Do we like them?

Do we like Sub-Zero?

A character from Mortal Kombat (1992–present)

Our score: 7 out of 10. Mostly yes. The Sub-Zero we'd back is Kuai Liang, a stern but honourable warrior who has chosen to do right. His brother Bi-Han is a different matter.

Sub-Zero is a ninja of the Lin Kuei, a secretive clan of assassins in China. He can freeze things and make ice weapons. He enters the Mortal Kombat tournament, a fight where the fate of whole realms hangs on who wins. He is one of the series' best-known characters and a rival of Scorpion.

The name has been shared by two brothers. Bi-Han, the elder, is a cold and ruthless killer who takes jobs without asking questions. Kuai Liang, the younger, is more disciplined and thoughtful. He is the one most fans mean when they talk about a Sub-Zero worth following.

We score him a 7. He is not gentle, and his past is full of violence on the Lin Kuei's orders. But he keeps his word, respects his enemies and tries to do right when it counts, and that makes him a warrior we'd back.

In the original timeline Scorpion kills Bi-Han, and Kuai Liang takes the Sub-Zero name to honour him. Scorpion first mistakes Kuai Liang for his brother's killer, then comes to see the truth and becomes his ally. Later retellings reshuffle the brothers' roles.