

Tobias wrote this inspiration came from the controversial book China's Ninja Connection by Li Hsing, which "posits historical evidence for the existence of the Lin Kuei and their influence on the Japanese ninja. According to Richard Divizio, the Lin Kuei idea was his input back at the very beginning of the development, in the project that had been cancelled by Midway Games before being restarted later, and in which "originally John had Japanese ninjas". Sub-Zero has Ice powers and was first conceived by Mortal Kombat co-creator John Tobias as a mysterious character named simply "Ninja". John Tobias' original concept art and idea notes for the "Lin Kuei / Ninja" character that would become Sub-Zero He has received acclaim for his appearance, abilities, and Fatality finishing moves. One of Mortal Kombat 's signature characters, Sub-Zero has appeared in various related media outside of the games. Sub-Zero also appears as both a rival and ally of the undead ninja Scorpion. 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.

The mantle is previously used in the original 1992 game and Mythologies by his older brother Bi-Han ( Chinese: 避寒 pinyin: Bì Hán), who appears in subsequent installments as Noob Saibot. Debuting in Mortal Kombat II (1993), he uses the mantle in every chronological game since his introduction. The franchise's main Sub-Zero is Kuai Liang ( Chinese: 快凉 pinyin: Kuài Liáng).

Sub-Zero (as Bi-Han and Kuai Liang) is the only fighter to appear in every original main installment of the series, along with being featured as the protagonist of the action-adventure spin-off Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997). A warrior from the fictional Lin Kuei clan, the character is principally defined by his ability to control ice in many forms. Sub-Zero is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games and NetherRealm Studios.
