| “ | We shall continue as before. Am I not fair? Come -- let us examine the fruits of are labor. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | Tell no one, Illyana. Just follow my voice...to paradise. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
Belasco is a villain from the Marvel Comics universe. Belasco is a demonic ancient sorcerer who serves the Elder Gods. He is probably best known for his kidnapping of Illyana Rasputin.
Origin
Early History
Belasco's early history is told by the poet Dante. Belasco was a sorcerer in 13th century Florence, Italy. He used his knowledge of both alchemy and black arts to make contact with the Elder Gods. He forged a pact with them enabling them to cross the barrier to our dimension using an arrangement of bloodstones. In return, Belasco was given immortality and immense mystical powers. He also got a more demonic appearance, as he was meant to from a new race of Earth-dwelling demons.
For this goal, he kidnapped Beatrice dei Portinari, beloved of Dante, to give birth to the first of this new race. He took het to the atlantean isle of Pangea, where the Elder Gods directed him to Mt. Flavius, where they could be summoned. While on their way, Belasco raped Beatrice and she was nine months pregnant by the time they arrived. When they arrived on the island, they were closely pursued by Dante. Belasco took Beatrice into a network of underground passages that were meant to resemble Hell. Dante arrived just in time to witness Beatrice dying in childbirth and he attacked Belasco. During this fight, a pipe was accidentally struck and an unknown liquid escaped, placing Belasco in suspended animation. At some point on the island Belaco also lost the locket containing the bloodstones.
Modern History
In recent years, the volcano mountain became active again, so Belasco was released. He located the locket with the bloodstones and found a new sacrifice, Shanna O'Hara. He placed her under his mental control and began the spell. He sought to make Shanna the mother of the demonic race he would father. Just as he was almost finished, Shanna's mate Ka-Zar appeared and hurled the locket into the volcano, sealing the Elder Gods away and seemingly destroying Belasco.
Belasco was not destroyed, instead he was trapped in Limbo, where he spent his years conquering it. Once he had conquered Limbo, he drew the young Illyana Rasputin to him and she was transported to Limbo. His intention was to make her his disciple and use her to open a gateway for the Elder Gods he served. The X-Men followed and managed to save Illyana, bringing her back to Earth. The X-Men themselves became trapped in Limbo. The years after that they battled Belasco with the entire team succumbing to either temptation, corruption or death. Belasco then lured an alternate dimensions Illyana to Limbo in a repeat of his earlier attempt. This time, the X-Men team escaped back to Earth and Illyana was trapped in Limbo. He managed to make Illyana his apprentice in the dark arts, transforming her into a demonic sorceress. However, after guidance from the remaining X-Men in Limbo, she rebelled against him, driving him from Limbo. Illyana now became Limbo's new master. She returned to her own world, joining the New Mutants as Magik.
Belasco eventually took control of Limbo once more and started war with several Marvel superheroes. He was eventually defeated by the X-Men with the assistance of a new Magik.
Personality
Belasco was an arrogant and temperamental human who was turned into a demon he made a deal and pact with the Elder Gods to help free them but also get more power for himself. He will deals to get what he wants and is loyal to the Elder Gods even after they turned him into a demon.
Belasco wanted to more than a human he wanted to become immortal and be a god just like them he willing and gladly works with beings who have a higher command and more power than him. He also wishes to turn more people into demons just like himself. To free the Elder Gods Belasco must use the bloodstones, the blodtone amulet and sacrifice someone which is something he has no remorse or regret for.
He is exceptionally manipulative, well-spoken, obsequious, and charismatic getting the demons of Limbo to obey him after he took control. Elegant and regal he prefers to be an extremely intelligent and rational man who doesn't like belligerence. Belasco is also quite deceitful, sly, cunning, and exploitative making Illyana and others believe he is a man who can be trusted.
Belasco is also shown to be caring and affectionate for his followers making Dherk tear himself apart and punishing an alternate reality without hesitation who were both under his control. Though Belasco has no care about who he hurts to get what he wants he has scolded some of his demon henchmen who have no respect for anyone other than their leader. This is shown when he gets upset with S'ym who breaks a bone from a skeleton and uses it to pick his teeth.
He is sneaky and underhanded creating alliances to help him when he needs them. Belasco doesn't like failure, he knows overconfidence and carelessness lead to mistakes they are actions he does not forgive.
Quotes
| “ | Did you honestly believe I'd let you go so easily? | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | Now, now, S'ym -- mustn't frighten the youngling. I want you to be friends. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | The face wound is the fault of your own overconfidence and carelessness. By rights, I should make you wear the scars forever, as a reminder. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | Perhaps a few scars will teach you proper respect. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | Then, Ororo, we will strip your soul from your body while you're still alive -- and offer it to those I serve the Dark Ones, as a sacrifice! | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | I want to hear her scream. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | You my stave, be wrecked by loathsome plagues, ravaged by wild beasts -- but you will not die. When I have need for you... a summons will bring you to my side. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
| “ | Then, perhaps, if you ask nicely I may forgive you. | „ |
| ~ Belasco |
Trivia
- Belasco was worshipped by a mutant, Reverend Samuel Smith, who is the leader of the fanatical religious cult known as the Church of the Saved.