I can't even relate to looking at this as "rooting for an underdog". These aren't real people, they're characters in a story. And IF said characters hold little story value, fun gameplay, or lack even niche popularity then what's the point in trying to make them relevant?

I mean sure (and this goes for EVERY character in the series) you can ALWAYS retcon and redesign formerly introduced characters and it'd likely be an improvement from their initial introduction. What's the point in doing that though if better / new characters can be introduced to the series?

Why redesign Kobra when you can make Kotal Kahn?

I don't know if anyone here played MKD rigorously online back in the day, but there were A LOT of Kobra players. He was affective and easy to use, so he got a ton of attention.

Much of what I was gonna say has been said, but I don't even mind the character, honestly. If he had been a little more tongue-in-cheek (which I'm sure was the idea, but it never really translated) and not been stuffed into the shitty "new Black Dragon" storyline, he would have been a great addition.

Sure his moves were generic, but that wasn't a Kobra thing, that was a Deception thing. The game was rushed, and no new character (except Havik and maybe Hotaru if my memory is right) got a decent moveset.

This next part has nothing to do with anything, but if Shujinko's gameplay concept was given modern attention, it would be unbelievably badass. Seeing all the definitive specials of MK re-imagined in the style of Shujinko's training would be the sickest shit ever.

If Kobra is to return it is a slim chance though but he could have a really gruesome fatality that involves his tattoo eating you.

I've long wanted to see a Shujinko who combines his stolen powers to create original versions of other people's famous moves.

Please leave Loki's children out of this. Edit: though to be quite honest i am quite surprised you knew the dragons name I would hate to see Hel , Jormungand or Fenrir. It's not like this is mortal kombat Ragnarok.

Pretty much this.

The main reason I never really liked Kira and Kobra is because they had no original moves. Shujinko was different though, it made sense why he had recycled moves. But if he's given different versions today, I'm sure people could appreciate his style.

I don't really care for Kobra, but I would definately like to see Kira return.

However, should any of them return, their gameplay must get a complete revamp and made unique from the rest of the MK characters. No copying others' moves.

Why is it surprising to you that somebody knows the names of the children of loki? They are overused.

Hraesvelgr and Alberich are names that are rare from Norse mythology.

Anyway the more I think about Kobra and Kira, the more I want them to be in the game! Kira could be cool VS Cassie Cage.

^^
Not much could be done with him or Kira that will change how I feel about them. I'd much prefer them be scrapped so the other characters who have more fans and need the attention, get it.

For the sake of the thread though, I dig the Tatu idea for Kobra. As for Kira, I could see a rivalry between her and Cassie. I'd prefer that over the Kano debacle. Honestly I'm not sure what else could be changed. Both are pretty uninspiring.

Honestly I'm not sure but I guess due to the Celtic mythology derived from Norse is my biggest issue. Just would prefer not to see them and also even though it's not technically marvel because we are discussing the actual myths wouldn't it be a grey area considering the comics that share the name and Disney owning the rights?

I don't know what you mean by that. But Marvel/Disney doesn't hold ANY rights over mythology, everybody can use mythology as they see fit, nobody can buy rights.

If someone EVER will buy rights over greek/norse/aztec/celtic/slavic/germanic/native american or egyptian mythology, I will kill them myself.

Really, that would be insane, those ancient stories are for ALL to use, if some rich shit will buy the rights for those ancient stories it would be the end of the world.

So marvel may have Thor and CO, but that doesn't mean others can't use them, I would not like them in MK tho, but that is another reason.

Then you do not understand what sociopath means, since Kobra was well established to be somewhat psychotic.

How come no one mentions positive sociopathy while we're at the subject?

Because the clinical inability to feel empathy doesn't have a lot of societal benefits, it mostly just tends to make people exceptionally selfish or sadistic.
The best case scenario for a sociopath is just learning how to hide it in order to continue functioning in society and they become really, really good at lies and and manipulation to get ahead in life instead of developing a fascination with inflicting physical harm.