No, Kano did not burn Kabal
As an avid Mortal Kombat gamer and content creator, I receive many questions about the lore and backstories behind favorite characters like Kabal. One common question is: Did Kano burn Kabal? After thorough analysis, I can definitively state the answer based on official MK canon sources across games, movies and other media.
Kabal Sustained Devastating Burns from Kintaro
During Shao Kahn‘s invasion of Earthrealm, Kabal and his police partner Kurtis Stryker battled Outworld warriors Mileena and Reptile. However, the chaotic conflict soon escalated. According to MK2011 story mode dialogue, the half-tiger Shokan champion Kintaro confronted Kabal and unleashed a devastating blast of flame using his trademark fireball attack.
Kabal suffered catastrophic burn injuries covering most of his body. But precisely how he survived remains partly shrouded in mystery across fragmented timelines. Let‘s analyze key details surrounding Kabal‘s disfigurement and how Kano eventually saved him.
Kabal‘s Background as a Black Dragon Crime Syndicate Member
Intriguingly, Kabal was not always a force for good. Before joining the NYPD alongside Stryker, he was a ruthless member of the Black Dragon clan – a dangerous gang of terrorists and mercenaries. Kabal specialized in speed, close-quarters combat, and twin hook sword attacks.
According to MK lore, Kano was the Black Dragon‘s leader until branching off to pursue his own interests. Kano later became infamous as a sadistic Outworld arms dealer. So Kabal and Kano share a dark history of violence. Could this past link explain Kano‘s future intervention?
Kano Rescues Kabal from Death‘s Door
Sometime after Kintaro‘s devastating attack, Kano discovered Kabal‘s mutilated body in the aftermath of invasion battles. Despite their checkered pasts as former gang members, Kano seemingly felt loyalty toward his ex-comrade. He took Kabal to Shang Tsung, bargaining for the sorcerer‘s soul magic to heal some of Kabal‘s wounds.
Additionally, Kano outfitted Kabal with specialized respirator systems and a menacing mask. This cybernetic gear restored Kabal‘s ability to breathe and run at superhuman speeds rivalling Flash despite his catastrophic injuries. It seems Kano saved Kabal‘s life – but he did NOT cause the original burns.
Kabal‘s Iconic MK Costume Explained
Gamers around the world recognize Kabal‘s dark, imposing mask and armor-plated suit with wheezing respirator tanks. This signature look conceals his disfiguration while enhancing performance. Let‘s analyze key components:
Mask – Made of dense polymers & metals shielding Kabal‘s head in battle. Features enhanced respiratory systems. Glowing red eyes and scalloped edges inspired by ancient Pharaoh masks.
Chest Armor – Armored titanium & leather plates protecting vital organs. Contains emergency backup breathing apparatus if main tanks damaged. Lightweight for mobility.
Gauntlets – Razor-sharp hookswords integrated into arm casings. Provides constant weapon access boosted by Kabal‘s speed. Hooks used for grappling attacks.
Combined with Kabal‘s relentless training, his costume and gear make him arguably the fastest, most lethal fighter in Mortal Kombat lore. But elite speed alone cannot overcome Outworld‘s champions…
Tactical Weaknesses While Playing as Kabal
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Lightning Fast Speed | Low Vitality/Defense |
| Deadly Hooksword Combos | Vulnerable to Anti-Airs |
| Fast Projectiles | Punishable Specials |
Despite unmatched quickness, Kabal has vulnerabilities competitive players can exploit:
- Low vitality – Relies on speed/evasion for defense, can‘t sustain big damage combos
- Dash Slide and Gas Blast leave Kabal wide open to punishes if anticipated
- Poor anti-air attacks – Jump-ins and airborne opponents a threat
Top tier characters like Scorpion and Noob Saibot counter Kabal with teleports, strong projectiles, and anti-air punishes. Still, in the hands of a seasoned gamer, few can match Kabal‘s lethal blend of speed and aggression!
The Evolution of Kabal Across MK Timelines
Kabal‘s backstory, allegiance, and powers have fractured into distinct timelines as Mortal Kombat‘s lore and universe became more complex. Let‘s analyze key developments:
Original Timeline
- Badly scarred by Kintaro during Shao Kahn‘s invasion
- Saved by Kano who equips respirator suit
- Allies with Earthrealm heroes against Outworld
MK2011 Alternate Timeline
- Works with the Red Dragon clan after recovering
- Temporarily allies with new villain Kotal Kahn
- Later rejoins Earthrealm defenders
MK11 Current Era
- Joins Kronika to rewrite history
- In one ending, defeats both ancient and modern Kano!
Kabal‘s alliances and ambitions shift, but his hostility toward sorcerers like Shang Tsung remains constant. Perhaps due to poor healing of his original wounds? We can only speculate what NetherRealm Studios‘ writers have planned next!
No matter the era, dimension, or timeline, Kabal remains defined by his devastating disfigurement and the advanced armor keeping him alive. With iconic hookswords and practically untraceable speed, he is undoubtedly one of MK‘s deadliest fighters.
Kabal & Kano: An Evolving Blood Feud?
Given their intertwined pasts from Black Dragon days to invasion crisis, could tensions escalate between these violent anti-heroes? Kano is the ultimate survivor who eliminates perceived threats without mercy. If he worries Kabal could implicate his own war crimes, might he take preventative measures?
Their rivalry resurfaces in MK11 when Kabal battles Kano‘s past self during Kronika‘s time merger crisis. In one ending, Kabal defeats both modern Kano and his younger Australian raider variant!
Could this foreshadow an eventual blood feud across upcoming games? As a gamer and lore expert, I‘ll be watching closely each time NetherRealm releases new story details surrounding Kano, Kabal and other complex MK characters. Share your own theories on my forum!
