People

John Tobias

Mortal Kombat artist

John Tobias co-created Mortal Kombat with Ed Boon, designing its distinctive characters, mythology, and visual identity that made the series instantly recognisable.

arcadesega-mega-driveSNESPlayStation artistdesignermidway 1969–present

Overview

While Ed Boon handled programming, John Tobias created Mortal Kombat’s visual identity and mythology. His character designs—Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Liu Kang—became icons. The fictional realms, tournaments, and backstories he developed gave the series narrative depth that sustained it beyond its initial shock value.

Fast facts

  • Born: 1969.
  • Company: Midway (1989-2000).
  • Role: Artist, character designer, story writer.
  • Creation: Mortal Kombat characters and lore.

Character creations

CharacterDesign elements
ScorpionYellow ninja, spear
Sub-ZeroBlue ninja, ice powers
RaidenThunder god, conical hat
Liu KangBruce Lee tribute
Shang TsungShape-shifting sorcerer

Visual approach

TechniqueApplication
Actor directionPosing digitised performers
Costume designDistinctive silhouettes
Animation guidanceFatality choreography
Background artArena design

World building

ElementContribution
RealmsEarthrealm, Outworld, Netherrealm
TournamentMortal Kombat mythology
Character backstoriesInterconnected histories
Comic adaptationsExpanded lore

Mortal Kombat development

TitleInvolvement
Mortal KombatFull creative partnership
Mortal Kombat IIExpanded universe
Mortal Kombat 3Character designs
MK4Final collaboration

Post-Midway

WorkPeriod
Midway departure2000
Independent projectsVarious
LegacyCharacter designs still used

See also