Serpentor was once a skilled herpetologist and survivalist named Dr. Samuel Coil, who spent his life studying venomous snakes and their habitats. During an expedition in a remote jungle, Samuel stumbled upon an ancient ritual site dedicated to the legendary Arbok. Upon discovering and activating a mystical artifact, he was imbued with the powers of Arbok, transforming him into the superhero known as Serpentor.