While their origin is unknown, multiple re-animated corpses were found on a parallel Earth by [[Cristina Thompson]] and [[Thomas]] while attempting to dispose of the [[Soul Reader (Book)]]. These re-animated corpses were only visible when under direct light, otherwise they remained invisible. The corpses appeared to have been reanimated through the influence of a large mobile metallic construct.
Both the gargantuan metallic construct and the re-animated corpses are collectively known as 'Mictlan' or 'Mictlantecuhtli', as discovered through use of the [[Soul Reader (Book)]] on one of the reanimated corpses. This appears to be a reference to the Aztec mythology of the underworld. Corpses re-animated by the controlling construct appear to have their humanity stripped away entirely, as the [[Soul Reader (Book)]] is unable to connect with any remnant soul of the previous living individual. The Mictlan itself explains that it has no need of the souls or minds of the bodies it possesses, and that it casts them out. What becomes of the original soul component is unknown.
The same re-animated corpses and gargantuan metallic construct Mictlan were later also encountered by refugees fleeing inwards from the effects of [[The Crushing Fist]].
[[Heath]] has been aware of the Mictlan through reports sent by various fighters working for [[The Council]]. From his observations it would appear the Mictlan, while very dangerous and hostile, are also fleeing inwards, away from the devastation and darkness of [[The Crushing Fist]]. [[Alek]] and a number of volunteers have attempted to make contact with the Mictlan, although they expect such an effort to result in their own deaths.
The Mictlan controller joined [[The Battle of the Capital Temple]], gaining an additional horde of at least half a million corpses. It then directly engaged the [[Shadow Entities]]and [[Animal Shadow]]s. It has since become partially infected by [[GLORWOC]].
The Mictlan controller is metallic in construction, and has eight mobile legs on which it is able to move. It is enormous in size, with the mobile metal legs stretching up above cloud height. In addition to its physical size and strength, the controller also appears to be armed with controlled beam weaponry, which can operate as a powerful searchlight, or in a fashion similar to a laser, which can cut enormous objects with ease. The beam weapon used is typically cyan in color.
Note:
Mictlantecuhtli is also a deity from Aztec mythology, which translates to 'Lord of Mictlan'. Mictlan is the Aztec concept of the underworld, or land of the dead. In Aztec mythology Mictlantecuhtli is also associated with spiders, bats and owls.