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5 Critical Facts About Jeff The Landshark's First Appearance (And Why Collectors Are Confused)

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The question of "Where did Jeff the Landshark first appear?" is one of the most debated topics in modern comic book collecting, often leading to confusion among new and veteran fans alike. As of December 22, 2025, this lovable, finned creature has transcended his comic book origins to become a true Marvel mascot, appearing in video games like Marvel Rivals and starring in his own digital series. Understanding his debut is essential for anyone looking to appreciate his history or invest in a potential key issue.

This article dives deep into the definitive comic book debut of Jeffrey the Landshark, separating the myth from the reality. We will clarify the controversial issue numbers, detail the creators who brought him to life, and explore how a simple, adorable creature created by MODOK became one of the most valuable modern characters in the Marvel Universe.

The Definitive Biography of Jeffrey the Landshark

Jeff the Landshark, often simply referred to as Jeffrey, is a fictional character who quickly became a fan-favorite for his unique design and endearing personality. He is a member of a species known as Land Sharks, which were originally created by the villainous genius MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing).

  • Full Name: Jeffrey (Land Shark)
  • Species: Land Shark (a genetically engineered shark-like creature capable of "swimming" through land)
  • First Appearance (Controversial): West Coast Avengers (vol. 3) #6 or #7 (2018-2019)
  • Creators: Writer Kelly Thompson and Artist Daniele di Nicuolo
  • Adopter/Owner: Gwenpool (Gwendolyn Poole)
  • Key Allies: Kate Bishop (Hawkeye), Quentin Quire (Kid Omega), America Chavez, Fuse (Johnny Watts)
  • Key Series: West Coast Avengers, It's Jeff! (Infinity Comic/Digital Series)
  • Notable Development: Initially a generic member of a Land Shark swarm, he was singled out, adopted by Gwenpool, and named "Jeff" after the team defeated the Land Sharks.
  • Current Status (2025): A beloved Marvel mascot starring in his own highly-praised series and making appearances across various Marvel media, including the Marvel Rivals video game.

Jeff's journey is unique. Unlike characters who debut with a grand purpose, Jeff started as a disposable henchman creature. His adoption by Gwenpool, a character known for breaking the fourth wall and understanding comic book tropes, solidified his role as a charming, meta sidekick.

The Great Debate: West Coast Avengers #6 vs. #7

The core of the Jeff the Landshark collecting controversy lies in two consecutive comic book issues. While most sources agree his debut occurred during the "Land Shark" storyline in the 2018-2019 West Coast Avengers series, the exact issue number remains a point of contention that significantly impacts the book's value.

West Coast Avengers (vol. 3) #6 (October 2018)

This issue is cited by some authoritative sources as the technical first appearance of the Land Shark creatures. The Land Sharks, created by MODOK, appear as a collective threat to the West Coast Avengers team, which at the time included Kate Bishop and Gwenpool. However, the character we know as "Jeff" is not yet identified, named, or singled out from the rest of the Land Shark horde.

West Coast Avengers (vol. 3) #7 (January 2019)

This issue is overwhelmingly considered the first full appearance and the first named appearance of Jeff the Landshark. In WCA #7, after the Land Shark attack is quelled, Gwenpool specifically finds the adorable baby Land Shark, names him "Jeff," and officially adopts him as her pet. It is this issue that establishes the character's unique identity, personality, and relationship with Gwenpool—the elements that led to his massive popularity.

The Collector's Consensus: For modern comics, the "first full appearance" or "first named appearance" that establishes the character's ongoing identity is often the true key. Therefore, West Coast Avengers (vol. 3) #7 is the definitive and most sought-after key issue for Jeff the Landshark. Reports of copies selling for hundreds of dollars on auction sites confirm its status as the collectible debut.

From Land Shark to Digital Star: Jeff's Rise to Marvel Mainstay

Jeff's popularity exploded almost immediately following his adoption by Gwenpool. Co-creator Kelly Thompson, recognizing the character's viral potential, continued to feature him prominently. His rise from a simple sidekick to a Marvel mainstay is a fascinating case study in modern character development.

The It's Jeff! Phenomenon

In 2021, Jeff received his own dedicated digital-first series, It's Jeff!, on the Marvel Unlimited platform (known as Infinity Comics). This series, written by Thompson and beautifully illustrated by the acclaimed artist duo Gurihiru, features silent, slice-of-life adventures of Jeff interacting with various Marvel heroes, including Daredevil. The format and charming nature of the series turned Jeff into a global meme and solidified his status as a beloved, non-verbal comedic lead.

Topical Authority and Key Entity Integration

Jeff is now frequently paired with other high-profile Marvel entities, increasing his topical authority within the Marvel Universe. The shift from the team-focused West Coast Avengers to his solo adventures alongside major heroes like Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, and even the recently introduced Ken The Septapus (a new sidekick created by the same team) demonstrates Marvel's commitment to the character. His presence in the highly anticipated Marvel Rivals video game further cements his relevance outside of the comic book page.

Collectibility and Value: Why WCA #7 is a Modern Key Issue

For collectors, Jeff the Landshark represents a modern "sleeper hit"—a character who debuted quietly but whose value skyrocketed due to organic fan appeal and successful media crossover. The value of West Coast Avengers (vol. 3) #7 continues to be monitored closely on comic book price guides.

Factors Driving the High Value:

  • First Named Appearance: As noted, this is the defining moment where the generic Land Shark becomes the specific, beloved character "Jeff."
  • Low Print Run (Relative): The 2018-2019 West Coast Avengers series did not have the massive print runs of a major title like Amazing Spider-Man, making high-grade copies of issue #7 comparatively scarce.
  • Media Relevance: Jeff's starring role in It's Jeff! and his inclusion in video games have introduced him to a new generation of fans and collectors, driving up demand for his first appearance.
  • The Gwenpool Connection: As Gwenpool’s pet, the issue is also a key book for collectors of the increasingly popular Gwendolyn Poole character.

In conclusion, while a generic Land Shark may have appeared in West Coast Avengers #6, there is no doubt that the true, collectible, and historically significant moment is the debut of the named, adopted, and iconic Jeffrey the Landshark in West Coast Avengers (vol. 3) #7. Securing a high-grade copy of this issue is paramount for any collector focusing on the most influential and charming modern Marvel characters.

5 Critical Facts About Jeff the Landshark's First Appearance (And Why Collectors Are Confused)
jeff the landshark first appearance
jeff the landshark first appearance

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