This Day In Comics: Beware the Serpent Squad’s Debut!
April 10th marks another fascinating anniversary in comics history. On this day in 1973, Marvel Comics introduced a slithering new threat designed to strike fear into heroes and readers alike. We’re talking about the Serpent Squad first appearance in the pages of Captain America #163. This team of snake-themed mercenaries brought a unique brand of villainy to the Marvel Universe. Led by the original Viper, they coiled around Captain America and his partner, the Falcon, presenting a dangerous new challenge. Let’s delve into their debut story, the founding members, and the surprising twists that followed for this enduring villainous concept.
The Slithering Debut: Serpent Squad First Appearance
The Serpent Squad emerged as a formidable new mercenary group. Its concept was simple yet visually effective: gather criminals whose powers, identities, or motifs were inspired by snakes. The team was initially founded by the original Viper, a calculating leader in the criminal underworld. He had recently engineered an escape from prison, bringing along his brother, the Eel, and another serpentine villain known as Cobra. United by their theme and desire for profit, they formed the first Serpent Squad.
Their first major plot targeted Captain America directly, but not in the way one might expect. Instead of an immediate physical confrontation, the Squad launched an insidious smear campaign. They utilized cleverly disguised, false advertisements across the city. Their calculated goal was to tarnish Captain America’s heroic public image and systematically ruin his hard-earned reputation.
However, Captain America, aided by his trusted partner the Falcon, soon became aware of this sinister scheme. The heroes investigated the source of the slanderous campaign attacking Cap’s character. This investigation led them straight to the newly formed Serpent Squad. A direct confrontation inevitably ensued. Despite the combined powers and cunning of Viper, Eel, and Cobra, the trio proved no match for the seasoned teamwork and capabilities of Captain America and the Falcon. The heroes defeated the villains decisively. Subsequently, the defeated Serpent Squad members were apprehended and promptly sent back to prison. Their first outing as a team was relatively short-lived, but it successfully established the Serpent Squad as a credible and dangerous threat within the Marvel Universe.
This debut issue, Captain America #163, was skillfully crafted by the creative team of writer Steve Englehart and penciler Sal Buscema. Their combined talents ensured the Serpent Squad made a memorable entrance onto the scene. Englehart was well-known during this era for his complex, character-driven superhero narratives, often weaving in social commentary. Sal Buscema consistently delivered dynamic, action-packed artwork that brought Marvel’s characters to life. This pairing guaranteed the Squad’s first appearance was impactful.
The idea of a themed villain team wasn’t entirely new in comics, but the specific snake motif offered unique visual and narrative possibilities. Each member typically embodied serpentine traits or abilities. Cobra was known for his incredible superhuman flexibility, agility, and use of venomous ‘cobra darts’. The Eel could generate powerful electrical shocks from his body, much like an electric eel, often channeled through his specialized suit. The original Viper likely utilized various venom-based weaponry or poisons, fitting his chosen codename. These complementary abilities made them dangerous opponents, especially when coordinating their attacks. Their initial defeat, however, was far from the end of the Serpent Squad story. Instead, it merely set the stage for even more dramatic changes and deadly encounters down the line.
A New Viper, A New Squad
The Serpent Squad concept proved too compelling for Marvel creators to leave dormant for long. However, its eventual revival came with a deadly, unexpected twist involving leadership changes. The original male Viper met his demise. He was assassinated by another formidable female villain operating within the Marvel Universe: the ruthless Madame Hydra. In a stunning and bold move, Madame Hydra not only killed the first Viper but also usurped his established criminal identity, becoming the new Viper. This ruthless act immediately added a layer of cold-blooded intrigue and heightened danger to the Viper name and, by extension, the Serpent Squad.
This deadly new Viper decided to reform the Serpent Squad under her command. She sought out the remaining original members. She successfully recruited the Eel back into the fold, appealing to his desire for vengeance over his brother’s (the original Viper’s) death – though the situation was darkly ironic, given she was the killer. Cobra also rejoined the group, albeit perhaps with some reservations about the new leadership. Furthermore, Viper expanded the team’s roster to increase its power. The charismatic former circus performer Princess Python, renowned for her control over a massive trained python named Precious, joined their slippery ranks.
This new lineup inevitably possessed a different internal dynamic than the original team. Cobra, known for his arrogance and unwillingness to take orders easily, chafed under the command of this new Viper. He directly challenged her leadership position within the group. Viper, demonstrating her own formidable combat skills and signature ruthlessness, easily defeated Cobra in their confrontation. This victory solidified her control over the fledgling team, at least for the time being.
The provided source material also notes a later incident highlighting the inherent instability of such villainous alliances. Cobra eventually turned on this second Viper during a subsequent conflict. In the ensuing fight, Viper shot Cobra in the back. He only managed to escape capture thanks to the timely intervention of the hero Nomad, who rushed the seriously injured Cobra to a hospital. (Nomad was an identity used by several characters in Marvel history, most notably Steve Rogers himself for a period after abandoning the Captain America mantle, and later adopted by Jack Monroe). This internal strife and betrayal underscored the volatile nature common to teams composed of self-serving criminals.
The legacy aspect, with Madame Hydra taking on the Viper identity, also became a recurring theme within Marvel Comics. It added layers to established characters and allowed their histories to evolve in unexpected ways. The Serpent Squad itself would continue this pattern of evolution. Numerous different lineups and leaders have appeared over the decades since 1973, frequently clashing with Captain America, the Avengers, and other heroes across the Marvel Universe. Their enduring presence speaks volumes about the strength and appeal of the core concept established back in Captain America #163. It is also worth noting the significance of the Captain America and Falcon partnership during this era. Their collaboration was groundbreaking for mainstream superhero comics at the time, and their effective teamwork was essential in overcoming threats like the newly formed Serpent Squad.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Venomous Villainy
On this day, April 10th, 1973, the pages of Captain America #163 delivered the memorable Serpent Squad first appearance. The original lineup of Viper, Eel, and Cobra formed a unique, themed mercenary team. They challenged Captain America and the Falcon, not just physically, but also by attempting to destroy the Star-Spangled Avenger’s public reputation.
Though that initial incarnation was defeated, the Serpent Squad concept proved remarkably resilient. It evolved, most notably under the command of a deadly new Viper (formerly Madame Hydra), and featured shifting rosters that included members like Princess Python and many others over the years. The ongoing legacy of the Serpent Squad, marked by internal betrayals and its recurring threat to Marvel’s heroes, highlights the lasting appeal of well-conceived villain teams. It all started right here in this classic issue, thanks to the creative minds at Marvel Comics.What are your thoughts on the Serpent Squad? Do you have a favorite member from any of its iterations, or perhaps another favorite snake-themed villain in comics? Head over to our Twitter page at https://x.com/comicbookaddt and share your opinions!
