STEEL SERPENT

Real Name: Unrevealed

Identity/Class: Human warrior, quasi-mystical power

Occupation: Warrior

Group Membership: None

Affiliations: Served by a band of warriors;

Enemies: Tim Donahue, Iron Fist, Leslie Walker, Yü-Ti (The August Personage in Jade)

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: Unknown; used a mansion near Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City

First Appearance: Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu#10 (March, 1975)

Powers: The Steel Serpent was a master of the martial arts, both in armed and unarmed combat. He mastered a technique known as the "Delayed Death Blow" in which he would strike a victim, who would seem to recover, only to collapse and die minutes later. He also used conventional martial arts weaponry, such as shuriken, or throwing stars. For whatever, reason, he did not allow his picture to be taken under any circumstances. He used a band of warriors who were also trained in the martial arts. The men frequently used spears and poisoned weapons.

Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Black

History: The Steel Serpent began training in the martial arts early in life, and he won a tournament of martial arts masters at the age of 19. Somehow learning of the city of K'un L'un, he sought to conquer the it and take it for his own. Twice in his life (once every ten years), he traveled to the Himalayas and managed to enter K'un L'un. Each time, he challenged Yü-Ti, leader of the city, for the position of ruler, and each time he lost. The Steel Serpent spen the rest of his time training, better his abilities, and mastering the fabled "Delayed Death Touch." When the next time Kun Lun would appear on Earth approached, the Steel Serpent sought out Iron Fist, who was himself trained in K'un L'un. The Serpent figured that if he could defeat Iron Fist, then he should be able to take the city without difficulty.

In order to attract Iron Fist's attention, he slew a man, Leslie Walker, who took his picture as he arrived at Kennedy International Airport. Walker's friend, Tim Donahue, sought revenge on the Steel Serpent, and joined Iron Fist in tracking the Serpent to his mansion. Once there, Iron Fist battled and defeated the Steel Serpent's warriors, but he succumbed to the poison with which the warriors' weapons had been laced. He and Donahue were imprisoned.

Iron Fist and Donahue soon escaped, and again were confronted by the warriors. This time Iron Fist defeated them without being drugged, and was met by the Steel Serpent in single combat. The Serpent managed to overpower Iron Fist, who was at the limits of his endurance from his previous struggles. However, when the Serpent attempted to use his Delayed Death Touch on Iron Fist, he was met by a more powerful "Iron Fist" blow. This blow turned the Delayed Death Touch back on the Steel Serpent, who wandered off in a daze, and is presumed to have died soon after.

Comments:Created byTony Isabella, David Kraft, and Frank McLaughlin.

Yep, Black-and-White magazine.

What is the frickin' deal with that belt? Maybe there's some weirdo, obscure connection to the Hidden Man (check out his profile and the symbol on his chest and gun) or Starfox. Now that would be a story.

Steel Serpent has an entry in Marvel Legacy: The 1970's Handbook.