This toy line is based on one of the most beloved fighting video games on the market -- Mortal Kombat. The game revolves around an ancient fighting competition known to be a test of honor and courage. However, now, the tournament has been taken over by an evil emperor by the name of Shao Khan, who uses frightening warriors to win and allow him take over the Earth!
I believe that Hasbro was the first to release a Mortal Kombat toy line in both 12" and 3 3/4" figures, which were interchangeable with their G.I. Joe lines. When Hasbro discontinued the line, Toy Island basically repackaged the molds. Now, newer figures are coming out by Palisades Marketing and Infinite Concepts, which are vastly superior...and a much more fitting tribute. At the moment, all I have are Toy Island ones. But, I will be getting the newer ones soon.
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Shao Khan
Mortal Kombat Trilogy action figure line
1996, Toy Island
Individual Figure
Shao Khan, the evil emperor of Outworld, where the Mortal Kombat tournaments are held. He lives to defeat opponents and steal their souls, which will help power the take over of Earth.
As for the action figure, I think it's pretty ugly. It's your average 3 3/4" figure with 8 points of articulation. He has a red plastic cape that is removable as well and comes with two kinds of sword. The paint job on his lips make him look like he's smiling, taking away the ominous look that the character should have.
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Rayden
Mortal Kombat Trilogy action figure line
1996, Toy Island
Individual Figure
Rayden is the God of Thunder and the protector of Earth. He cannot participate in the Mortal Kombat game himself, so he must choose those from Earth who can fight in the game and preserve life as we know it.
Again, another stupid looking figure. The problems I have with these figures are that they are supposed to look powerful. Instead, they look weak. In fact, the hat on Rayden's head looks so strange that it looks like he could be knocked down for the count if a gust of wind blew his hat off. This figure, like the others, has 8 points of articulation and comes with nunchukus and a sword. He has a strange punching action that looks more like an action pound (you lift the arm up, release it and it comes down).
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Sub-Zero
Mortal Kombat Trilogy action figure line
1996, Toy Island
Individual Figure
Sub-Zero is one of the most popular Mortal Kombat characters who is a Ninja from an ancient clan. Now, I'm not as knowledgeable about his history, but I understand that he must both fight in Shao Khan's Mortal Kombat tournaments while dodging souless assassins that are persuing him. Poor guy!
The picture I have with the figure to the left is the "classic" Sub-Zero. Apparently, there was a time when he was unmasked...and this figure represents the unmasked Sub-Zero. Again, an ugly figure. The paint on his face makes him look like a clown rather than a formidable foe. He comes with a scythe, sword and some other weapon I can't identify. Like Rayden, he comes with a weird pounding action punch.
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Cyrax
Mortal Kombat Trilogy action figure line
1996, Toy Island
Individual Figure
Cyrax is also known as unit LK-4D4, a cybernetic ninja built by the Lin Kuei and programmed with one mission -- to destroy Sub-Zero. But, somewhere along the line, Cyrax is reprogrammed to kill Shao Khan.
Since Cyrax is covered with armor from head to toe, this figure is the least offensive of the Toy Island sculpts and looks the most like his video game couter part. Also, he is better proportioned than the other figures of this line, making him look as powerful as he's supposed to be. This figure, like the others, has 8 points of articulation and comes with nunchukus and a sword.
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Wish List for Mortal Kombat
The following are items I still need to complete the set. If you notice any other items that should be added, please e-mail me.
- G.I. Joe Hall of Fame Mortal Kombat II 12" Rayden (1993)
- G.I. Joe Hall of Fame Mortal Kombat II 12" Scorpion (1993)
- Rayden (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Smoke (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Kano (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Reptile (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Shang Tsung (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Scorpion (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat, Hasbro 1994)
- Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat: The Movie, Hasbro 1995)
- Rayden (Mortal Kombat: The Movie, Hasbro 1995)
- Scorpion (Mortal Kombat: The Movie, Hasbro 1995)
- Shang Tsung (Mortal Kombat: The Movie, Hasbro 1995)
- Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat: The Movie, Hasbro 1995)
- Liu Kang 3 3/4" action figure (Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Toy Island 1996)
- Liu Kang 10" action figure (Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Toy Island 1996)
- Scorpion 3 3/4" (Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Toy Island 1996)
- Shang Tsung (Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Scorpion (Mortal Kombat, Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat, Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat, Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Kitana (Mortal Kombat, Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Rayden (Mortal Kombat, Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Reptile (Mortal Kombat, Infinite Concepts 2000)
- Rayden (Palisades Marketing 2001)
- Sub-Zero (Palisades Marketing 2001)
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