Dimension
An inconsistent consistency, the core element that effects everyone and everything in the Capes and Menaces universe. The very fabric of the universe has been known to tear and split, as a result of the barrier between this world and all others in the multiverse being exceptionally (and worryingly) thin. In spite of this, the C&M world continues to spin, with it’s inhabitants having to adapt to survive.
If the dimensional barrier is stretched too thin, or effected by a force from another dimension (purposefully or not) it will tear and create rifts (pictured first) allowing beings and energies from other universes to pass into the C&M world. These occurrences may not be daily, or even monthly, but each rift has massive impacts on the world, as spiritual beings, elements and elemental, and a wide variety of different creatures have come to take up residence in the C&M world. Its a problem exacerbated by a host of radiations and energies that leech into the world constantly (even if no rift opens). That leak has forced all life to evolve easily adaptable and modifiable DNA and genetics, giving rise to the Alt-humans, some from catalyzing forces, others as a result of basic evolution.
Alt-Humans were first documented in ancient times, with more and more appearing over the centuries. Many, like Mr. Infinity and his first adversary (and Plague’s ancestor) The Cavalier had their physique changed naturally by evolving in this radiation rich environment. As more and more of these types of beings came into the light, the world and society began to change, allowing for more outside influences to help keep the peace. This has had just as much positive effect on the world, as it has disaster, just as often birthing dictators as it does heroes. Others, like Shifty or the Nightrunner, were the result of beings/spirits entering the world, and adopting it as their own, looking to protect or serve its best interests. These spirits have clashed on occasion with the natural inhabitants of the world, who struggle to understand their fourth dimensional thinking.
Some Capes spend their career just fighting off local interlopers and monsters who may come through a portal any given day. Research groups decades old have been folded into the APF in an attempt to bring as much knowledge together as possible on these rifts, and how to at least control their occurances. This has also left a window open for some (like Frankenstein) to exploit the need for a solution as a means to gain knowledge, via any sacrifice.
There is a general unacknowledged fear, a societal undercurrent, that one day something will come through these rifts, something so horrible, not even a world full of alt humans and heroes could save them.