| Puff Adder | |
|---|---|
Puff Adder, art by unknown. |
|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Captain America #337 (January 1988) |
| Created by | Mark Gruenwald and Tom Morgan |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Gordon "Gordo" Fraley |
| Species | Human Mutant |
| Team affiliations | Serpent Society Serpent Squad Masters of Evil |
| Abilities | Ability to enlarge, or "puff up," body, Ability to breathe toxic gas, Superhuman strength |
Puff Adder (Gordon Fraley) is a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Universe, most notably as a member of the Serpent Society.
Contents |
Gordon "Gordo" Fraley was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Large and strong but not very bright, Puff Adder is a mutant with the ability to inflate, or "puff," his body mass, enhancing his strength greatly, he is a dangerous adversary for several super heroes. He also has the power to breathe out toxic gas.
As a member of the fourth Serpent Squad, Puff Adder attempted to rob a Las Vegas casino, and battled Captain America, the Falcon, Nomad, and D-Man.[1] With the Serpent Squad, he was freed from jail by Sidewinder.[2] Puff Adder was inducted into the second incarnation of the Serpent Society as a double agent of the Viper during her invasion of the group. Puff Adder and the Viper's agents then betrayed Sidewinder, and encountered Captain America again.[3] With Coachwhip and Rock Python, Puff Adder was sent to steal the Falcon's uniform in order to regain admission into the Serpent Society, and he battled Battle Star and the Falcon.[4]
Alongside Anaconda, Puff Adder served as bailiff at the Serpent Society's trial of Diamondback. With Anaconda and Rock Python, Puff Adder was sent to Diamondback's apartment to apprehend her. He battled Captain America and seemingly overpowered him.[5] Puff Adder crash-landed a Serpent Saucer on Diamondback's apartment. He abducted Diamondback, Asp, and Black Mamba. Rock Python and himself were thrown from the Serpent Saucer by MODAM, and Puff Adder was injured in the fall. He was interrogated by Captain America and Paladin about the abduction of Diamondback and her friends.[6]
As a member of the Serpent Society, he developed a romantic relationship with Anaconda. He also served briefly with Doctor Octopus' Masters of Evil. He participated in the attempted takeover of the Avengers Mansion while the other heroes were distracted by the events of the Infinity War. There, the team encounters the Guardians of the Galaxy. Puff Adder is given permission to 'play with' Yellowjacket and Nikki but is stopped by Major Victory before he could touch them.[7]
After a brief fight, both teams are overwhelmed with alien doubles of absolutely everyone involved. Out of necessity, the two teams work together to destroy wave after wave of doubles. After the last wave, Doctor Octopus wants his team to continue fighting but Puff Adder, along with the rest, turn on him. They do not want to hurt the others who just helped save their lives. The team chases Doctor Octopus out of the mansion.[8]
He has been seen as member of the Serpent Society under Cobra's leadership. After the group had captured and chained Captain America and Diamondback (really an L.M.D.) in this underground New York headquarters the pair escaped. S.H.I.E.L.D. subsequently took Rattler and the rest of the Society into custody.[9]
After Decimation, he was one of the countless mutants who lost their powers. It is unknown if he continues to serve with the Serpent Society.
He appeared in Brand New Day as one of the villains in the "Bar With No Name". He is one of many to get in on the super-hero related gambling action headed by the man known only as 'The Bookie'.[10]
His race varies from artist to artist. In his first appearance, he was depicted as Caucasian, but a few issues later, he is depicted as African American.
Puff Adder has the mutant ability to cause the epidermis of his entire body to engorge with blood and thus swell his body to a more intimidating size, upwards of approximately 10 feet (3.0 m). In Guardians of the Galaxy #29 Charlie-27 states that Puff Adder can increase his mass to over 5 tons, the limit of what Charlie-27 can lift on Earth. Puff Adder can only remain fully inflated for approximately fifteen minutes at a time. Puff Adder also possesses a slight degree of superhuman strength and stamina.
Fraley is a competent hand-to-hand fighter, with extensive experience in street-fighting techniques. He is experienced in the piloting of certain aircraft.
The cowl of Puff Adder's costume contains a pressurized container of noxious gas which can be released from his mouth area. It is activated by a specific motion made with his jaw muscles.