Bernard Beneteau wasn't necessarily a name on most fans' lips -- but he made waves recently when his Ermac "fan-art" was mistaken for a Mortal Kombat X leak (re)tweeted by Ed Boon [full story].

As reported; the work was something the professional artist knocked together in his "spare time". A testament to the talents of his vocation - but not surprising with all things considered. He has, after all, served as NetherRealm Studios' Senior Character Artist on: Mortal Kombat, Injustice: Gods Among Us and the 2008 crossover of the two: Mortal Kombat Versus DC Universe.

With that in mind: it won't shock you to know you've seen his work before! In case you haven't - we're featuring his other Ermac Concept Art!

The designs come from development on Mortal Kombat (2011) and show an evolution of logic from Ermac's popular revamp in Mortal Kombat: Deception, to a revised hooded jacket motif. The latter appears to inform the basis of the notorious "fan-art", which takes the design further into the realms of tattered, rendered fabrics.

This prior association with the character may provide explanation for the existence of the "fan-art" -- which was easily found online at both the artist's portfolio website and the ZBrushCentral forum. Availability that supports its independent nature.

How this impacts theories about Ermac's inclusion in Mortal Kombat X is a subject we leave to the fans. This may put the kibosh on assumptions, or merely add new twisting turns in a story of expectations and production!

Like Ermac? Can't get enough art? Why not flash back to Art of Kombat #3, where we featured some of the finest Ermac fan-art on the web! Register to join us in supporting artists by leaving a comment! You can also help by liking & sharing stories via @MK_Online & Facebook!