Limbo, also known as Otherplace, was a magical dimension of demons which were historically ruled by Belasco. Limbo did not appear to be the Catholic Limbo (Realm Between) or Purgatory but was a sort of "pocket universe", whose physical and temporal scope was extremely limited compared to the universe that ordinary human beings inhabited.
Limbo was the center of the Splinter Realms (also known as the "Archipelago of Anguish and Redemption"), and allegedly part of the Nexus of All Realities.
Facts[]
Limbo's physical laws were primarily magical, though laws of the ordinary universe (such as electromagnetism and gravity) normally applied within its bounds.
To those within Limbo, it appeared roughly analogous to a planet, with a solid surface at one earth gravity and a sky devoid of stars.
It has an ecology composed primarily of demons of various sizes, strengths, and intellects. It is said that its ether is much thinner than that of the normal universe, allowing for a greater spectrum of magical powers and effects. All demons within it are magical creatures that possess spell making abilities to a greater or lesser degree. The demons speak in the language of the Demonic Script.
Although Otherplace has a linear history, the time within it is not rigid. Many points in its past and future are connected through naturally occurring temporal rifts, and its present is relative to the individual. Its history can be changed by travel through these rifts, but for some reason, this is rare.
Limbo is traditionally ruled by a Supreme Sorcerer, either a demonic native or an entity from another universe, often Earth's. Limbo's appearance and physical laws are highly variable and determined by the power and personal taste of its ruler. It can take the form of an otherworldly paradise, or rocky, sulfurous perdition. The demons of Limbo traditionally display an attitude of slavish loyalty to its sovereign and act as his or her servants. They will even assume forms mandated by the sorcerer if he or she is sufficiently powerful. However, the longer Limbo's ruler spends away from the dimension, the weaker that individual's mystical thrall over it becomes, and the more autonomously the demons begin to act. Left to their own devices they will plot to betray and conquer whoever holds the highest position. They will also attempt to invade other realities if not held in check.
Otherplace generally has a morally and spiritually corrupting influence over its denizens. If human, a resident of the realm will slowly metamorphose into a demonic entity. This change enhances the magical powers of the individual at the cost of their soul. Persons of great moral courage and wisdom can stave off the change for decades, but it is considered inevitable. The transformation usually progresses in stages initiated by the evil acts Limbo demands for survival. Magic in limbo is fundamentally neutral. It is the social and political climate that leads to this process.
The reality of Limbo is generated by a single deposit of a magical metal called Promethium. In Limbo, it takes the form of a giant animal heart, hidden in a cavern deep below its surface. Removal of the promethium to another dimension will cause Limbo to vanish. The heart of Limbo was once sought by the supervillain Doctor Doom as an inexhaustible energy source for his nation of Latveria.
Notes[]
- Limbo has sometimes been erroneously called Otherworld, which is the home dimension of the beings who empower and oversee the Captain Britain Corps.
- By a writer's intentional discretion or mistaken confusion, Limbo on occasion is presented as a mashup, inheriting characteristics of multiple versions. Stuart Vandal, aka Loki, a contributor and editor of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe 2005: Alternate Universes replied in the official forums that "the Limbo he (Belasco) rules is not Immortus' Limbo, as established in the Deluxe Edition handbooks and Excalibur"
- Most popularly, the Limbos were portrayed as one blended entity in Alex Ross' Earth X, which is non-canon.