Baraka (Mortal Kombat)

Baraka (/bəˈrɑːkə/ bə-RAH-kə) is a character from the Mortal Kombat franchise, co-created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. He was introduced in Mortal Kombat II (1993) as a nomadic mutant belonging to the Tarkatan species, which are distinguished by their ferocity and unusual facial features. Baraka, like others of his kind, possesses sharp, spiked teeth and retractable arm blades, which he primarily uses in combat. He originates from Outworld, one of Mortal Kombat's crucial realms.

Baraka has received a generally mixed to positive reception. His early appearances received praise for his unique monstrous design and criticism directed at the lack of character complexity and development he received as the series continued. Critics praised his role in Mortal Kombat 1 for his importance to the plot and added depth.