Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)

Sub-Zero is the name of two fictional characters in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. Warriors from the fictional Lin Kuei clan, the two possess the ability to control ice in many forms. Characters by the name are the only fighters to appear in every main installment of the series, along with the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997). In the games, the mantle of Sub-Zero is used by brothers Bi-Han (Chinese: 避寒; pinyin: Bì Hán) and Kuai Liang (Chinese: 奎凉; pinyin: Kúi Liáng). Bi-Han debuted as Sub-Zero in the original Mortal Kombat game before appearing in subsequent installments as Noob Saibot. Kuai Liang took over the mantle in Mortal Kombat II (1993) and served as the franchise's main Sub-Zero up to Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2023). In Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), Bi-Han returns as Sub-Zero, while Kuai Liang becomes Scorpion. One of the Mortal Kombat franchise's signature characters, Sub-Zero has appeared in various related media outside of the games. He has received critical acclaim for his appearance, abilities, and Fatality finishing moves.