participates in the massive brawl that breaks out. Kitana notices Scorpion attacking an unconscious Sub Zero and attacks the undead ninja commenting on his dishonor and cowardice. The two fight with intensity with Kitana the victor. Kitana would also be a part of the group who collectively defeated Goro after he succeeded in unlocking the power of the Tao Te Zhan.

Kitana and Mileena

Kitana believes herself the daughter of Shao Kahn but lingering doubts have compelled her to visit and investigate a part of Shao Kahn’s fortress she had been forbidden from visiting. Shao Kahn’s loyal servant lizard like Reptile tries to prevent her from entering the quarters but Kitana is quick to defeat him in combat and a powerful kick from the princess knocks Reptile through a wall into a secret room. Kitana is amazed to see piles of gold. Reptiles’ greed overwhelms him as he dives into the gold, but Kitana renders the lizard ninja unconscious with a strike to his neck. She spots a book and her curiosity ensures she pick it up and read. She has discovered that it contains the secret history of Shao Kahn, and the former Emperor of Outworld King Jarrod, and to Kitana’s astonishment herself. Shao Kahn was but a mere enemy of Emperor Jarrod, who was otherwise much adored by his subjects and reigned in a fertile, and prosperous kingdom. He was the husband of Queen Sindel and together they had child, Kitana, who was still young.

Seeking to overthrow Jarrod, Shao Kahn would use his ally Shang Tsung and place him as an abandoned infant to be found by Jarrod. Kitana’s heart distraught at seeing the abandoned infant would plea with her father Jarrod to take the boy in and Jarrod would agree. Shao Kahn would then bargain with the Lin Kuel to attack Jarrod and although they would fail in their attempt, they would provide a window of opportunity for Shang Tsung still an infant to attack Jerrod falling the Emperor. Dying he would tell his daughter Kitana to be strong. Shao Kahn would appear and declare himself the new Emperor. He would then enchant Kitana with a spell so she would think that she was his daughter and all traces of King Jarrod would be erased. Upon reading this story Kitana is saddened to remember those experiences from firsthand account, her memory jogged.

She recalls the events vividly as though yesterday, even though thousands of years had passed. An awakened Reptile would attempt to pacify Kitana but she would strike him with great force drawing blood. Shao Kahn had appeared and asked Kitana to calm down, as he explained the revelation of how Mileena was cloned and crafted to be like Kitana by his servants, a perfect daughter for Shao Kahn. Shao Kahn however would find her anything but perfect though, telling Kitana he could only love her. Kitana would tell her false father she would rather be killed than be his daughter, and she prepared herself for death. Shao Kahn as resourceful as ever would use his power to manipulate Kitana’s memories to make her forget what had just transpired. Ordering Reptile to destroy the book, Kahn would walk away holding his unconscious and amnesiac daughter protectively in his arms, unaware that Mileena had heard everything that had transpired.

Battlewave

Kitana has assembled a rebel group to oppose her father. She is extra cautious, as she knows being Shao Kahn’s daughter won’t save her from his wrath if their plot is discovered. She has gathered Kung Lao, Baraka and Sub Zero to help her overthrow her father, explaining to Baraka that there plan is contingent on his species cooperation and rebellion. Kung Lao questions Baraka’s loyalty causing the Tarkan to get frustrated and violent. Kitana does her best to end the conflict peacefully but is knocked down by the angered Baraka. Sub Zero steps in to freeze Baraka and give him some time to cool off. Kitana welcomes his aid and apologizes for Baraka. As the four wander the Wasted Plains of the Outworld, they realize they are being spied on, as Sub Zero senses the presence of an invisible force. Kung Lao recognizes and confirms the Lin Kuel’s senses. Sub Zero identifies the silent and invisible ninja Reptile freezing him, and a battle takes place. Reptile manages to evade both Baraka and Sub Zero but is not capable of dodging an attack from Kitana and Kung Lao.

They threaten Reptile with death and he pleads for his life and offers up information and details of Shao Kahn’s future plans. Reptile explains Shao Kahn’s plans in great detail, offering up all the Emperors secrets. Detailing the loss of the mighty Goro, and how Shao Kahn was most angered by that, punishing Shang Tsung and acquisition of the undead ninja Scorpion and an army of the undead for Shao Kahn as well. Baraka and Sub Zeros temperamental dispositions and egos have them arguing and Reptile manages to slip away from his captors. Predictably Shao Kahn is suspicious of where Reptile has been, and forces a confession from his servant. Reptile informs him of Lady Kitana’s rebellion and Shao Kahn laughs with sadistic glee. Kitana’s group next decide to locate Scorpion considering it the best strategy of defeating Shao Kahn.

This leads them directly to Shao Kahn’s palace as he is holding his wedding to a hypnotized subservient Sonya Blade. Kitana and her rebel group join forces with Liu Kang, Raiden, Siang, Jax and Johnny Cage to fight Emperor Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung, Goro, Scorpion, Kintaro, Mileena, Smoke, Jade and Reptile. The battle is fierce, with Kitana choosing to fight Jade. Shao Kahn gets frustrated with his wedding to Sonya interrupted as its completion would have allowed him to circumvent the Elder gods rules. He forces the second Mortal Kombat Tournament as a way to vent. Kitana would be selected as a participant in the team led by Raiden. Her team would eventually win by virtue of fellow team Sub Zero claiming the final victory.

Powers and Abilities

Kitana is a skilled and seasoned fighter. Over 10, 000 years old, Kitana has honed her fighting ability over millennia, making her one of Outworlds greatest and skilled fighters. Wielding twin Japanese war fans she refers to as Steel fans, Kitana is as accomplished with weapon fighting as she is in unarmed combat. Kitana can utilized her steel fans in a number of ways, whether by use as projectiles, as weapons in close quarter combat, or by rapidly spinning them to levitate her opponents. Kitana has proven more skilled and capable than her clone Mileena, who herself is a deadly and skilled combatant. Kitana is practiced and accomplished in both Eagle Claw and Ba Gua fighting styles. Kitana is also regarded as a capable leader and ruler.

Physical Characteristics

• Height: 5’9″
• Weight: 128 lbs
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Black

Other Media

Films

Mortal Kombat (1995)

Kitana appears in the 1995 live action Mortal Kombat movie. She is portrayed by actress Talisa Soto. Unusually Kitana is unmasked for the most part in her role in the movies. Although she is a part of the Outworld and ruled by Shao Kahn and associated with sorcerer Shang Tsung, its a position that does not seem chosen by the princess or one that she embraces. As such she lends aid to the Earth realm warriors when she can, bonding especially with the Liu Kang character. Her lack of loyalty to Shao Kahn is eventually realized and she takes a more active role. Kitana’s dress differs from the comics and video games by incorporating more black. Interestingly after Talisa Soto played Kitana in the Mortal Kombat movie, the makers of the video game incorporated more of the actress’s likeness for the video game appearance of the character.

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)

Kitana appears in the sequel to Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat Annihilation released in 1997. She is once again played by Talisa Soto. Kitana’s role is larger than her part in the first film, as she aids Liu Kang in finding the shaman Nightwolf, but she is captured by Scorpion during a battle. Kitana in film differs visually from her depiction in the comic books, with the live action version using black in her costumes color scheme and more conservative dress styles than Kitana’s trademark use of blue and leotard thong wear. She still incorporates steel fans into her fighting however.

Television

Mortal Kombat: Konquest (1998)

Kitana appears in Mortal Kombat: Konquest, a live action television adaptation inspired from the video games. Kitana is played by Audie England and Dara Tomanovich. She is a skilled and trained in Special Edenian Arts and aids Kung Lao to overthrow Shao Kahn who she is aware killed her mother. She is however killed, strangled to death by Shao Kahn’s Shadow priests when her deception is revealed.

Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1996)

Kitana appears in Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, a animated television show released in 1996. Princess Kitana is voiced by Cree Summer. Kitana plays a important role in the final episode where she leads a rebellion against Shao Kahn.

Video Games

Mortal Kombat II (1993)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat II

Kitana’s first appearance comes in the sequel to the successful Mortal Kombat game Mortal Kombat II. Her character appearance is based on martial artist and actress model Katalin Zamiar. Kitana is revealed to be acting without free will, and in a spell induced trance as to force her to fight the warriors of Earth realm.

Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat 3

Kitana appears in a cameo context in the third installment of the popular fighting game franchise.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)

For Further Information: Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

Kitana appears in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is an updated and improved version of Mortal Kombat 3.

Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat Trilogy

Mortal Kombat Trilogy complies the first three Mortal Kombat games as well as offers additional extras. Kitana appears as per her role in Mortal Kombat 2.

Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat 4

Kitana appears in the fourth installment of the popular video game fighting franchise Mortal Kombat 4, which was also the first Mortal Kombat game to feature fully developed three dimensional models. Kitana appears in a cameo context rather than being playable.

Mortal Kombat Gold (1999)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat Gold

Kitana appears as a playable character in the updated version of Mortal Kombat 4.

MK: Deadly Alliance (2002)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

Kitana appears in Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance. Kitana leads rebels to slay Shao Kahn but finds that the deadly alliance of Quan Chi and Shang Tsung have already slain the Emperor of Outworld. Kitana would turn her attention to the new threats along with the Earth Realm warriors, however she would be defeated and killed in one-on-one combat with Quan Chi. Despite dying at Quan Chi’s hand Kitana would be resurrected later by Onaga, but then also enslaved to her reviver as well.

MK: Deception (2004)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat: Deception

Kitana appears in the sixth official installment of the Mortal Kombat franchise Mortal Kombat Deceptions. She is used as a pawn of the Dragon King Onaga, to fight against her own mother Sindel. Both Sindel and Jade subsequently attempt to rescue Kitana from Onaga’s mind enslavement of her.

MK: Unchained (2006)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat: Unchained

Kitana appears in Mortal Kombat Unchained which is a hand-held video game version of Mortal Kombat Deception.

MK: Shaolin Monks (2005)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks

Kitana appears in Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks, which stars Liu Kang and Kung Lao. The plot is a retelling of the events of Mortal Kombat II from the vantage of the two Shaolin Monks. Kitana serves as a boss, along with Mileena and Jade. All three would be defeated by Liu Kang.

MK: Armageddon (2006)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

Kitana appears in the seventh installment of the hit fighting game franchise. She participates in an enormous battle royal between all Mortal Kombta fighters in front of a giant pyramid, which each fighter also attempts to ascend. Like almost all the fighters apart from Shao Kahn and Raiden she is killed during the massive brawl.

MK vs DC Universe (2008)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

Kitana appears in this video game cross over pitting Mortal Kombat characters against that of DC comic book characters. Kitana’s counterpart is the DC Hero and Amazon, Wonder Woman. Both Mortal Kombat fighters and DC fighters must unite to defeat Dark Kahn, who is an amalgamation of Darkseid and Shao Kahn.

Mortal Kombat (2011)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat

Kitana appears in the 2011 version of Mortal Kombat, which is the series attempt to refine and reestablish itself with a new cleaner continuity. Raiden has sent his younger self a message through time and much of the back history of Mortal Kombat has been altered as a result. Kitana learns from Raiden that Shao Kahn is not her real father. She appears closer with Jade as well and the two eventually join the Earth Realm warriors to end Shao Kahn’s reign. Kitana is voiced by Karen Strassman.

Mortal Kombat X (2015)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat X

Kitana returns as one of Quan Chi’s revenants. She fought Jax and Cassie Cage in the game’s story mode. Following Quan Chi’s death and Shinnok’s defeat, she and fellow revenant Liu Kang became the Netherrealm’s new rulers.

Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)

For Further Information: Mortal Kombat 11

Kitana’s revenant aligned herself with the keeper of time Kronika after the latter promised her a timeline without Raiden. As a result of Kronika’s actions however, a past version of Kitana and Liu Kang were brought to the present. While he traveled to Earthrealm to find out more about what happened, she stayed in Outworld to find Shao Kahn, who had also been brought to the present. To aid the new Outworld emperor Kotal Kahn, Kitana forged alliances with Outworld’s disparate factions before leading them into battle against Shao Kahn; personally, defeating and maiming him herself. Kotal, who had been crippled during the fight, appointed Kitana the new Kahn of Outworld in recognition of her skills in combat and diplomacy.

After Kronika kidnaps Liu Kang, Kitana and her Outworld army aided Earthrealm’s allied forces against Kronika’s army until Raiden merged with Liu Kang’s past self and his revenant to become Fire God Liu Kang. As the rest of her allies fought off Kronika’s forces, Kitana joined Liu Kang in breaching Kronika’s keep. However, Kronika reverses time for everyone except Liu Kang, who faces her and his allies’ revenants alone. In one of the game’s endings, Liu Kang defeats Kronika and is able to bring Kitana back to help him forge a new timeline.