Why Injustice 3 Should Take Cues from Mortal Kombat 1

Highlights

The incorporation of characters from non-DC and creator-owned publications within Mortal Kombat 1 emphasizes the tremendous potential for a comprehensive game that spans the entire comic industry.

NRS has a strong history of telling ambitious stories in their campaigns, which makes them a great fit for incorporating characters from various comic book series in a fighting game.

While many initially believed that NetherRealm Studios would create Injustice 3 after Mortal Kombat 11, leaked information from insiders indicated otherwise. Instead, the decision to develop Mortal Kombat 1 was made for a multitude of reasons. However, it is clear that there is still a significant demand and desire for Injustice 3. NetherRealm Studios' DC fighting franchise is incredibly popular, even in comparison to renowned fighting games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat itself. Therefore, it is likely that many fans will continue to hope for the release of Injustice 3, but only when NRS is ready to move on. Nevertheless, there is a compelling argument to explore other options beyond this.

How Mortal Kombat/NRS Leverages Crossover Characters

NRS' expertise in fighting games was showcased in Injustice, as we had the thrilling opportunity to play as iconic DC characters like Superman, Batman, Joker, Darkseid, and many others. However, it seems that Injustice, at its core, may have some limitations for NetherRealm Studios. There were whispers of a potential Marvel vs. DC game, which would undoubtedly elevate the excitement by introducing Marvel characters to the mix. Nevertheless, Mortal Kombat 1 demonstrates that this fundamental concept might be too confining. Undoubtedly, the collaboration between NRS and the comic industry as a whole would undoubtedly bring immense benefits to both comic and fighting game enthusiasts.

The unveiling of each character in Mortal Kombat 1 has been truly captivating, particularly within the captivating realm of Fire God Liu Kang's new universe. The game not only brings back fan-favorites like Scorpion and Sub-Zero, but also introduces fascinating new twists for beloved characters, including the return of Tanya. As thrilling as these reveals have been, it was the recent announcement of Mortal Kombat 1's DLC Characters (Kombat Pack 1) that truly solidified NetherRealm Studios' prowess. While Takeda, Quan-Chi, and Ermac are undoubtedly fantastic additions, it is the inclusion of Omni-Man, Peacemaker, and Homelander that takes the excitement to another level.

Peacemaker's inclusion is almost a given due to the character's immense popularity and the fact that NetherRealm Studios is owned by Warner Bros, just like DC. This makes Injustice a significant franchise. However, it's important to note that neither Omni-Man nor Homelander are DC properties. Invincible, created by Robert Kirkman of Walking Dead fame, follows the story of Mark Grayson as he trains under Omni-Man, who is not as heroic as he may first appear. The comic is known for its graphic violence and is published by Image Comics, which is highly recognized in the industry outside of the major players like Marvel and DC.

Meanwhile, Homelander hails from The Boys, a series with a complex relationship with DC. The first six issues were published by Wildstorm, a DC imprint, but the series was ultimately cancelled due to DC's unease with its anti-superhero approach. According to the writer and co-creator Garth Ennis, DC did the right thing by reverting the rights back to them and allowing them to continue working on the series outside of DC's publishing model.

Respecting the rights of comic creators is highly valued in the industry, which likely influenced the inclusion of The Boys' Homelander in a Warner Bros. game. As a result, Mortal Kombat 1 featured DC representation with Peacemaker, Image Comics representation with Omni-Man, and more creator-owned representation with Homelander. It is worth mentioning that Image Comics, as a brand, allows writers to retain their rights.

Furthermore, this is not a new occurrence. Injustice 2, a DC game, introduced crossover characters such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dark Horse's Hellboy. These crossovers are incredibly exciting in each game, and while the specifics of negotiations and collaborations remain undisclosed, they are made possible through goodwill, genuine collaboration, and a passion for the industry. However, there is no reason why NRS should limit themselves to the opportunities presented by Injustice 2 and Mortal Kombat 1.

Instead of Injustice 3, NRS Should Create a Comic-Industry Wide Fighting Game

Instead of the anticipated DC-focused Injustice 3, NetherRealm Studios has the opportunity to revolutionize the gaming world by creating an extraordinary fighting game. This game would transcend the boundaries of the comic book universe, featuring renowned characters from Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, and various other popular comic series.

What sets this concept apart is its inclusivity, as even non-superhero characters and Manga icons could seamlessly integrate into this epic crossover. Iconic figures such as Witchblade, Harbingers (with a special focus on Zephyr/Faith), Savage Dragon, Sailor Moon, Michonne from The Walking Dead, characters from Saga and Fables, Scott Pilgrim, Naruto, Bleach, My Hero Academia, and many more intriguing choices would all have their place in this extraordinary clash of heroes. Just the thought of Captain America, Michonne, and Rock Lee joining forces to battle against the likes of Teen Titans' Raven, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Bigby Wolf is an irresistibly captivating proposition.

Furthermore, one drawback of many crossover characters is that they lack any substantial role in the game beyond being fighters. NRS' campaigns have consistently showcased their ability to tell ambitious stories, making them more than capable of incorporating characters from TMNT, Witchblade, Fables, Marvel, and other comics. Additionally, a mode like Street Fighter 6's World Tour, which allows for closer interactions between these characters, would be a perfect complement. It's impossible to ignore the potential for an epic and incredibly enjoyable game like this, created by NRS.

Undoubtedly, NetherRealm Studios has established itself as a formidable force in the gaming industry, evident in their acclaimed titles such as Mortal Kombat and Injustice. However, a fighting game encompassing the entire comic industry would truly unleash their full potential.

Mortal Kombat 1 releases September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.