Asp (comics)
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Asp (Cleo Nefertiti) is a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe, most notably a member of the Serpent Society and B.A.D. Girls, Inc.. She was created by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary, and first appeared in Captain America vol. 1 #310.
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[edit] Fictional character biography
Intelligent yet soft-spoken, Asp was born and raised in Tanta, Egypt. It was there that she earned her reputation as an exotic dancer, being able to charm snakes with her sensual movements. Her ability to generate blasts of energy which cause paralysis intrigued the leader of the Serpent Society, Sidewinder, and he invited her to join the group.
Given the task to spread the word of a new criminal organization to those who would be interested brought Asp and her comrade, Cottonmouth, straight to the notorious Kingpin. She also participated in the mission to murder M.O.D.O.K., though she was defeated when Captain America entered the battle. She was, however, not as cold-hearted as some of her teammates, though she didn't hesitate to get down and dirty with the best of them. While in the Society, Asp became good friends with Diamondback and Black Mamba. She stood by them and Sidewinder when Viper took over leadership, and abandoned the Serpent Society when Cobra ordered the death of Diamondback. She also briefly battled Alpha Flight during the Acts of Vengeance, where it was revealed that the source of her powers was genetic mutation. She soon joined Diamondback and Black Mamba in forming B.A.D. Girls, Inc.. After being ambushed by Anaconda, the B.A.D. Girls joined Superia's Femizons. When Captain America and Paladin infiltrated the cruise ship the Femizons resided on, Asp and Black Mamba decided to help the heroes.
She later joined up with the Serpent Society once again, but then left to be reunited with the B.A.D. Girls as freelance mercenaries. They went up against Cable, Deadpool, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, and eventually teamed up with The Cat to find the "Dominus Objective." However, the B.A.D. Girls eventually discover that Cable was the one who hired them. Asp presumably continues working with the B.A.D. Girls. She is one of the few mutants who retained their powers after the events of M-Day.
The Asp and the other B.A.D. Girls were recently revealed to be members of Captain America's "Secret Avengers", openly opposing the Superhuman Registration Act.
[edit] Powers and abilities
Asp is a mutant with the ability to generate a unique form of radiant bioelectricity that she can channel as lightning-like bolts. These blasts do not affect inanimate matter, but upon striking a living being they cause rapid paralysis of the nervous system similar to the effect of the bite of certain venomous snakes. Her body naturally generates and stores this energy at all times, but can be temporarily expended after firing several "venom-bolts" in rapid succession. Asp can accelerate the speed at which her body regenerates energy by engaging in physical activity that increases her heart rate and metabolism.
Asp's "venom-bolts" have different effects, depending on how far they travel before reaching a target, and on how much power she uses in a single bolt. A full-force blast can instantly kill an adult human. Normally, however, her bolts paralyze her victims for several hours, but cause no lasting damage. She can also release lower-level blasts that do not automatically paralyze targets, but cause neural delays, resulting in a loss of muscular control and coordination. Her energy bolts can travel roughly twenty-five feet before dissipating.
When fully charged, the Asp's body releases low levels of energy at all times, making prolonged physical contact with her fatal. She can also apparently release a blast of paralytic energy through physical contact without any visible effect.
[edit] Alternate version
[edit] Ultimate Asp
Asp appeared in the Ultimate Universe as a member of the all-female Serpent Squad. Along with her team, she battled the Fantastic Four while searching for the Serpent Crown. It is unknown if Asp has the same abilities in this universe as she does in Earth-616.
