It's Jeff! : Everything You Need To Know About The 'Marvel: Rivals Surprise Fan Favourite, Jeff The Land Shark

Soon after the release of the long-awaited video game Marvel Rivals in late 2024, the adorable Jeff the Land Shark became a surprise favourite among the game's debut roster of playable characters. Great if you play with him, but a menace if you're playing against him, Jeff's whirlpool attack has been the undoing of many players.

But where exactly did Jeff come from? Let's take a look at this little guy's past, and possible future, in the Marvel Universe.

Creation of the Land Sharks

It probably won't come as a surprise to long-term Marvel Comics fans that the Land Sharks as a species were first introduced in West Coast Avengers, long known as one of the quirkier Marvel titles. Appearing in 2018's 'West Coast Avengers #1', the Land Sharks are creations of the villain MODOK Superior. Unfortunately, during a confrontation between MODOK and the West Coast Avengers team, the Land Sharks escape and briefly run riot through the streets of Santa Monica.

During the creation of this issue, the design of a baby Land Shark drawn by Stefano Caselli caught writer Kelly Thompson's eye, and she tweaked the issue's ending to have the little shark follow the heroes home unnoticed. This was the Land Shark that would eventually become Jeff.

Adopted by Gwenpool

The baby Land Shark is discovered by Gwendolyn Poole, aka Gwenpool, in 'West Coast Avengers #7'. Gwen promptly falls in love, takes the shark home, and names him Jeff. This was originally supposed to be part of a running joke in which Gwenpool adopts and loses a series of baby animals, all to be named Jeff. Plans soon changed, asreaders loved the idea of Jeff the Land Shark so much that the joke was dropped in favour of keeping Jeff as Gwen's permanent pet, and he remained a recurring West Coast Avengers character for the rest of that run.

Gwenpool kept Jeff with her through a few of her subsequent solo titles, including Gwenpool Strikes back and the manga-inspired Unbelievable Gwenpool. However, Gwen Poole, as a real-world human transported into the comic world, fears for Jeff's future if her solo book is cancelled again, so searches for what she hopes will be a more stable home for him.

Pass the Land Shark

Gwen eventually decides to leave Jeff with Wade Wilson, better known to most readers and viewers as Deadpool. While at first reluctant to take responsibility for Jeff, Wade quickly becomes attatched. The little Land Shark then gets a taste of the high life, serving in the official role as Royal Pet during the 'King Deadpool' comic arc, in which Wade temporarily becomes King of Staten Island.

Unfortunately, Deadpool's ongoing title at the time ended soon after. Not wanting Jeff to be left in limbo until his next run began, Deadpool handed Jeff on to reknowned Marvelverse monster hunter, and his own sometime love interest, Elsa Bloodstone.

While very much devoted to Jeff whenever she is caring for him, Elsa is aware that her Monster Hunter lifestyle is not necessarily safe for Jeff.

Off-panel, he is briefly reclaimed by Gwenpool, who then gives him to her former West Coast Avengers teammate, Kate Bishop.

It's Jeff!

In September 2021, Jeff the Land Shark began starring in It's Jeff! his very own digital comic series as part of the Marvel Infinity Comics program, exclusive to Marvel Unlimited subscribers. The series depicts Jeff on various adorable adventures and misadventures, including sledding with Captain America's shield, causing chaos at a Superhero pool party, and accidentally swallowing the Infinity Gauntlet.

Jeff also appeared in Infinity Paws, another Marvel Unlimited digital exclusive, alongside a cast of Marvel pets.

Jeff Gets Venomized

During 2024's 'Venom War' storyline, Jeff, left unsupervised in the chaos of the zombiote invasion, bonds with an alien symbiote. While he initially tries to rid himself of the parasite, Jeff and his symbiote come to an understanding after realizing they both just want food, and decide to work together to get it.

The duo make their way to Coney Island, gorging on snacks until the Zombiotes arrive. Jeff and the symbiote aid Kate, Gwenpool, and America Chavez in fighting off the Zombiotes on the island, before Jeff and his symbiote willingly part ways.

Watch out for Jeff's whirlpool!

When deciding the early roster for Marvel Rivals, the game's developers wanted to throw a few wildcards in the mix alongside the obvious choices. Jeff the Land Shark was one of those wildcards. Available early in the game, Jeff has become infamous for his special whirlpool attack. A near gamebreaker at times, if Jeff dives while using the Whirlpool, any enemy or opposing player can be dragged with him.. even potentially over a cliff, if a player is willing to sacrifice Jeff for the rest of the party.

Jeff's presence in the game has definitely raised his profile, and with that raised profile, questions about his future in other mediums.

A Bright Future For Jeff

In news that delighted fans who've fallen in love with the character through the comics and Marvel Rivals, Brad Winderbaum confirmed in late 2024 that early plans are in place to bring Jeff the Land Shark into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Winderbaum is Marvel Studios' Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation, suggesting that Jeff could be set to debut in an upcoming Disney Plus series, but exactly which one is uncertain.

We can't wait to see where this adorable little guy shows up!