Serpentor was the Cobra leader introduced in 1986 as a composite clone of history’s greatest conquerors and leaders.
Created by Doctor Mindbender, with help from Destro in several versions, Serpentor was intended to be Cobra’s ultimate military commander. His genetic makeup combined traits or DNA associated with figures such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Hannibal, Attila the Hun, Alexander the Great, and Genghis Khan.
Serpentor was introduced during the expansion of the A Real American Hero storyline. He first appeared in the Marvel comic in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #49, and his action figure was released in 1986 with the Air Chariot. In the animated series, his creation and rise to power formed the story of the second-season premiere, “Arise, Serpentor, Arise!”
He is often confused with Cobra Commander because both claim leadership of Cobra. Cobra Commander is the organization’s original human founder and ruler; Serpentor is the engineered rival who temporarily takes control.