Vampires versus Werewolves, Aliens versus Predator, Scorpion versus Sub-Zero. Indeed, the entertainment industry has given audiences many indelible rivalries over the decades. Mortal Kombat endeared itself to a generation of gamers with signature kombatants and violence, celebrating three decades of memories and fatalities in October. Arguably representing the faces of the MK franchise, Scorpion and Sub-Zero have endured the most recognizable rivalry in the MK franchise.

Throughout Scorpion and Sub-Zero’s rivalry, die-hard fans have done a bang-up job, creatively capturing this legendary competition with a plethora of mimetic content perfectly symbolizing this unique rivalry among fighting game icons.

The Rivalry Based Upon Deception

Garnering positive reviews from fans and critics, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge presented a creative take on the first Mortal Kombat tournament. The first animated Mortal Kombat offering since Defenders of the Realm, Warner Bros animation pulled no punches, taking the first R-rating for a Mortal Kombat movie and crafting a story worthy of the franchise.

Offering new and returning fans a refresher on Scorpion’s origin story, Scorpions Revenge does a satisfactory job visualizing the early formative interactions between the vengeful specter and his principal rival, Sub-Zero. Initially framed for the extermination of the Shirai Ryu Clan and Scorpion’s wife and child, Sub-Zero is understandably miffed when Scorpion attacks him with all the fires of the Netherrealm.

Who Killed The Shirai Ryu?

A profound mystery in the early Mortal Kombat games was the motivations of Sub-Zero exterminating the cancer-like Scorpion’s Shirai Ryu Clan. Through Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat 4, the details of the Shirai Ryu massacre and the origin of this bloody rivalry would be revealed, giving fans a whole new perspective on Scorpion and Sub-Zero.

Fast-forward to the events and revelations of Mortal Kombat X, where Scorpion and Sub-Zero were re-enlightened to the truth of their deception, becoming allies. But, unfortunately, this newfound partnership does not change the past nor the despicable duplicity inflicted on these kombatants by the insidious Quan Chi.

Who Is Superior Kombatant?

When the Mortal Kombat timeline was retconned in Mortal Kombat, the ninth self-titled entry of the franchise, fans were treated to many foundational character interactions, like the fated fight between Scorpion and the original Sub-Zero, newly rendered and full of fantastic imagery. Having foresight into the results of the earliest tournament, Raiden knows that Scorpion will take revenge on Sub-Zero, wrongfully thinking him responsible for the death of his wife and child.

Unfortunately, this act will eventually lead Bi-Han to become Noob Saibot, a malevolent wraith from Netherrealm. Seeking to prevent this cycle from starting anew, Raiden attempts to talk Scorpion down and reason with him, initially succeeding until Sub-Zero arrives aggressively, looking for a fight. Sadly, combined with Quan Chi’s push, Scorpion can’t help himself, giving in to revenge and starting this historic rivalry in a second timeline.

Ed Boon Vs. Sub-Zero

Undoubtedly one dig on the rivalry is the fan-speculated preferential treatment given to creator Ed Boon’s vengeful spectre Scorpion. Long thought to represent the driving force behind the feud, Boon’s purported infatuation with Scorpion has been embraced by fans who often go over the top in expressing the popular ‘teacher’s pet Scorpion’ theory.

Truthfully fans can hardly blame Boon for taking a liking to this iconic fighting game character he created, nor can Boon find slight with the fans for their artistic offerings regarding their takes on Scorpion and Sub-Zero’s rivalry.

Scorpion And Sub-Zero Are Equals?

Are all kombatants created equal? Skeptics of this storied clash cite the favoritism afforded the yellow jacket-adorned ninja of the Shirai Ryu and NetherRealm Studios’ portrayals of Sub-Zero as evidence they are not. Additionally, as eruditely pointed out, Scorpion has received more love from NRS, evidenced by MK X reveal trailer, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, and the numerous beatdowns doled out by Scorpion on the Lin Kuei Grand Master.

This visual endorsement has gone so far as to become a point of comedic relief among the astute detectives of the MK community. Yet, that is not to say that Sub-Zero has been left out in the cold in the franchise. On the contrary, Sub-Zero has become a fan favorite, appearing in every MK installment in the franchise in some incarnation, perhaps showing the kombatants share some degree of equality.

The Chosen Two Of Mortal Kombat Warriors

Indeed, of the traditional shinobi shozoku garb wearers, Scorpion and Sub-Zero reign supreme. However, while their rivalry has distinguished Scorpion and Sub-Zero, their position among the shinobi shozoku-garbed kombatants of Mortal Kombat is without question. Beginning with Reptile in the original Mortal Kombat, followed by additions of Noob Saibot and Smoke in MK 2, and finally rounded out by Ermac, Khameleon, and Rain when Mortal Kombat Trilogy rolled around, the ninja-clad kombatants of MK were well represented.

Sadly, none of these ‘clones’ will attain the notoriety or staying power of Scorpion and Sub-Zero, often serving tertiary roles as plot devices. Perhaps only Noob can claim to be in striking distance of those two, likely because Noob was the original Sub-Zero, thus benefiting from the development of a distinct storyline and personality.

Legendary Rivalry

Nevertheless, the wonderful world of sci-fi and animation has yielded many memorable warriors and rivalries over the last three decades. Such nostalgia-inducing rivalries as Goku-Vegeta and Naruto-Sasuke likely come to mind for animation fans when discussing some of the most fan-appreciated rivalries.

Indeed, the penultimate Mortal Kombat juxtaposition between the fiery zodiac rooster avatar Scorpion and frostbitten tiger Sub-Zero certainly qualifies as a legendary rivalry filled with memorable clashes. Many MK fans would argue that the Scorpion Sub-Zero rivalry is perfection, trumping the others in tenure and substance.

Only Earthrealmers Of Culture

A common theme throughout the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero has been the outside forces that perpetually fuel the flames of dissent between these two kombatants. Across the timelines, enemies like Frost, Sektor, Shinnok, and Quan Chi have subverted the peace and provoked hostilities between the Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei.

Odd among this group of antagonists is Frost, who, despite the favor Sub-Zero bestowed upon her, has constantly undermined the Grandmaster at every opportunity. Additionally, while the alliance of Scorpion and Sub-Zero has gotten warmer, Frost will remain on ice, consumed by the caustic loathing that once drove Scorpion.

Lin Kuei Scum!

Over three decades, Scorpion and Sub-Zero have become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise. However, having appeared in every Mortal Kombat iteration since the beginning, Scorpion and Sub-Zero’s history has remained constant, marred by deception, retribution, and violence.

Nevertheless, rage drove Scorpion’s actions, resulting in the death of the first Sub-Zero Bi-Han, and numerous scraps with the second incarnation. This vicious cycle would continue until the events of MK X led to the brokering of a truce between the famous Shirai Ryu and the Lin Kuei.

Sub-Zero Can Only Have One Best Friend

Given the alterations of the official canon brought about by the MK 9 creation of the second timeline, Scorpion and Sub-Zero have become less ‘finish each other’ and more matured kombatants who found common ground rooted in mutual respect. Finally, in doing so, both would see their similarities and the mutual enemies they now face.

However, perhaps all the camaraderie is just an elaborate illusion perpetrated by Scorpion, hoping to lower Sub-Zero’s guard. Certainly, if something is too good to believe, it likely is; a clear illustration of the perils that Sub-Zero could face due to his ignorance.