Sub-Zero is the name of two fictional characters in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios. A warrior from the fictional Lin Kuei clan (), the character is principally defined by his ability to control ice in many forms. Sub-Zero has appeared in every main installment of the series but as two different people (Bi-Han and Kuai Liang), along with being featured as the protagonist of the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997). The franchise's main Sub-Zero is Kuai Liang (). Debuting in Mortal Kombat II (1993), he has used the mantle in every chronological game since his introduction. The mantle was previously used in the original 1992 game and Mythologies by his older brother Bi-Han (), who appears in subsequent installments as Noob Saibot. In contrast with Bi-Han's anti-heroic and later villainous role in the franchise, the main Sub-Zero is depicted as one of the heroic fighters defending Earthrealm against various threats. Sub-Zero also appears as both a rival and ally of the formerly undead specter Scorpion. One of Mortal Kombats signature characters, Sub-Zero has appeared in various related media outside of the games. He has received acclaim for his appearance, abilities, and Fatality finishing moves. Appearances Mortal Kombat games The elder Sub-Zero appears as a playable character in the original 1992 Mortal Kombat game and the protagonist of the 1997 spin-off/prequel Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero. He was sent by the Chinese ninja clan Lin Kuei to kill the host Shang Tsung. Scorpion held an enmity towards Sub-Zero due to rivalry between their opposing warrior clans (Scorpion's Japanese clan was unnamed). It is revealed that Scorpion was earlier killed by the Sub-Zero, and Scorpion was allowed to return to the physical realms as an undead spectre to take revenge upon Sub-Zero. In Mortal Kombat II (1993), the younger Sub-Zero is introduced. Upon his brother's death in the first tournament and Shang Tsung's survival, Sub-Zero is sent by the Lin Kuei to enter the Outworld tournament and complete his brother's unfinished task. Scorpion enters the tournament to ensure Sub-Zero's demise. However Scorpion witnesses this Sub-Zero spare an opponent's life; something the original Sub-Zero was not known to do. Scorpion eventually discovers the new Sub-Zero's true identity as the younger brother, in return for taking his older brother's life, vows to protect him forever. In Mortal Kombat 3 (1995), Sub-Zero and his fellow Lin Kuei