The backstories of Mortal Kombat X characters are previewed before the April 14 release date, in a digital graphic novel. With Kung Lao the latest addition in the roster, there's only a handful of characters left to unveil; unless NetherRealm Studios have one big surprise in store for MK fans, of course.

The DC comic should help fans bear the anticipation for the Mortal Kombat X release date, with the first digital-first issue out last Tuesday. There's a three-chapter bundle release on January 14; it's written by Shawn Kittelsen, who fortunately is a big fan of the game series.

Kittelson proved his chops in an interview with IGN, even providing evidence he's an actual player of the game. His favorite kombatant is part of the Mortal Kombat X characters roster:

"I've played them all, even the spin-offs like Shaolin Monks. I have too many favorite characters to list, but whenever a new game comes out, I start by playing Sub-Zero. He's my baseline character."

The new graphic novel is released in "chapters," with the first heavily focused on Scorpion and Kenshi. Kittelsen admits his affinity for both characters, for different reasons.

"We've only ever seen [Scorpion] as an undead wraith. What does it mean when he comes back to life?" Kittelsen said. "That's some dramatic uncharted territory for such a known character, so it sets my brain on fire as a storyteller."

"As for Kenshi... he didn't get much time in [MK 2011] Story Mode. Bringing him in here was a nod to all the fans that love this telekinetic Zatoichi as much as I do."

Kittelsen also leaked details of Mortal Kombat X characters he intends to unveil in the following chapters, particularly newcomers in the series like D'vorah, Kotal Khan, and Cassie Cage.

"Two characters that we haven't gotten into yet but that I'm itching to write are Ferra and Torr. How did those two partner up?"

Mortal Kombat X release date for the consoles is slated April 14.