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| “ | NEVER, Sorcerer! | „ |
| ~ Refusing to join the Brotherhood of Shadows |
The original Sub-Zero (Real Name: Bi-Han) is a major character in the Mortal Kombat series. He is the older brother of Kuai Liang (the second Sub-Zero in the 1st and 2nd timelines and Scorpion in the 3rd timeline). In the previous timelines, Bi-Han is an assassin of the Lin Kuei clan, but in the 3rd timeline, he is the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei after the death of his father.
As Sub-Zero, he is depicted usually as a morally gray anti-hero (though some versions are evil) and as Noob Saibot, he is depicted as a purely evil villain.
Bi-Han/Original Sub-Zero serves as a protagonist from the first video game Mortal Kombat, the titular main protagonist of the spinoff Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero and a supporting anti-heroic antagonist in the 2023 video game Mortal Kombat 1.
In Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II, he was portrayed by Daniel Pesina (as Sub-Zero). In Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, he was portrayed by John Turk. In Mortal Kombat 3, he was portrayed by Richard Divizio (due to being a pallet swap of Kano). In Mortal Kombat 9, he was portrayed by Jamieson Price, who also voiced Warpath in Transformers: War for Cybertron. In Mortal Kombat 1, he is portrayed by Kaiji Tang.
Appearance[]
Noob Saibot/Original Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) in the original games was just a palette swap of Scorpion and other ninja characters in the series, but all black. But over the years, his design has evolved and adopted somewhat more unique traits, though he has still mostly remained the same.
History[]
Background[]
Bi-Han and his brother Kuai Liang at an early age were taken away from their family by the Lin Kuei and raised in the clan to become vicious assassins. Despite them being brothers, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang were both very different in terms of personality; Bi-Han was merciless, killing without hesitation if it meant completing his mission, while Kuai Liang was far more compassionate only killing when it was absolutely necessary. Eventually, Bi-Han would be gifted the name Sub-Zero due to his cryomancer powers.
1st Timeline[]
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero[]
During the events of Mythologies, the first Sub-Zero enters the Shaolin temple to steal the sacred map of elements, with Quan Chi being the one who gave him the task. Upon entering the temple, he is confused when he sees Scorpion there as well, who was also assigned by Quan Chi to steal the amulet as well and is aware that Sub-Zero was given the same task. After searching around the temple to find the amulet (killing monks along the way), Sub-Zero finds the amulet but is confronted by Scorpion. The two engage in combat since Quan Chi set up the fight between them two. Ultimately, Sub-Zero gains the upper hand and kills Scorpion by using his "Spine Rip" fatality. Upon returning to the Lin Kuei temple, Sub-Zero politely shows his loyalty to his grandmaster by saying "Grandmaster, in honor of the Lin Kuei, I bring you the sacred Map of Elements." which pleases the latter. However, Quan Chi appears and Sub-Zero expresses his annoyance towards him for essentially putting his life at risk by not letting him know of Scorpion's involvement in the assignment. However, the grandmaster cuts off the argument and asks for the reward from Quan Chi, who gives them the bones of Scorpion's family and clan, which pleases the Lin Kuei grandmaster but confuses and shocks Sub-Zero (since he expected his reward to be money). With Quan Chi once again retaining Sub-Zero's services (because the map is only the first half of his full mission), he assigns the assassin to find an amulet in the Temple of the Elements (without telling him what the amulet truly is), with Sub-Zero saying "Fine." with a sense of annoyance.
During his mission he was attacked by the demi-god Fujin among others, whom he defeated during a lengthy battle. After fighting his way through the Temple of the Elements, Quan Chi snatches away the amulet before Sub-Zero could grab it, finally explaining to him the truth: The amulet belongs to Shinnok, an Elder God who will destroy all realms (including Earthrealm and Outworld). Sub-Zero starts to feel a mix between confusion and annoyance, saying that the idea of destroying all realms is insane, but Quan Chi just leaves him, teleporting away.
Still feeling confused, Sub-Zero tries to walk away from the temple slowly, but Raiden teleports into the temple and scolds Sub-Zero for his action of helping Quan Chi, asking him if he does realize what he has done, but Sub-Zero replies that he didn't mean for the destruction of all realms and that he only tried to earn his living and prove himself a loyal member of his clan, but Raiden tells his that his clan's ignorance and greed will cost Earthrealm. Sub-Zero tells Raiden that he doesn't believe that Quan Chi was being serious about destroying all realms, given that he is distrustful towards him and that he does insane actions that make no sense (along with the fact that Sub-Zero's never heard of Shinnok or the Netherrealm). However, Raiden tells him that what Quan Chi said can happen, especially if no one does anything to stop him. He also tells Sub-Zero that only he can save Earthrealm from Shinnok and Quan Chi. Sub-Zero accepts the task and Raiden opens a portal to the Netherrealm. Before entering the portal, Raiden warns Sub-Zero about the dangers of the Netherrealm and the latter bows politely before entering the Netherrealm.
Upon entering the Netherrealm, Sub-Zero finds himself trapped in the Prison of Souls, where he unknowingly meets Shinnok, who tells him that he belongs there and that he couldn't exist in the Netherealm unless his soul contained the impurities of evil, though Sub-Zero doesn't understand it completely yet. Shinnok eventually disappears from the cell, leaving the Lin Kuei warrior a bit confused. He then escapes the cell, but gets trapped in again, encountering an undead Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion, now transformed into a specter, who blames the ice ninja for killing him, but Sub-Zero reminds him that he had no choice and that if he let him live, then he would have the dead one, since Quan Chi was the one who set up their fight and wanted one of them to die. However, Scorpion then says that the Shirai Ryu would still be alive if he managed to kill Sub-Zero in the Shaolin temple. Sub-Zero tries to tell him that he never wanted or even knew that would happen and that Quan Chi killing the Shirai Ryu was something only he knew but didn't tell him anything at all. However, Scorpion doesn't listen and still believes Sub-Zero is responsible for the death of the Shirai Ryu. The two fight in the cell and Sub-Zero eventually defeats Scorpion a second time. After escaping the cell without getting caught again, Sub-Zero manages to defeat all the Netherrealm creatures with ease and even faces off against some of Quan Chi's allies. He kills both Jataaka and Kia, but spares Sareena (possibly because he saw that unlike the previous two, she had a chance of redemption) and even aids her in becoming a better individual through understanding emotions. After trying to redeem Sareena, Sub-Zero finds Quan Chi and the latter explains to him why Raiden sent him to defend Earthrealm: It's because Sub-Zero's years of being a loyal assassin has tainted his soul with evil and that he had potential of becoming a villain, despite the fact that Sub-Zero had neutral intentions and that he only did it to earn his living, believing that was his true purpose in life. Quan Chi tries to tempt the Lin Kuei warrior in becoming pure evil, but Sub-Zero angrily declines his offer, choosing to defend Earthrealm. The two battle in the Netherrealm and the fight ends with Sareena knocking Quan Chi into a pit, ending the fight. Surprised, Sub-Zero is glad Sareena is redeemed and tried helped him, but he still asked why she did it. Sareena expresses how thankful she is towards Bi-Han and she even reveals that for many years, she forgot that that she spent an eternity to escape the Netherrealm. She encourages Sub-Zero to take her with him, but Sub-Zero tries to explain that he needs to find Shinnok's amulet to escape, only for Shinnok to blast Sareena and render her unconscious. Sub-Zero then realizes that the entity he first met in the Prison of Souls was Shinnok. Facing off against the malevolent Elder God, Sub-Zero eventually outsmarts him by taking the amulet from him and going through Raiden's portal, which appears right after he manages retrieves the amulet. Upon returning to the Temple of the Elements, Sub-Zero gives Raiden the amulet and the thunder god is impressed that Sub-Zero was willing to give his life to defend Earthrealm. Sub-Zero then asks "Quan Chi told me that you sent me because my soul was tainted with evil. Is that true?" Raiden says that Sub-Zero is a superb warrior and that only he can control his destiny. Upon returning to the Lin Kuei temple, he is immediately given another task (this time by Shang Tsung) which is to attend the Mortal Kombat torunament.
Mortal Kombat (1992)[]
Canonically speaking, This is the first (and last) tournament in which the brother of the second Sub-Zero participate. In the Mortal Kombat tournament, Sub-Zero was assigned to assassinate Shang Tsung and earn a large amount of money from one of the sorcerer's wealthy enemies. During some time in story, he started to think deep about the actions he made over the years and started to feel like after saving Earthrealm, he believed that his job as an assassin is too dangerous for him, making a decision to retire after killing Shang Tsung. However, Sub-Zero's goal ultimately fails because after a battle against Scorpion, the Elder Sub-Zero again tries to convince Scorpion that he was not the one who killed his clan, but he still doesn't believe him. With nothing left to do, Sub-Zero accepted his death in peace.
2nd Timeline[]
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Bi-Han in the 2nd Timeline as Sub-Zero in MK (2011)
Bi-Han (Original Sub-Zero) appears in the first 3 chapters of the story mode. When future Raiden (who wants to reset the timeline to prevent Armageddon) contacts his past self to try altering the future, the story starts once more in the events of the very first game in 1992. In "Chapter 1: Johnny Cage", Sub-Zero appears with Sektor and Cyrax beside him. It's possible that while Sektor and Cyrax were assigned to fight for Outworld, Bi-Han still had the same assignment as in the first game where was assigned to assassinate Shang Tsung, though it's never clearly explained why. After defeating Baraka, Johnny Cage gets encouraged by Shang Tsung to kill him, but Cage looks at Sub-Zero, who shakes his head, encouraging him not to kill him for no reason. Johnny Cage listens to the Lin Kuei warrior and spares Baraka's life.
In "Chapter 2: Sonya", Shang Tsung interrupts Sonya's attempt to release Jax from prison, setting up a match for her and Sub-Zero. Bi-Han appears and gives her a death threat, saying "Now, you will feel death's cold embrace." before beginning to fight her. Despite threatening her however, Bi-Han ultimately loses despite being more powerful than her (as he had defeated Gods during the events of Mythologies); it's possible that Sub-Zero had second thoughts, held back during the fight, and felt sympathy for Sonya, knowing that she doesn't want to be part of the tournament and only wants to free Jax.
In "Chapter 3: Scorpion", Raiden requests Scorpion to spare Sub-Zero's life (afraid of his possible future as Noob Saibot) and he will request the Elder Gods to return the Shirai Ryu to the realm of mortals. Scorpion thinks about it and nods, having hope that his clan will walk the Earth once more. After defeating Sektor and Cyrax in a fight (which started because of an argument between the three), Scorpion says that he will have his revenge but will spare Sub-Zero's life. Upon hearing this, Sub-Zero appears and asks him if he will not or cannot kill him, unsure if Scorpion won't kill him or really cannot kill him. The two face each other and Scorpion threatens the Lin Kuei warrior, with Sub-Zero roughly replying that the Shirai Ryu are now in hell and cannot be brought back, possibly sick and tired of Scorpion repeatedly blaming him for the deaths of his family and clan, along with not believing that he's innocent. Scorpion drags both of them into the Netherrealm and Sub-Zero remembers the place (since he has been there before during the events of Mythologies). The two ninjas fight in the arena, with Scorpion winning this time, severely wounding and injuring Sub-Zero. Scorpion initially chooses to spare his life, but after Quan Chi manipulates him and abuses his trauma, Scorpion unleashes his anger. Sub-Zero tries to remind Scorpion once more that he didn't do anything like that (nor did he lead the Lin Kuei warriors into the extermination of the Shirai Ryu), but Scorpion just reveals his flaming skull and breathes fire at Sub-Zero, ending him. Upon returning back to the building of the tournament, Scorpion presents Sub-Zero's skull to everyone before dropping it on the floor, shattering it in the process. Saddened, Raiden says that Sub-Zero's end was unfortunate because he was someone capable of becoming a better person, including the fact that he risked his life to defend Earthrealm when he was its only hope.
New Era[]
Mortal Kombat 1[]
Bi-Han returns in the third timeline depicted in Mortal Kombat 1, once again donning the mantle of Sub-Zero. In this New Era, the Lin Kuei are re-imagined as a secret society of protectors for Earthrealm. Bi-Han is the eldest son of the former grandmaster, having inherited his father's position after his passing. However, years of training for threats that will apparently never come have left Bi-Han somewhat embittered. Believing his current life as a racketeer having little real purpose, he devises an ambitious idea to have the organization step out of the shadows and into the light as a national superpower.
In the final chapter, while Bi-Han had become a villain, a heroic version of Bi-Han from another timeline can be selected as the Final Warrior of the story mode. This Sub-Zero fights his way to the top of the Pyramid, and together with Liu Kang confronts the Titan versions of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. Sub-Zero managed to defeat the Deadly Alliance, and Liu Kang erased them. Sub-Zero was sent back to his own timeline when Shang Tsung's Era began collapsing without him.
Other Media[]
Movies[]
Mortal Kombat Movie (1995)[]
Noob Saibot's former identity of Sub-Zero (played by François Petit) appears in the first Mortal Kombat movie in 1995. Shang Tsung does mention his rivalry with Scorpion, but they have ultimately become slaves under his power. He is first shown alongside Scorpion threatening Liu Kang, Sonya, and Johnny Cage (by the orders of Shang Tsung). Sonya attempts to shoot Sub-Zero with her pistol, but the latter uses his ice powers and forms a thick layer of ice on the barrel of the gun before yanking it off with the barrel stuck to it, rendering Sonya's pistol useless. Before he and Scorpion can do anything else, Raiden blasts them with lightning and temporarily renders them both unconscious. Later on, Sub-Zero is shown in the banquet scene where he is given a challenge to fight a random ninja in the tournament. The ninja tries to threaten Sub-Zero by trying to look good in front of him before doing a flying kick, but Sub-Zero doesn't show any emotion and instead charges an ice ball and throws it at the ninja the moment he does his attack, freezing him in mid-air and dodging his frozen body. The frozen ninja hits a hard surface and shatters, killing him. Shang Tsung sees the whole thing and declares that Sub-Zero won a "Flawless Victory" (since Sub-Zero won the fight without getting a single hit from the opponent). Later on, Sub-Zero fights Liu Kang and managed to land several hits on him before the latter gains the upper hand. Unfazed, Sub-Zero uses his freezing abilities to create a force field in an attempt to draw Liu Kang in to his death, but was killed himself after Liu Kang threw a nearby wooden bucket of water (placed there by Raiden to aid Kang) towards the force field, creating an icicle, on which he was impaled, freezing and killing him once and for all. This makes this version of Sub-Zero very different from his other ones as he was not killed by Scorpion.
Novelization[]
In the novel Mortal Kombat by Jeff Rovin, the original Sub-Zero is a man even more brutal in comparison to his videogame counterpart. After he killed Yong Park by disemboweling him in front of his family and throwing his corpse into a river, he went into seclusion. He then received a message from Shang Tsung, who enlisted him to kill the man working for the Order of Light, Liu Kang. After donning his costume, he went after Liu Kang somewhere close to a temple. He killed two of Liu Kang's friends and proceeded to battle him. He almost won, but Liu Kang awoke his fire powers and forced him to flee. Later, while Raiden and Liu Kang battle Goro and Reptile, Sub-Zero caught them off guard and froze them. When he was preparing to kill them, Yong Park, resurrected by Yu via fusing himself with his son Tsui to become Scorpion, snatched them away and awoke them. They all battled, with Sub-Zero making a swift escape using a smoke bomb. Sub-Zero was then never seen again in the novel.
Mortal Kombat Legends[]
Scorpion's Revenge[]
Bi-Han in his Sub-Zero form briefly appears in the film at the Mortal Kombat tournament before the final battle (possibly still with the same goal as in the very first game where he will assassinate Shang Tsung before retiring as an assassin). He witnesses Kano going against the rules of Mortal Kombat by having his Black Dragon army hunt down Liu Kang, Sonya, and Johnny Cage all at once (which goes against the rule that only single combat is allowed). Sub-Zero sneaks up on Kano (off-screen) and blasts ice on the barrels of his guns and rendering them temporarily unusable, leaving Kano confused. Disgusted by Kano's behavior, Sub-Zero sternly tells him "You dishonor this tournament." proving that unlike Kano, the Lin Kuei warrior does care about proper order and rules. Attempting to stop him from cheating any more, Sub-Zero kicks Kano off the roof he's on, but before he could do anything else, Scorpion teleports to his location and attacks him. Scorpion angrily tells Sub-Zero "You will die for what you did!", leaving the Lin Kuei ninja confused (since Sub-Zero doesn't know anything about Scorpion's revenge and is not the one responsible for killing his family and clan; in the opening scene, it was Quan Chi impersonating Sub-Zero, making the Lin Kuei kill the Shirai Ryu under Sub-Zero's name, and framed him for all his crimes). Sub-Zero tries to defend himself and managed to land some hits, but Scorpion ultimately gains the upper hand, eventually grabbing Sub-Zero and dropping them both on a ground full of spikes. Both are impaled but only Sub-Zero dies from the impact, since Scorpion is undead unlike him.
Shortly after the fight, Quan Chi approaches Scorpion and expresses his disappointment towards him for not retrieving Shinnok's amulet. He then reveals that he was the one who actually kills Scorpion's family and clan, framing Sub-Zero for everything. Quan Chi leaves Scorpion and Sub-Zero stuck on the spike after making fun of Scorpion feeling broken and guilty for killing Sub-Zero (who was innocent the whole time). However, Scorpion eventually gets himself out of the spike using his strong will and faces off against Quan Chi in the final battle. Scorpion unleashes his full rage and resentment towards Quan Chi, eventually killing him. With Quan Chi dead, not only the Shirai Ryu were avenged but also Sub-Zero.
It's not made clear if this Sub-Zero went through the same events as in Mythologies (without Scorpion involved), but since he wasn't the one responsible for the deaths of Scorpion and the Shirai Ryu, this version is not considered a villain.
Battle of the Realms[]
He was mentioned many times by Scorpion and Kuai Liang. After hearing about the death of Bi-Han, Kuai Liang seeks revenge for much of the film by trying to end Scorpion to avenge his brother, though the two eventually team up in the final battle (with Kuai Liang still not forgiving Scorpion for killing Bi-Han).
Mortal Kombat (2021)[]
This Sub-Zero appears as the secondary antagonist of the 2021 movie. However, he is not portrayed as a hero.
TV[]
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm[]
Bi-Han appears briefly in the first episode of the show, in a flashback that shows him being defeated by Liu Kang like in the first movie instead of the games. However, instead of getting impaled by an ice stalagmite-like in the movie, Sub-Zero froze himself.
Mortal Kombat: Rebirth[]
Sub-Zero and his brother are mentioned in the short film Mortal Kombat: Rebirth, by Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, in an attempt to gain Scorpion's trust, and get him to enter Shang Tsung's tournament as Sonya Blade told Hanzo Hasashi that if he joined the tournament, he would get the opportunity to kill Sub-Zero. Scorpion believed he was dead, but he was then informed that the one he had killed was the older brother.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy[]
Bi-Han appears as Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat Legacy, portrayed by Kevan Ohtsji in Season 1 and Eric Steinberg in Season 2. Unlike in the games, Bi-Han and Hanzo Hasashi were childhood friends and sparring rivals rather than bitter enemies; they would often train together in a hayfield outside of their respective villages. However, their fathers eventually discovered this arrangement and forbid the two boys from seeing each other. Bi-Han questioned his father as to why the Lin Kuei and the Shirai Ryu were in conflict, but the answers he gave implied he himself did not know the reason.
When Bi-Han succeeded his father as general, he forbade any violent conflict between them and the Shirai Ryu. This peace would be broken when an overambitious Kuai Liang challenged Hanzo and paid with his life. After this event, Bi-Han promised Hanzo there would be no retaliation for the death of his younger brother and the two committed to a formal truce to forever end the violence between their clans.
Tragedy struck shortly after, however, as news reached Bi-Han about the slaughter of the Shirai Ryu and Hanzo's family at the hands of the Lin Kuei. Bi-Han was shocked and heartbroken that his clan would defy him and commit such a horrendous act, but before he could punish those involved, a mystic arrived and revealed the truth behind the attack. The sorcerer Quan Chi had impersonated Sub-Zero to carry out the slaughter so that he could resurrect Hanzo and gain his allegiance in the upcoming Mortal Kombat tournament. In the vision produced by the mystic, Quan Chi (appearing as Bi-Han) is seen killing the land's shogun and murdering Hanzo as he finds his family's frozen remains.
Bi-Han travelled to the tournament to track down Hanzo and explain to him the true nature of his death. However, Hanzo had been resurrected as the spectre Scorpion and was far too consumed by his vengeance to listen. Though Sub-Zero put up a valiant fight, he ultimately lost when Scorpion impaled him from behind with his kunai. Scorpion completed his revenge by ripping out his rival's head and spinal cord, killing him instantly.
Personality[]
1st and 2nd timelines[]
At a young age, after being taken away from his family along with his brother Kuai Liang, Bi-Han had no memory of his parents or other relatives. Additionally, he was unaware that the Lin Kuei also murdered his family, without letting them know. After being taken away, he was likely pressured, abused, and influenced by the grandmaster, manipulating him in turning into a thief and assassin.
Even before being transformed into Noob Saibot, Bi-Han was already shown to be cold and ruthless. Unlike his younger brother, Kuai Liang, Bi-Han was less compassionate and willing to kill his enemies without a second thought. He was also loyal to the Lin Kuei, taking on any task the Grandmaster assigned him no matter how dangerous or how evil the person he was working for was. After many years of training and succeeding in every task given to him, Bi-Han became the Lin Kuei's most cunning Lin Kuei assassin and thief. Based on the orders of the Lin Kuei, Bi-Han expressed hatred towards the Shirai Ryu mainly because they are the Lin Kuei's rivalling clan, although he himself does not have any personal reasons why he views them as enemies. However, despite his many actions that he has committed over the years, Bi-Han was not without his redeeming qualities. In contrast to the Lin Kuei grandmaster and Sektor, Bi-Han's not morally corrupt and his intentions were very neutral at best; he only wants to prove himself a powerful student and earn his living, believing this is his purpose in life (while also accepting Kuai Liang's ways and viewing that as his purpose in life). Despite his differences with his younger brother however, Bi-Han still accepted Kuai Liang and cared about him very much and even if he isn't as strong as him, Bi-Han still believed Kuai Liang is capable of becoming a grandmaster and would be proud of him if that happened, which was proven right because Kuai Liang eventually became a good Lin Kuei grandmaster, though Bi-Han wasn't there to see it due to his death. In Kuai Liang's bio in Mortal Kombat 4, it is stated that during some time before the events of the very first game, Bi-Han let Kuai Liang know about the experience he had during Mythologies and gave him some teachings and secrets based on that experience, showing that Bi-Han worried about his brother if he ever encountered Shinnok like he did. In addition, Kuai Liang mentioned in the story of Mortal Kombat 11 that in the past, Bi-Han tried changing the principles of the Lin Kuei (and Kuai Liang admired that and wanted to uphold them), meaning that although Bi-Han does express loyalty to the grandmaster, he did see the errors of it and wanted some changes to be made, proving that despite Bi-Han being seemingly cold on the outside, he's deeper and more complicated deep down. Kuai Liang, on the other hand, idolized and loved his brother despite being more ruthless and constantly tried mimicking his style to become a better warrior (which Bi-Han would be okay with during his time as Sub-Zero but would dismiss it as Noob Saibot), even vowing to fight for his honor after his death, proving that the two are close even with their differences. To further prove Bi-Han's complexity, he is willing to give his life to save Earthrealm after unintentionally helping Quan Chi and risking the lives of all realms. During his time in the Netherrealm, he showed compassion and redeemed Sareena, proving that Bi-Han does have heart and a sense of insight despite the fact that he has been working as an assassin for a long time. Additionally, he refused Quan Chi's temptation to become evil and chose to do the right thing, retrieving Shinnok's amulet and giving it to Raiden. After realizing that his actions as an assassin gave him potential of becoming evil (because Quan Chi explained to him why he managed to exist in the Netherrealm), Bi-Han began to acknowledge his actions more (even experiencing an inner conflict) and started to think about what he has to do in life.
Bi-Han was also unaware about the Lin Kuei grandmaster and Sektor making a deal with Quan Chi and Shinnok before the events of Mythologies to have the Shirai Ryu exterminated, which could explain why Bi-Han was visibly confused when Quan Chi gave him the bones of Scorpion's family and clan after finishing the first half of a mission assigned to him by the sorcerer. Additionally, Bi-Han didn't know that the Lin Kuei grandmaster has already known Shinnok before him.
3rd timeline[]
Bi-Han in the current timeline still remains anti-heroic, like he was in previous timelines, only this time, he has different reasons and goals. Not much of his past is known, but it is implied that while he got along well with his mother, he didn't have a good relationship with his father (who was the Lin Kuei grandmaster before), despite the fact that the father was depicted as a great man who cared about the defense of Earthrealm. It's possible that although the father may have not been poorly-intentioned, he may have done something that left a huge impact on Bi-Han's life, leaving him disillusioned and embittered by the treatment he got, ultimately making him lose concern for him and not feeling bad for leaving him to die, thanks to an accident that happened to the father. In addition, Bi-Han wanted more than just doing things by the orders of Liu Kang, feeling that he doesn't have enough freedom as a grandmaster and as a person, which contrasts to how Kuai Liang (as Scorpion now) and Tomas strictly follow their father's tradition.
Externally, Bi-Han is portrayed as serious, stoic, and reserved, though he can get enraged when people drive his patience. In addition, he can act cold, sarcastic, and blunt towards others who would defy his perspectives; an example of this is roasting Tomas for not being related to him by blood, although this could be just because he disagreed with his perspective with a sense of annoyance, because despite not being related, Bi-Han would never actually kick Tomas out of the Lin Kuei and shows concern for him whether his life is at risk, even trusting him in missions. In regards to Bi-Han's frustrations, he has grown restless after years of idleness and became slightly obsessed with engaging in combat again after so long, even developing some arrogance and pridefulness of his clan. Bi-Han was also an ambitious individual who was very determined with gaining more power, feeling that the Lin Kuei could help lead Earthrealm, instead of just defending it. When it comes to serving Liu Kang, Sub-Zero was not particularly keen on doing things only under his order, but whenever he hasn't found anything that could lead to him achieving the goals he wanted for so long, he would present himself as civil, respectful, and loyal to the Fire God.
However, when Shang Tsung offered Bi-Han more power by giving him the Dragon Warriors (in the condition that he will allow Outworld to conquer Earthrealm), Bi-Han found his chance of achieving his true goals and renounces his former position, accepting the army so he could obtain the power he desires. Bi-Han also finally reveals to Kuai Liang the truth about their father's death, leaving the latter enraged and attempting to ruthlessly end him for letting their father die. Bi-Han initially wanted Kuai Liang and Tomas to side with him and change their ways, but the two do not want any part of it. To Kuai Liang's eyes, he sees Bi-Han as corrupting the Lin Kuei (because he's no longer following their father and Liu Kang) and betraying Earthrealm (because to him, it appears that Bi-Han is now serving Shang Tsung). However, the truth is that Bi-Han, while he did technically side with Shang Tsung, didn't mean for corruption and was unaware that he was deceived by Shang Tsung and his allies, who manipulated him into thinking they all share the same kind of pain. Shang Tsung knew about Bi-Han's frustrations that stemmed from his past (which left him vulnerable in that sense) and wanted to abuse that aspect of him. When Shang Tsung tried tempting Bi-Han to accept his offer, Bi-Han thought he could trust Shang Tsung because he felt like Shang Tsung and his other allies were also going through similar difficulties as him, and thought he could succeed in life if he accepted his offer. However, Bi-Han would eventually realize that his one act would eventually lead to him being indirectly involved in Sindel's death and unintentionally betraying both Earthrealm and Outworld, becoming an enemy to both realms, and this is something Bi-Han didn't want; he didn't realize in time that his move would lead to things Bi-Han never asked for. Eventually, Bi-Han would realize that Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and General Shao were not like him, who were motivated by greed and corruption, unlike him (who just wanted to help lead Earthrealm and had deeper, more sympathetic goals and motives). Furthermore, Bi-Han would feel even more frustrated after Shang Tsung took advantage of his vulnerability (that stemmed from his frustrations) and deceived him, leaving him earning nothing. Plus, Bi-Han would be angry at himself for trying so hard only to end up messing things up more for himself and others.
Bi-Han in this timeline does share some similarities with Sektor and Frost from the previous timelines. Bi-Han is similar to Frost in which they are against the old principles and traditions of the Lin Kuei even if its morals and intentions were good. In terms of Sektor, Bi-Han does have the plan of starting the Cyber Initiative, forming an army of cybernetic Lin Kuei warriors, and fulfilling his goals using that. However, the difference is that unlike those two, Bi-Han actually has a regard for morals, order, peace, and balance in the world; he is not someone who would sacrifice humanity for corrupt purposes and he would never use power for bad reasons.
Powers and Abilities[]
As Sub-Zero, Bi-Han possessed mastery over the element of ice, even more so than his younger brother. He proved able to flash freeze opponents by touching them, freezing them to the point where they are brittle enough to shatter, and freeze the air itself by concentrating his ice powers into one destructive blast. He is also much stronger, faster, and tougher than most humans; being powerful enough to rip out someone's spine and rip them in half.
Powers[]
- Freeze: Sub-Zero sends a ball of ice to freeze the opponent in place, setting them up for a free hit. In MK1, this is attack is called Ice Ball and takes significantly longer for Sub-Zero to summon the Ice Ball. This attack can miss ducking opponents. (MK, UMK3, MKT, MKM:SZ, MK1)
- In MK1, enhancing the attack deals double the original damage and increases its hitbox, allowing it to hit ducking opponents. Additionally, it will destroy any incoming projectile, should it come in contact with one.
- Lin Kuei Slide: Sub-Zero slides across the floor and knocks the opponent off their feet. In MK1, this attack is called Ice Slide, and has Sub-Zero knock the opponent off their feet, only to impale them in the stomach with an ice spear before slamming them on the ground. (MK, UMK3, MKT, MKM:SZ, MK1)
- In MK1, enhancing the attack deals increased damage and has armor. Sub-Zero no longer impales the opponent, rather swaps sides with them after knocking them off their feet.
- Ground Freeze: Sub-Zero freezes the floor and whoever steps on the circle of ice will temporarily slip all over the place, setting the opponent up for a free hit. (UMK3, MKT, MKM:SZ)
- Ice Clone: Sub-Zero creates an ice statue of himself anywhere he chooses, and anyone who touches it will freeze. In MK Trilogy, Bi-Han was given this attack only in the Nintendo 64 version. In MK1, this attack is called Ice Klone and disintegrates shortly after creating it, unlike the other versions of the attack. Sub-Zero can also spawn a Klone in the air, called (Air) Ice Klone, respectively. (MKT, MKM:SZ, MK1)
- In MK1, enhancing the attack makes the Klone last longer. Additionally, Sub-Zero can enhance the attack right after creating the Klone, which creates two additional Klones in the air. If the opponent makes contact with the Klone, they will be propelled into the remaining Klones, with the last one freezing the opponent and setting them up for a free hit. Like the original, the attack can be performed in the air.
- Ice Shower: Sub-Zero shoots ice straight overhead which falls back down atop his opponent. He can shoot it close, mid way, or far away to freeze the opponent. Bi-Han had this move only in the Nintendo 64 version of MK Trilogy. (MKT)
- Freeze in the Air: Sub-Zero sends a ball of ice straight ahead whilist airborne. (MKM:SZ)
- Diagonal Freeze: Sub-Zero shoots an ice blast upwards to freeze an airborne opponent. (MKM:SZ)
- Freeze on Contact: Sub-Zero runs forward, and freezes enemies he touches on the way past. (MKM:SZ)
- Super Lin Kuei Slide: Improved version of Lin Kuei Slide where Sub-Zero slides a greater distance. (MKM:SZ)
- Deep Freeze: Sub-Zero freezes opponents to the point of them becoming brittle enough to shatter into pieces. (MKM:SZ)
- Polar Blast: Sub-Zero freezes the air itself by concentrating all of his ice power into one destructive blast. (MKM:SZ)
- Ice Klone Charge: Sub-Zero creates an Ice Klone that charges at the opponent with a straight punch, knocking them away. Additionally, it will destroy any incoming projectile, should it come in contact with one. (MK1)
- Enhancing the attack deals increased damage while retaining the original properties.
- (Air) Diving Glacier: While in the air, Sub-Zero dives at the opponent with his legs frozen and kicks them in the face, similar to Kung Lao's Dive Kick. Sub-Zero is able to continue combos if this is successful. (MK1)
- Enhancing the attack has Sub-Zero slam his fist on the ground, creating ice stalagmites in the ground and launching the opponent into the air for a juggle. The attack deals no additional damage at the expense of the juggle effect.
- Deadly Vapors: Sub-Zero summons ice at the opponent's feet, briefly slowing them before the ice melts. This attack tracks the opponent's location. (MK1)
- Enhancing the attack traps the opponent in the ice much longer, dealing double the original damage and setting them up for a free hit.
- Superhuman Strength: When Bi-Han was a Cryomancer, he has shown to be powerful enough to rip someone's head with their spinal cord still attached from their shoulders. He can also uppercut an opponent's head off with ease.
- Superhuman Speed: Bi-Han has shown to be extremely fast to face opponents with incredible speed.
- Superhuman Stamina: Bi-Han can fight for several hours without showing any signs of exhaustion.
- Superhuman Endurance: Bi-Han can tolerate large amounts of physical pain and can still fight even if he is injured.
- Superhuman Reflexes: Bi-Han can also anticipate any attack that comes his way. His reflexes are far superior than any other Lin Kuei ninjas.
- Superhuman Senses: Bi-Han has incredible senses that he is able to sense Nitara coming down from the skies.
- Magic: All Cryomancers have the magical ability to control ice in many ways. He can flash freeze opponents by sending ice balls toward them, cause powerful storms, shatter himself and teleport somewhere else, and can use his powers to create weapons made of ice.
- Cryokinesis
- Weather Manipulation
- Teleportation
- Weapon Creation
Abilities[]
- Master Martial Artist: From his time as a Cryomancer and as a Wraith, he has been proven a very formidable opponent. His martial arts skills are immense that he was known as one of the best Lin Kuei ninjas in the whole universe. The fighting styles he used as a Cryomancer, are different than those he used as a Wraith. As Sub-Zero, he bested the likes of Nitara, Ermac, Quan Chi, and Shang Tsung. As Noob Saibot he had held his own against Fujin until he was defeated.
- Shotokan Karate
- Dragon Kung Fu
- Ninjutsu
Gallery[]
.png "MK3U-05 Sub-Zero (Bi Han).png (119 KB)")
Quotes[]
| “ | There won't be anywhere to go if I don't get the amulet back. | „ |
| ~ Bi-Han refusing to return to Earthrealm. |
| “ | We settle for defending Earthrealm when we could help lead it. | „ |
| ~ Bi-Han to Kuai Liang |
| “ | Finally, we face a worthy foe. Victory will bring us glory. | „ |
| ~ Sub-Zero to his brothers in Mortal Kombat 1 |
| “ | A Lin Kuei could do no better. | „ |
| ~ The "Light" Bi-Han thanks Titan Kitana. |
| “ | You honor me, Liu Kang. Shall we end this? | „ |
| ~ The "Light" Bi-Han to Liu Kang after defeating Shang TSung and Quan Chi. |
Trivia[]
- Bi-Han debuts as the original Sub-Zero in this game as well as the first member of the Lin Kuei in the series.
- Bi-Han's "Spine Rip" fatality in the very first game is the finisher that gave Mortal Kombat its controversial reputation regarding video game violence and became the most infamous fatality in the entire series, even leading to the birth of the ESRB rating system.
- Before Kuai Liang, he the first Sub-Zero to have a rivalry with the fan-favorite Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion.
- In Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Bi-Han is referred to as "Masked Sub-Zero" in the game's credits. Most publications, however, refer to him as "Classic Sub-Zero".
- Bi-Han returns as his original Sub-Zero appearance, being the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei in the new timeline.
- As with other revamped and reimagined characters, Kuai Liang, his younger brother, is now Scorpion in the new timeline, a departure from the previous iterations of the characters.
- In his intro dialogue between him and Cage, is where Bi-Han said, "Revenge is a dish best served cold.", with Cage says, "It is very cold in space.", a reference to Khan's quote in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan.
- As Bi-Han begins his Brain Freeze's fatality, he says "你現在死!", which means "You die now!" in Chinese. This phrase was previously said by Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat (2011).
- Bi-Han's name can be transcribed into Chinese 壁漢, literally "flat-jade man", or 避寒, "escape cold".
- Sub-Zero's original name was going to be "Tundra", which canonically became the younger Sub-Zero's original codename.
- While Bi-Han is characterized as severe and stoic in Mortal Kombat 1, he does make quite a few snow themed puns, such as "Ice to beat you". That being said, Kaiji Tang has suggested that he would get offended if someone else did the same to him.
- More than a few of Bi-Han's intros in Mortal Kombat 1 show him acknowledging his mistakes and regretting his trust towards Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and General Shao, which could hint a potential redemption arc for him in the sequel.
- Given how in Kuai Liang Sub-Zero's MK11 ending, he created a timeline where Bi-Han never became evil and acted as a joint Grandmaster, some have theorized that the heroic Bi-Han of MK1's final chapter is this particular version of him.
External links[]
- Bi-Han on the Inconsistently Admirable Wiki
- His alternate timeline version on the Near Pure Evil Wiki
- Bi-Han on the Heroic Benchmark Wiki
- Bi-Han on the Villains Wiki
- Bi-Han on the Mortal Kombat Wiki