(Belasco is ruler of the limbo again) |
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| RealName = [[Belasco]] |
| RealName = [[Belasco]] |
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| CurrentAlias = |
| CurrentAlias = |
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− | | Aliases = Lord Belasco of the Corrupted, Lucas, "Lucifer," Master of Worlds within Worlds, Sonny; impersonated Sabu, Wend |
+ | | Aliases = Lord Belasco of the Corrupted, Lucas, "[[Lucifer]]," Master of Worlds within Worlds, Sonny; impersonated Sabu, Wend |
| Identity = No Dual |
| Identity = No Dual |
||
− | | Affiliation = [[Demons]] of Limbo; formerly [[S'ym]], [[Magik]], [[N'Astirh]], {{m|Hell Lords}}, {{m|Lords of the Splinter Realms}} |
+ | | Affiliation = [[Demons]] of Limbo; formerly [[S'ym]], [[Illyana Rasputina (Earth-616)|Magik]], [[N'Astirh]], {{m|Hell Lords}}, {{m|Lords of the Splinter Realms}} |
| Relatives = [[Ananym (Earth-616)|Witchfire/Ananym]] (Alleged daughter) |
| Relatives = [[Ananym (Earth-616)|Witchfire/Ananym]] (Alleged daughter) |
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| Universe = Earth-616 |
| Universe = Earth-616 |
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| CharRef = {{c|Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z #1}} |
| CharRef = {{c|Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z #1}} |
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− | | Citizenship = Florentine Republic |
+ | | Citizenship = Florentine Republic{{r|Marvel Zombies Handbook #1|; Belasco's entry}} |
− | | Citizenship2 = |
+ | | Citizenship2 = |
| MaritalStatus = Single |
| MaritalStatus = Single |
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− | | Occupation = Sorcerer and Ruler of the Limbo |
+ | | Occupation = Sorcerer and Ruler of the Limbo{{r|Ghost Rider Vol 9 4}} |
| Education = |
| Education = |
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− | | Origin = 13th century [[Homo sapiens|human]] sorcerer |
+ | | Origin = 13th century [[Homo sapiens|human]] sorcerer transformed into a [[demon (Human)|demon]]{{r|Marvel Atlas #1|; [[Italy]]'s entry}} |
| PlaceOfBirth = Florence, Italy |
| PlaceOfBirth = Florence, Italy |
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| Creators = Steve Gerber; Val Mayerik |
| Creators = Steve Gerber; Val Mayerik |
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| HistoryText = |
| HistoryText = |
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===Early history=== |
===Early history=== |
||
− | Belasco's early history was told by the poet [[Dante Alighieri (Earth-616)|Dante]], though there was some dispute as to the veracity of these accounts. Allegedly,{{citation}} Belasco was a sorcerer in 13th Century [[Italy]]{{r|Marvel Atlas #1|; [[Italy]]'s entry}} who used his knowledge of alchemy and the black arts to |
+ | Belasco's early history was told by the poet [[Dante Alighieri (Earth-616)|Dante]], though there was some dispute as to the veracity of these accounts. Allegedly,{{citation}} Belasco was a sorcerer in 13th Century [[Italy]]{{r|Marvel Atlas #1|; [[Italy]]'s entry}} who used his knowledge of alchemy and the black arts to contact the "[[Elder Gods]]" (actually extradimensional demonic entities known as the [[Mabdhara]], masters of the [[N'Garai]]).{{r|Marvel Zombies Handbook #1|; Belasco's entry}} He forged a pact with them enabling them to cross the barrier to our dimension using a pentagonal arrangement of five [[Bloodstones]]. In return, Belasco was granted immortality and immense mystical power. He was also given a demonic appearance, as he was intended to form a new race of Earth-dwelling demons.{{Citation}} |
To this end, he kidnapped Bice "Beatrice" dei Portinari, beloved of Dante, to give birth to the first of this new race. He fled with her to the [[Atlantis|Atlantean]] isle of [[Pangea]], where the Elder Gods directed him to [[Mt. Flavius]], where their summoning ritual could take place. While en route, Belasco raped Beatrice, and she was nine months pregnant by the time they arrived. He embarked onto the island, closely pursued by Dante, and took Beatrice into a network of underground passages designed to resemble [[Hell]]. Dante found them just in time to witness Beatrice dying in childbirth and, enraged, he attacked Belasco. During the battle, a pipe was accidentally struck, releasing an unknown liquid that placed Belasco in suspended animation. At some point on the island, Belasco also lost the locket containing the Bloodstones.{{Citation}} |
To this end, he kidnapped Bice "Beatrice" dei Portinari, beloved of Dante, to give birth to the first of this new race. He fled with her to the [[Atlantis|Atlantean]] isle of [[Pangea]], where the Elder Gods directed him to [[Mt. Flavius]], where their summoning ritual could take place. While en route, Belasco raped Beatrice, and she was nine months pregnant by the time they arrived. He embarked onto the island, closely pursued by Dante, and took Beatrice into a network of underground passages designed to resemble [[Hell]]. Dante found them just in time to witness Beatrice dying in childbirth and, enraged, he attacked Belasco. During the battle, a pipe was accidentally struck, releasing an unknown liquid that placed Belasco in suspended animation. At some point on the island, Belasco also lost the locket containing the Bloodstones.{{Citation}} |
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===Modern history=== |
===Modern history=== |
||
− | In recent years, the volcano mountain became active again, releasing Belasco. He quickly located the locket and found a new sacrifice, [[Shanna the She-Devil|Shanna O'Hara]]. He placed her under his mental control and began the spell. However, just as he was almost finished, Shanna's mate [[Ka-Zar]] appeared and hurled the locket into the volcano, sealing away the [[Elder Gods]] and apparently destroying Belasco.{{Citation}} |
+ | In recent years, the volcano mountain became active again, releasing Belasco. He quickly located the locket and found a new sacrifice, [[Shanna the She-Devil|Shanna O'Hara]]. He placed her under his mental control and began the spell. However, just as he was almost finished, Shanna's mate [[Kevin Plunder (Earth-616)|Ka-Zar]] appeared and hurled the locket into the volcano, sealing away the [[Elder Gods]] and apparently destroying Belasco.{{Citation}} |
− | However, he instead was trapped in [[Limbo]], where he spent his years conquering it. Once complete, he drew the [[X-Men (Earth-616)|X-Men]] to him for unknown reasons and battled them.{{r|Uncanny X-Men Vol 1 160}} They all managed to escape save the seven-year-old Illyana Rasputin, whom he made his apprentice. He shaped part of her soul into a Bloodstone, giving her great potential for power and allowing him to control her. However, upon reaching the age of fourteen, she rebelled against him, driving him from Limbo. Now its new master, she returned to her own world only seconds after the X-Men had returned, and shortly after joined the [[New Mutants (Earth-616)|New Mutants]] as Magik.{{r|Magik (Illyana and Storm Limited Series) Vol 1 1|4}}{{r|New Mutants Vol 1 15}} Magik was later deposed as the ruler of Limbo by the demons [[S'ym]] and [[N'Astirh]], the latter of whom was destroyed, and also restored Illyana's lost childhood.{{r|New Mutants Vol 1 73|74}} |
+ | However, he instead was trapped in [[Limbo]], where he spent his years conquering it. Once complete, he drew the [[X-Men (Earth-616)|X-Men]] to him for unknown reasons and battled them.{{r|Uncanny X-Men Vol 1 160}} They all managed to escape save the seven-year-old [[Illyana Rasputina (Earth-616)|Illyana Rasputin]], whom he made his apprentice. He shaped part of her soul into a Bloodstone, giving her great potential for power and allowing him to control her. However, upon reaching the age of fourteen, she rebelled against him, driving him from Limbo. Now its new master, she returned to her own world only seconds after the X-Men had returned, and shortly after joined the [[New Mutants (Earth-616)|New Mutants]] as Magik.{{r|Magik (Illyana and Storm Limited Series) Vol 1 1|4}}{{r|New Mutants Vol 1 15}} Magik was later deposed as the ruler of Limbo by the demons [[S'ym]] and [[N'Astirh]], the latter of whom was destroyed, and also restored Illyana's lost childhood.{{r|New Mutants Vol 1 73|74}} |
− | Belasco eventually took control of Limbo once more. The cultist [[Samuel Smith (Earth-616)|Sammy Smith]], alias "the Rev" |
+ | Belasco eventually took control of Limbo once more. The cultist [[Samuel Smith (Earth-616)|Sammy Smith]], alias "the Rev" (a Jim Jones analogue) worshiped Belasco as Lucifer. The Rev fought the [[Frank Castle (Earth-616)|Punisher]] twice, the second time alongside the Punisher's longtime foe [[William Russo (Earth-616)|Jigsaw]]. When the Punisher killed Jigsaw, the Rev used his Belasco-granted powers to resurrect the thug, although both were defeated despite Smith's gift of demonic magic.{{Citation}} |
− | Belasco also turned [[Alpha Flight (Earth-616)|Alpha Flight]] |
+ | Belasco also turned [[Alpha Flight (Earth-616)|Alpha Flight]] ally [[Ananym (Earth-616)|Witchfire]] against her team by influencing her demonic side. She finally was restored to normal and returned to [[Beta Flight (Earth-616)|Beta Flight]], Alpha Flight's support group.{{Citation}} |
:''It was strongly suggested that Belasco is Witchfire's father or at least that Witchfire believes so.''{{citation}} |
:''It was strongly suggested that Belasco is Witchfire's father or at least that Witchfire believes so.''{{citation}} |
||
− | Later, Belasco and the fear |
+ | Later, Belasco and the fear demon [[D'Spayre]] contested to corrupt [[Nathan Summers (Earth-616)|Cable]], the son of [[Madelyne Pryor (Earth-616)|Madelyne Pryor]], who had been the ally of S'ym and N'Astirh. Belasco banished D'Spayre and summoned himself, Cable, and Cable's ally [[Aleytys Forrester (Earth-616)|Lee Forrester]] to Limbo, where S'ym threw Belasco out of his way and fought with Cable. Cable won, and he and Lee returned to Earth.{{Citation}} |
− | It was eventually revealed that Illyana's best friend [[Katherine Pryde (Earth-616)|Kitty Pryde]] had received Illyana's [[Soulsword]] after Illyana had died; in dying, she had bonded the Soulsword to Kitty's own essence. After Kitty's team [[Excalibur (Earth-616)|Excalibur]] fought off several claimants to the sword, [[Nightcrawler |
+ | It was eventually revealed that Illyana's best friend [[Katherine Pryde (Earth-616)|Kitty Pryde]] had received Illyana's [[Soulsword]] after Illyana had died; in dying, she had bonded the Soulsword to Kitty's own essence. After Kitty's team [[Excalibur (Earth-616)|Excalibur]] fought off several claimants to the sword, [[Kurt Wagner (Earth-616)|Nightcrawler's]] girlfriend [[Jimaine Szardos (Earth-616)|Amanda Sefton]] was given the sword. She then gave the sword to her mother, [[Margali Szardos (Earth-616)|Margali Szardos]], who was in turn kidnapped by Belasco and brought to Limbo. Nightcrawler and Sefton freed her, and Sefton secretly took the sword and adopted the code-name Magik for herself. Belasco and his allies, the N'Garai demons, fought the X-Men again soon after, but were defeated by the X-Men with the assistance of the new Magik, who revealed herself to be Amanda Sefton.{{Citation}} |
− | | Powers = Belasco |
+ | | Powers = Belasco was one of the most powerful sorcerers on Earth and possesses a wide knowledge of spells, allowing him to shoot mystical rays, control the minds of humans and animals, and transform himself and others, among other things. |
− | He proved to be powerful enough to hold off [[Mercury (Cessily Kincaid)]] and [[Dust]] simultaneously, despite their resistance to [[magic]]. |
+ | He proved to be powerful enough to hold off [[Mercury (Cessily Kincaid)]] and [[Sooraya Qadir (Earth-616)|Dust]] simultaneously, despite their resistance to [[magic]]. |
* '''Near Invulnerability:''' He was also endowed by the Elder Gods with immortality and apparent invulnerability. The exception to this is his own sword, which was forged by the Elder Gods themselves. It was this which cut off his right arm under unrevealed circumstances.{{citation}} |
* '''Near Invulnerability:''' He was also endowed by the Elder Gods with immortality and apparent invulnerability. The exception to this is his own sword, which was forged by the Elder Gods themselves. It was this which cut off his right arm under unrevealed circumstances.{{citation}} |
Revision as of 16:32, 20 January 2020
History
Early history
Belasco's early history was told by the poet Dante, though there was some dispute as to the veracity of these accounts. Allegedly,[citation needed] Belasco was a sorcerer in 13th Century Italy[3] who used his knowledge of alchemy and the black arts to contact the "Elder Gods" (actually extradimensional demonic entities known as the Mabdhara, masters of the N'Garai).[1] He forged a pact with them enabling them to cross the barrier to our dimension using a pentagonal arrangement of five Bloodstones. In return, Belasco was granted immortality and immense mystical power. He was also given a demonic appearance, as he was intended to form a new race of Earth-dwelling demons.[citation needed]
To this end, he kidnapped Bice "Beatrice" dei Portinari, beloved of Dante, to give birth to the first of this new race. He fled with her to the Atlantean isle of Pangea, where the Elder Gods directed him to Mt. Flavius, where their summoning ritual could take place. While en route, Belasco raped Beatrice, and she was nine months pregnant by the time they arrived. He embarked onto the island, closely pursued by Dante, and took Beatrice into a network of underground passages designed to resemble Hell. Dante found them just in time to witness Beatrice dying in childbirth and, enraged, he attacked Belasco. During the battle, a pipe was accidentally struck, releasing an unknown liquid that placed Belasco in suspended animation. At some point on the island, Belasco also lost the locket containing the Bloodstones.[citation needed]
Modern history
In recent years, the volcano mountain became active again, releasing Belasco. He quickly located the locket and found a new sacrifice, Shanna O'Hara. He placed her under his mental control and began the spell. However, just as he was almost finished, Shanna's mate Ka-Zar appeared and hurled the locket into the volcano, sealing away the Elder Gods and apparently destroying Belasco.[citation needed]
However, he instead was trapped in Limbo, where he spent his years conquering it. Once complete, he drew the X-Men to him for unknown reasons and battled them.[4] They all managed to escape save the seven-year-old Illyana Rasputin, whom he made his apprentice. He shaped part of her soul into a Bloodstone, giving her great potential for power and allowing him to control her. However, upon reaching the age of fourteen, she rebelled against him, driving him from Limbo. Now its new master, she returned to her own world only seconds after the X-Men had returned, and shortly after joined the New Mutants as Magik.[5][6] Magik was later deposed as the ruler of Limbo by the demons S'ym and N'Astirh, the latter of whom was destroyed, and also restored Illyana's lost childhood.[7]
Belasco eventually took control of Limbo once more. The cultist Sammy Smith, alias "the Rev" (a Jim Jones analogue) worshiped Belasco as Lucifer. The Rev fought the Punisher twice, the second time alongside the Punisher's longtime foe Jigsaw. When the Punisher killed Jigsaw, the Rev used his Belasco-granted powers to resurrect the thug, although both were defeated despite Smith's gift of demonic magic.[citation needed]
Belasco also turned Alpha Flight ally Witchfire against her team by influencing her demonic side. She finally was restored to normal and returned to Beta Flight, Alpha Flight's support group.[citation needed]
- It was strongly suggested that Belasco is Witchfire's father or at least that Witchfire believes so.[citation needed]
Later, Belasco and the fear demon D'Spayre contested to corrupt Cable, the son of Madelyne Pryor, who had been the ally of S'ym and N'Astirh. Belasco banished D'Spayre and summoned himself, Cable, and Cable's ally Lee Forrester to Limbo, where S'ym threw Belasco out of his way and fought with Cable. Cable won, and he and Lee returned to Earth.[citation needed]
It was eventually revealed that Illyana's best friend Kitty Pryde had received Illyana's Soulsword after Illyana had died; in dying, she had bonded the Soulsword to Kitty's own essence. After Kitty's team Excalibur fought off several claimants to the sword, Nightcrawler's girlfriend Amanda Sefton was given the sword. She then gave the sword to her mother, Margali Szardos, who was in turn kidnapped by Belasco and brought to Limbo. Nightcrawler and Sefton freed her, and Sefton secretly took the sword and adopted the code-name Magik for herself. Belasco and his allies, the N'Garai demons, fought the X-Men again soon after, but were defeated by the X-Men with the assistance of the new Magik, who revealed herself to be Amanda Sefton.[citation needed]Attributes
Powers
Belasco was one of the most powerful sorcerers on Earth and possesses a wide knowledge of spells, allowing him to shoot mystical rays, control the minds of humans and animals, and transform himself and others, among other things.
He proved to be powerful enough to hold off Mercury (Cessily Kincaid) and Dust simultaneously, despite their resistance to magic.
- Near Invulnerability: He was also endowed by the Elder Gods with immortality and apparent invulnerability. The exception to this is his own sword, which was forged by the Elder Gods themselves. It was this which cut off his right arm under unrevealed circumstances.[citation needed]
Abilities
Notes
See Also
- 47 appearance(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 9 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 12 minor appearance(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 45 mention(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 10 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 1 invocation(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 37 image(s) of Belasco (Earth-616)
- 6 quotation(s) by or about Belasco (Earth-616)
- 2 victim(s) killed by Belasco (Earth-616)
- 1 item(s) used/owned by Belasco (Earth-616)
Links and References
- uncannyxmen.net Bring on the Bad Guys: Demonic Depictions - The Ballad of Belasco
- Fantastic Four Vol 1, No. 314-315 May-June 1988
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Marvel Zombies Handbook #1 ; Belasco's entry
- ↑ Ghost Rider (Vol. 9) #4
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Marvel Atlas #1 ; Italy's entry
- ↑ Uncanny X-Men #160
- ↑ Magik (Illyana and Storm Limited Series) #1–4
- ↑ New Mutants #15
- ↑ New Mutants #73–74
- ↑ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z #1
- ↑ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z Vol 1 1