Kung Lao

Kung Lao (Chinese: 功老; pinyin: Gōnglăo) is a video game character in the game franchise Mortal Kombat. A major protagonist in the Mortal Kombat series, introduced as a player character in Mortal Kombat II in 1993. He is a former Shaolin monk and a former member of the White Lotus Society who stands in the shadow of his great ancestor, the Great Kung Lao. Kung Lao is the best friend of the series' protagonist Liu Kang and together they were the main characters of the spin-off game Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. He gained considerable popularity and favorable critical reception, in large part because of his famous weapon, which resembles Oddjob's hat.

Appearances

In video games

Kung Lao is possibly (next to Liu Kang) the last known descendant of the Great Kung Lao, a former Champion of Mortal Kombat, who lost the title and his life to Goro 500 years previously, resulting in the start of Shang Tsung's rule over the tournament. Kung Lao was originally the one to represent the Shaolin in the Mortal Kombat tournament but he declined, knowing of the consequences of becoming champion. As a result, Liu Kang was chosen and emerged as the winner.