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LIMBOS

Classification: Terrestrial subterranean reptilian semi-humanoids (WWII era)

Location/Base of Operations: Black River Region, Africa

Known Members: None named

Affiliations: None

Enemies: Giants of the Black River Jungle (notably Bogat), Ka-Zar (David Rand)

First Appearance: Marvel Mystery Comics I#19/4 (May, 1941)

Powers/Abilities:  The Limbo race is a reptilian species. Limbos primarily walk on their hind legs, but occasionally use all four limbs to run faster and quickly climb rocky terrain. Their thick tail provides excellent balance and they have sharpened claws at the end of each limb that aid in attacking and digging. Their lower body has a thicker layer of scales that may provide added protection. They have a set of only about four to five extended incisor teeth on the upper and lower jaw; these fangs carry a deadly poison.

Traits: Limbos have a swarming behavior and a hive mentality. They are aggressive and primitively strategic in their attacks against targets on the surface by utilizing underground lava flows to cause localized earthquakes. They demonstrate no language, and respond to loud and unusual noises.

Type: Bilaterally symmetric semi-humanoid bipeds
Eyes: Two (on head; black color seen)
Fingers: Four (no apparent thumb)
Toes: Four
Skin color: Green
Average height: 7'

History:

(Marvel Mystery Comics I#19/4 (fb) - BTS) - The Limbo "lizard people" lived deep underground. They occasionally left their underground places and attacked the giants of the secluded Black River Jungle in Africa, also causing earthquakes by diverting subterranean streams into regions of molten lava.

(Marvel Mystery Comics I#19/4) - When Ka-Zar (David Rand) journeyed into the mysterious Black River Region, he was caught by aggressive local giants, but escaped with a sudden earthquake caused by an imminent Limbo attack. The giant Bogat almost fell to his death but Ka-Zar rescued him and so Bogat dedicated his life to his rescuer. Limbos began crawling out of the Earth, so Bogat ushered Ka-Zar to higher ground, where the pair threw boulders at the advancing Limbos, but the defense barely slowed them. One Limbo made it to the peak and attacked Ka-Zar, who swiftly defended himself with a stabbing knife and killed the creature. More Limbos crawled up and almost overwhelmed the duo, but the sudden arrival of a small airplane landing nearby distracted the Limbos, who all rushed to surround it. The explorer couple had already disembarked when the Limbos arrived and grabbed them. Ka-Zar had Bogat carry him quickly over. Ka-Zar and the couple escaped in the plane while Bogat remained behind and used a giant club to scatter the Limbos.

 

Comments: Created by Ben Thompson.

Grand Comics Database suggests Ben Thompson may be the author as well as the artist.

This profile was completed 11/26/2025 but its publication was delayed, as it was intended for the Appendix's 25th anniversary celebratory event.

Profile by Grendel Prime.

CLARIFICATIONS:
The Limbo race has no known connections to:

images: (without ads)
Marvel Mystery Comics I#19/4, p4, pan6 (main image)
   p4, pan9 (3 x upper body)
   p3, pan5 (climbing)

Appearances:
Marvel Mystery Comics I#19/4 (May, 1941) - Ben Thompson (writer(?) & artist), Joe Simon (editor)

First Posted: 09/16/2025
Last updated: 11/26/2025

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

Non-Marvel Copyright info
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™  and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
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Special Thanks to www.g-mart.com for hosting the Appendix, Master List, etc.!

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