Summary
With spring well underway, it won’t be long before Homelander arrives inMortal Kombat 1. The character fits in with the rest of the DLC roster but is still pretty distinct in many ways, posing more than a few challenges for adaptation. Fortunately, there’s another fighting game thatMortal Kombat 1’s Homelander could take inspiration from to find a framework.
Despite existing since 2006 whenThe Boys' comic debuted, the Amazon adaptation of the series is what really catapulted Homelander into pop culture consciousness. A mixture of stellar writing, visceral effects, and Antony Starr’s gripping performance made the ‘evil superhero’ a household name and a staple of online meme culture. It’s this version of the character that’s coming toMortal Kombat 1in the spring of 2024as a DLC fighter. He’ll be joining Omni-Man, another inversion of Superman made more popular by an Amazon adaptation, as well as other characters that have already entered the roster.
Mortal Kombat 1 Should Look To Injustice’s Superman As A Foundation
However, there are some issues with bringing Homelander in as a DLC fighter. One aspect is the fact thatStarr won’t be reprising his role as Homelander, which is a shame considering how much he’s given to the character’s identity.
Moreover, Omni-Man is already in the game; the Viltrumite patriarch has a similar powerset to Homelander, so it’ll take a lot to make the two play in completely distinct ways. Luckily, theInjusticefranchise centers on not just superhero fighters, but specifically the concept of an evil Superman. In fact, the series' version of Superman could provide the perfect blueprint for a Homelander moveset that keeps the character distinct from Omni-Man.
Injustice’s Heat Vision Mechanics Would Be Perfect For Homelander
The key difference between Omni-Man and Homelander is the latter’s heat vision. Not only do Viltrumites lack the power, but heat vision is possiblyHomelander’s most notable V-imbued power. His heat vision is incredibly potent, enough to cut an airplane clean in half, and it’s demonstrated with incredible visual direction; the gore it leaves behind is terrifyingly visceral, not to mention how sinister it makes his face look. More importantly, his reliance on it is core to his character.
Homelander is incredibly entitled and believes he is owed adoration because of his powers, so he doesn’t put much effort into his hero tasks.
InjusticeandInjustice 2work Superman’s heat visioninto his kit in a seamless way, turning it into a simple special move. An easy combo will allow players to blast their opponent with searing lasers—a move that can be performed on the ground and in the air. He can also amp it up with a Meter Burn. Homelander’s laser vision should be just as simple to use, considering how much the ability is key to his character.
Injustice Is Great At Mixing In Superpowered Characters
One area of theInjusticegamesMortal Kombat 1could really take inspiration from is howInjusticejuggles multiple superpowered characters. This is easily seen withInjustice 2introducing Supergirl into the mix and how her version of heat vision is distinct from Superman’s in execution and animation. That’s without mentioning other semi-similar characters throughout the games, such as Starfire and Black Adam.
Taking cues fromThe Boysserieswould be the best way to do this. Just as Omni-Man’s moves take a lot from his fights with the Guardians of the Globe and with Mark, the few fights inThe Boyswhere Homelander is forced to battle an opponent of matching power, such as his showdown with Butcher, Hughie, and Soldier Boy in Season 3, would be great places to look.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
