Quincy McIver was a young man who was initiated into the life of a criminal by his older brother, John. During his first mission, he was ambushed by the cops, and out of fear of his brother, Quincy dove into the river, trying to swim as far as he could until he would drown. However, he was instead hit by a police boat, and he lost his arms and legs by the ship's propeller. All he wished to do was kill himself, but he was unable to without any limbs. The last time he saw his brother, he told him he was going by John Bushmaster, and leaving the island. He left Quincy, who had nothing left for him. After a few days, he was contacted by Seth Voelker, also known as Sidewinder, who promised to restore Quincy's mobility.

After undergoing several experiments, Quincy awoke with a brand new body -- that of a snake's. While he had arms, he was told by Sidewinder he would also be given legs after a year of testing out that body. When Roxxon's Brand corporation went out of business, Quincy knew he would never get his legs, and took the name of his brother, who had been killed by Luke Cage. He then joined Sidewinder's Serpent Society, where he found friendship and meaning to life.