Viper (Madame Hydra)

Viper (Madame Hydra)
Viper/Madame Hydra
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Captain America vol.1 #110 (February, 1969)
Created by	Jim Steranko (writer / artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Ophelia Sarkissian
Team affiliations	H.A.M.M.E.R. The Hand Hellfire Club Madripoor Hydra Secret Empire Serpent Squad
Notable aliases	Viper, Merriem Drew, Warrior White Princess, Mrs. Smith, Leona Hiss, Green Queen
Abilities	Excellent strategist and tactician Skilled martial artist, swordswoman and marksman Teleportation Immunity to most forms of venom and toxins Enhanced lifespan

Viper (real name Ophelia Sarkissian, formerly known as Madame Hydra) is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is a foe of the Avengers and the X-Men.

Viper was created by Jim Steranko and first appeared in Captain America #110 (February 1969).

Ophelia Sarkissian was orphaned as a child in Central Europe (Hungary). Part of her face was scarred at one time, although it has since been healed. Among twelve other girls, Ophelia was taken in by Hydra and raised by Kraken. For twenty-two years, Ophelia excelled and became Kraken's best student. She eventually rose through the ranks of Hydra and frequently came into conflict with Captain America and the organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. She first appeared as a leader of Hydra under the codename Madame Hydra, and first fought and captured Captain America while trying to contaminate New York City's water supply. She captured Rick Jones to bait a trap for Captain America, and then subdued the Avengers with gas, planning to bury them alive, and battled Captain America again. However she was apparently killed when Captain America and Rick Jones dodged missiles she fired at them and she was caught in their explosion. Some time later, it was revealed that the Space Phantom had exchanged places with her, and her whereabouts at the time were undisclosed.

She severed ties with Hydra. Madame Hydra helped Jordan Stryke, a supervillain codenamed Viper, escape custody in Virginia, only to proceed in assassinating him and usurping his codename and leadership of the group known as the Serpent Squad. As the new Viper, she kidnapped Roxxon president Hugh Jones in order to put him in thrall of the Serpent Crown. She battled Nomad and Namor the Sub-Mariner. Viper was the founder and leader of the elite criminal underworld through sheer ruthlessness, treachery, and the cunning of her black heart.