Did Sub-Zero Take Jax’s Arms? Unraveling the Mortal Kombat Lore
The question of how Jax Briggs lost his arms is a surprisingly complex one, with different answers depending on which version of the Mortal Kombat universe you’re examining. The short answer, as it relates to the 2021 film reboot, is yes, Sub-Zero is responsible for the loss of Jax’s arms. However, this is not the case across all Mortal Kombat timelines and adaptations. Let’s dive deep into the various scenarios and clear up the confusion surrounding this iconic character’s traumatic experience.
Jax’s Arm Loss Across Different Mortal Kombat Continuities
The origins of Jax’s iconic metal arms are not consistent throughout the Mortal Kombat franchise. In fact, they change drastically depending on the medium, adding layers of complexity to his story.
The 2021 Mortal Kombat Movie Reboot
The most recent cinematic reboot of Mortal Kombat established a new origin story for Jax’s bionic arms. In this version, during a mission in Brazil, Jax encounters Sub-Zero (played by Joe Taslim). Using his ice powers, Sub-Zero freezes Jax’s arms and then rips them off. This brutal encounter serves as the catalyst for Jax’s eventual cybernetic enhancements and explains his deep-seated trauma surrounding the ice-wielding assassin.
Original Video Game Timeline
In the original video game timeline, particularly in Mortal Kombat II, Jax’s arm loss is attributed to Ermac, the telekinetic ninja comprised of countless warrior souls. While venturing through Outworld, Jax confronts Ermac, who effortlessly overpowers him. Using his telekinetic abilities, Ermac literally explodes Jax’s arms in a devastating attack, thus necessitating the introduction of his bionic replacements.
Mortal Kombat Annihilation
The 1997 sequel film, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, offers yet another version of events. Here, Jax’s arms are lost in a battle against Sub-Zero. Similar to the 2021 movie, Sub-Zero uses his ice powers to freeze Jax’s arms solid before shattering them, resulting in the amputation of his limbs. This incident closely mirrors the 2021 portrayal, but is different from the game version and serves as an early example of the conflicting origins present in the different adaptions.
Mortal Kombat 3 and Beyond
Regardless of how Jax lost his arms, the bionic replacements make their debut in Mortal Kombat 3. In this version, it’s mentioned that they are an “upgrade” to prepare him for the impending invasion by Shao Kahn. The game itself, however, doesn’t delve into the specific circumstances of why and how Jax got them. The developers primarily aimed to make him visually interesting, not focusing on the specifics of their origin in the initial game release.
Other Media and Variations
It’s worth noting that, in other media, such as the comic series Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s Revenge, the loss of Jax’s arms is attributed to Goro. This shows the constant shifting of backstories depending on the iteration of the franchise, highlighting the fluid nature of Mortal Kombat’s narratives.
The Significance of Sub-Zero in Jax’s Origin
In the 2021 reboot film, choosing Sub-Zero as the source of Jax’s arm loss has significant storytelling implications. This decision ties Jax’s trauma directly to a major antagonist of the series, creating a personal connection between the two characters. It also helps contextualize Jax’s future struggles with his new enhancements and his vengeful motivations.
Jax’s Traumatic Experience
The loss of his arms is portrayed as a brutal and traumatic experience for Jax. This experience is a pivotal moment in his character arc, pushing him toward the cyborg enhancements that are now synonymous with his appearance. The decision to assign the responsibility to Sub-Zero also amplifies Sub-Zero’s villainous presence, solidifying his role as a powerful force of antagonism.
Why the Change in Canon?
The decision to alter Jax’s origin from Ermac to Sub-Zero for the 2021 film likely served to streamline the narrative and create a stronger emotional impact. Ermac, while a notable character, doesn’t have the same level of notoriety as Sub-Zero. By using Sub-Zero, the film adds immediate weight to the encounter and creates a more powerful connection to the overall conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Jax’s bionic arms and his relationship with Sub-Zero:
1. Did Jax always have metal arms?
No, Jax did not always have metal arms. In the earlier timeline, he lost his arms due to Ermac in Mortal Kombat II. The metal arms were added in Mortal Kombat 3 as an upgrade.
2. How did Jax get his robotic arms in the 2021 movie?
In the 2021 Mortal Kombat movie, Sub-Zero ripped off Jax’s human arms using his ice magic, necessitating the cybernetic enhancements.
3. Who gave Jax his metal arms originally in the video games?
In the original timeline, the game provided little explanation for the change, they just showed up. It is implied that they were a military upgrade.
4. Why do Jax’s arms glow red in some games?
Jax’s bionic arms can heat up when he uses them in combat. As he lands more hits, they glow increasingly red, which enhances his damage output.
5. Is Sub-Zero evil in the 2021 movie?
While Sub-Zero is a primary antagonist in the 2021 movie, his actor, Joe Taslim, explains that his actions are rooted in loyalty to the Lin Kuei and not inherently evil.
6. What are Jax’s arms made of?
Jax’s arms are cybernetic bionic enhancements, made from an unknown metal alloy.
7. Why did Jax join Kronika in Mortal Kombat 11?
Jax was manipulated by Kronika due to the death of his wife and the fact that his daughter, Jacqui was at risk of going to war for the special forces. Kronika offered him a chance to prevent Jacqui from joining the Special Forces.
8. Does Jax have any other weapons?
Yes, while he’s famous for his arms, in some versions of Mortal Kombat, Jax wields an Icathian axe-headed polearm.
9. What are Jax’s primary powers?
Jax’s primary powers are his massive upper body strength and his ability to generate heat in his arms.
10. Who is the big guy with 4 arms in Mortal Kombat?
The four-armed character in Mortal Kombat is Goro, a member of the Shokan race.
11. Is Jax’s daughter, Jacqui, in Mortal Kombat?
Yes, Jax’s daughter, Jacqueline Sonya “Jacqui” Briggs, is a character in the Mortal Kombat series.
12. Why did Sub-Zero kill Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion)?
In the context of the 2021 film, Sub-Zero killed Hanzo as part of his duties for the Lin Kuei, not out of personal malice, but as he had no other option.
13. Does Jax turn bad in any of the games or movies?
No, Jax does not turn outright “bad”, but he is depicted as being driven by revenge in some instances. His loyalty to his friends and family eventually shines through.
14. How did Jax become human after being a revenant?
Jax was resurrected as a revenant by Quan Chi. Quan Chi removed the cybernetic implants of a cyberized Sub-Zero, thus restoring his human body, similarly Jax would have been returned to human form.
15. Why does Sub-Zero hate Scorpion?
The rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion stems from their conflicting allegiances. Sub-Zero belongs to the Lin Kuei, while Scorpion was a member of the Shirai Ryu.
Conclusion
The question of whether Sub-Zero took Jax’s arms has a nuanced answer depending on which version of the Mortal Kombat universe you’re engaging with. While he is responsible for the act in the 2021 movie, other versions of the franchise have different characters involved. These discrepancies highlight the ever-evolving nature of the Mortal Kombat storyline and the continued fascination with its complex characters and their intertwined destinies. No matter the origin, the loss of Jax’s arms remains a pivotal moment in his story, shaping him into the iconic powerhouse he is today.