Snakeskin was active in the United States for several years prior to his move to Iraq, although his crimes were mostly of a small nature and only moderately successful. His decision to move internationally and secure himself a major piece of the illicit trade in war-torn Iraq, catapulted him into the big time.

Of unknown nationality, Snakeskin has the ability to take on the form of anyone he touches. He moved into Iraq during the American invasion and set himself up as a crime lord based out of Kirkuk. The war continues despite Sanction being sent to Iraq on three separate month-long tours because other interests have also moved in to counter this rise in force, especially Fatwa. The Iraq conflict has become something of an embarrassment for the United States and the Coalition of the Willing (Britain and Australia), with no easy solution available. While there are several uberhuman operatives working with the Coalition forces, there seems to be just as many in the opposing camps. The American and Coalition troops maintain their professionalism regardless and have managed to secure Baghdad which has returned to a semi-stable environment, although the Iraqi government is still full of factionalism and cannot really operate effectively.

Snakeskin has entered this chaotic environment to make as much money as he can. He initially arrived in the guise of an independent contractor but quickly assumed a variety of other roles and made his way to Kirkuk where he has replaced the local warlord, Saheed Alsamari. While his followers are a little suspicious about this 'new' Saheed Alsamari, his brutal effectiveness has won their support. Snakeskin controls a large territory in the country's north-east and oversees a large smuggling ring as well as extortion rackets and a thriving black market based in Kirkuk.

Snakeskin is an opportunist and although he has established himself quite comfortably in Iraq, he would not hesitate to move on if he thought there were better opportunities abroad or if he thought his operation was seriously threatened. He is primarily motivated by greed, but underneath this is his need to outmanoeuvre opponents and show his superior tactical mind. Iraq has become an excellent arena to act out both of these passions.

"There is a little bit of me underneath all of your skins."

A shapeahifter who can create a second 'skin' based on someone he has touched, Snakeskin is an excellent infiltrator, although his powers require time to be effective. A major limitation of the 'skins' is that while he can mimic a person's appearance, smell and touch he cannot alter his voice except through vocal tricks he has picked up (mimicry).

In his natural state he has reptilian skin which provides some protection as well as making him difficult to hold.

Snakeskin is a shapeshifter and can, with time, look like any person he has touched. When not wearing a 'skin' he is covered with very smooth green scales. His face is flat with nostril-slits, slightly raised scales for eyebrows and bright yellow eyes with no discernible pupils. He has small sharp teeth rather than fangs and these can deliver quite a painful bite.

He generally wears clothes to complement his disguise so he could be wearing anything. Under all his 'skins' he wears simple black shorts.