I am learning the ropes of a lot of programs and just wanted to drop some little tid bits for others who may be learning as well.
When you import a character with the cod import tools (found here https://www.ugx-mods.com/forum/3rd-party-applications-and-tools/48/app-cod-model-tools-for-maya-2012plus/1295/), your character may show as black.  First, make sure your texture locations and root folder are correct in the cod tools plug-in. Then make sure you hit LIGHTING, then TWO-SIDED SHADING. There is something between maya 2015 and 2018 that is different. Thank you and good luck!