Serpent Squad
| Serpent Squad | |
|---|---|
Cover art for Captain America (vol. 5) #28.
Art by Steve Epting. |
|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Captain America #163 (July 1973) |
| Created by | Steve Englehart |
| In-story information | |
| Base(s) | Various |
| Member(s) |
Notable Former Members Anaconda Black Mamba Black Racer Copperhead Death Adder Fer-de-Lance Princess Python Puff Adder Sidewinder Viper |
The Serpent Squad is a fictional mercenary group composed of snake-themed criminals appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Most often antagonists of Captain America, the roster has changed through various incarnations. The original team first appeared in Captain America #163, and was created by Steve Englehart.
The Serpent Squad was founded by the original Viper after escaping prison with his brother, the Eel, and Cobra. Their plot involved ruining Captain America's reputation using false advertisements. Captain America soon caught on to their scheme, and along with the Falcon defeated the trio and sent them back to prison.
Madame Hydra later assassinated the original Viper and took his name. She then reunited the Serpent Squad, urging the Eel to avenge his brother's death. At this time, Princess Python joined the group. Cobra was not willing to serve Viper, and challenged her to a battle, but he was easily defeated. Working with the warlord Krang in an attempt to raise the lost continent Lemuria, the Serpent Squad were ambushed by Captain America, then in his Nomad identity, who defeated the Eel and Princess Python. After Cobra eventually turned on Viper, she shot him in the back and managed to escape, while Nomad rushed Cobra to the hospital.
A third Serpent Squad appeared much later, under the employ of Roxxon Oil executive Hugh Jones. The field leader Sidewinder, along with his teammates Anaconda, Black Mamba, and Death Adder, was ordered to retrieve the Serpent Crown and return it to Jones. After a battle with the Thing and Stingray, the Serpent Squad accomplished their task. However, Triton joined the battle, and the three heroes were able to defeat Anaconda, Death Adder, and Black Mamba and trap them under the sea. Sidewinder escaped and handed the Serpent Crown over to Hugh Jones. Anaconda freed herself and her teammates from the silt, and the trio worked as freelance mercenaries, eventually battling Iron Man. They were then invited by Sidewinder to join the criminal organization, the Serpent Society, which they accepted. Former Serpent Squad members Cobra and Princess Python also joined the Society.
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