I would have paid a king’s ransom for the official MK comics books when they were released, and 30 years later, they are still worth their weight in kombat gold.

The official comic books were collector’s items offered through mail order; an astute eagle-eyed Mortal Kombat head would recognize that these are the comic books offered in the ad that runs in the MKII arcade attract mode.

They’re the real deal: Illustrated and plotted by series co-creator John Tobias, each comic tells the back story of the respective games. MK 1992 is the focus of the first book and tells how the original seven warriors (Scorpion, Sub-Zero/Bi-Han, Kano, Sonya, Raiden, Liu Kang and Johnny Cage) made the journey to Shang Tsung’s Island and learned of the Mortal Kombat Tournament. MKII’s edition focuses on the aftermath of the first Tournament and Liu Kang’s victory over Goro and Shang Tsung, Tsung’s renewed vigor and vitality as a way to stave off execution and his formulation of a new Tournament against Earthrealm.

The books are beautifully drawn and feature some of the most iconic Mortal Kombat 1992 and MKII images of the series. Chances are, if you were around in the early 1990s or read a video game magazine of the time, you saw some of Tobias’ art that is presented here. Read this for the lore and the art, especially if you’re an MK enthusiast. It’s worth tracking down for the nostalgia factor alone. – Lyndsey