Gordon Fraley’s early history is unknown. He became a costumed criminal after his mutant abilities manifested and, as Puff Adder, joined the second incarnation of the Serpent Society as part of Viper’s infiltration of the group. Along with Black Racer, Copperhead, and Fer-de-Lance, Puff Adder took part in a series of casino robberies in Las Vegas in order to get the attention of the Society’s leader Sidewinder. The foursome battled Captain America (then known as The Captain), and his allies Nomad, Demolition-Man, and Falcon and were jailed, but their plan worked and they were offered membership in the Society, which they accepted.