Fer-de-Lance

History

Originally from Puerto Rico, Teresa Vasquez traveled to America and became known as Fer-de-Lance. She somehow came in contact with Viper and joined the newly-formed Serpent Squad. However, the main objective was to get noticed by Sidewinder, leader of the Serpent Society. After accomplishing several casino heists, the Serpent Squad achieved their mission and joined the Serpent Society under trial basis. Fer-de-Lance quickly befriended Diamondback, although when Viper set her takeover plan in motion, Fer-de-Lance turned on Diamondback and attempted to kill her and Sidewinder. She was defeated when Diamondback dodged her attack, slamming her claw into a computer and electrocuting herself.

Creation

Fer-de-Lance was created by Mark Gruenwald and Tom Morgan in 1988 and first appeared in Captain America # 337.

Story Arcs

When Viper abandoned her allies, Fer-de-Lance chose to stay alongside the Serpent Society. During one mission, Fer-de-Lance, Diamondback, and Copperhead were attacked by Mister Jip, though Fer-de-Lance and Copperhead were set free. Fer-de-Lance voted guilty at Diamondback’s trial, and when her former teammate escaped the verdict, Fer-de-Lance and Cottonmouth spied on the Avengers headquarters in case she showed up there. When the pair of serpents returned to the Serpent Citadel, they were ambushed by Captain America, who promptly defeated them. She was later taken into custody alongside the rest of the Serpent Society.

Later, Fer-de-Lance and the others escaped prison and decided to lay low in Texas. After a battle with Jack Flag, Fer-de-Lance was defeated by Force Works. Fer-de-Lance appeared with the Serpent Society in their most recent attempt to exact revenge on Diamondback and Captain America, though they were quickly defeated.

Brand New Day

Fer-de-Lance is hanging out at the Bar With No Name with other villains when a low-life baddie named the Basher calls out Spider-Man on a website. A man called the Bookie begins to take bets on the fight and a number of shady patrons become angry when they realize the Spider-Man that fights the Basher is an imposter. However, the real Spider-Man shows up and discovers that the imposter is the woman known as Screwball. She tells Spider-Man that the Bookie could be found at the villain bar hangout. Spider-Man shows up and a brief scuffle occurs. The bartender stops the fight and Spider-Man leaves when he gets the information he needs on the Bookie.

Secret Invasion

Fer-de-Lance reappeared with some members of the Serpent Society during the Secret Invasion when they barricaded themselves inside a compound in Danzig, Ohio along with thirty hostages. Copperhead told the media to leave them alone and didn’t trust anyone because they may be Skrulls. The Nova Corps comes into the compound low and ultrasonic fast. The Serpent Society are taken down without a fight and Fer-de-Lance is slammed into a wall from a narrow focus beam by Centurion Qubit. Fer-de-Lance and the rest of the Serpent Society are taken in by the FEDS and placed into custody.

Powers & Abilities

A chemical enhancement grants Fer-de-Lance enhanced strength and durability. However, she more often than not uses retractable steel claws on her gloves and boots as her weapon of choice.