‘Jeff The Land Shark’ Review: Cute, Chaotic, and Totally Jawsome

Jeff’s been stealing the show whenever he’s in a team, and I always loved his one-shot issues! But a limited series from one of my favorite writers? I needed to talk about it!

Who Is Jeff the Land Shark?

If you somehow haven’t met him yet: Jeff is a tiny land shark (yes, a shark with legs) who made a quick cameo in West Coast Avengers #6 in October 2018, before getting his name and a proper introduction in issue #7. He was created by Kelly Thompson and artist Daniele di Nicuolo, and his rise since then has been kind of wild.

The It’s Jeff! Infinity Comic on Marvel Unlimited turned him into a real star (the print collection, It’s Jeff: The Jeff-Verse #1, even won the Eisner for Best Humor Publication in 2024), and in December 2024 he jumped into Marvel Rivals as a playable character. So this five-issue series is Jeff’s first starring print miniseries, and honestly? He earned it.

The Creative Team Behind the Chaos

So Jeff The Land Shark is a limited 5-issue series written by Kelly Thompson (who actually created Jeff back in West Coast Avengers) and drawn by the fantastic Tokitokoro. First of all, Kelly wrote my favorite run of Captain Marvel and I’m obsessed with Absolute Wonder Woman.

If you don’t know Kelly’s work yet, you’re in for a treat. She wrote Kate Bishop’s Hawkeye (2016-2018), all 50 issues of that Captain Marvel run (2019-2023), and Black Widow, which won the Eisner for Best New Series in 2021. Over at DC, she’s writing Birds of Prey and Absolute Wonder Woman, which picked up that same Eisner, Best New Series, this year. Oh, and she’s been writing It’s Jeff! since 2021, so nobody knows this little shark better than she does.

Tokitokoro is a manga artist and illustrator based in Tokyo who has drawn covers for both Marvel and DC (Doctor Strange, Blue Beetle, and My Adventures with Superman, among others). I love Tokitokoro’s manga-style art, it fits perfectly with Jeff’s chaotic little shark energy.

And the main covers come from Gurihiru, the Japanese duo (Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano) who draw It’s Jeff! and are also behind the Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novels and Superman Smashes the Klan (which won two Eisners in 2021). Having them on the covers keeps that same cozy Jeff look that made me fall for him in the first place. Jim Campbell on colors and Joe Caramagna on letters round out the team (and yes, someone had to letter all those growls).

What Is Jeff the Land Shark About?

Jeff always shines when he shows up in any story, but this time his own series went beyond expectations. It was funny in the most Jeff way possible. It starts with Jeff being where he shouldn’t be, doing what he shouldn’t do (another day in Jeff’s life). While wandering around the Sanctum Sanctorum, he releases a shadow demon that… well, steals his shadow. So Jeff says: “GrrrrrRrrrrrRrr” (which roughly translates to: I need to get my shadow back!).

And that’s where the adventure begins. As he hops through portals chasing his runaway shadow, from the Savage Land all the way to Madripoor, Jeff ends up teaming up with a whole lineup of Marvel icons. Each issue features guest stars: Deadpool, Gambit, Rogue, Wolverine, Rocket, Scarlet Witch, Magik, the list just keeps growing. And since Shadow Jeff is out there causing trouble, our boy also has to clear his name (as if Jeff ever had a spotless reputation to begin with).

Why I Loved It

Every pairing brings a fresh kind of chaos and charm, and somehow, Jeff manages to outshine them all without even saying a single word. That’s honestly my favorite thing about this series, how Jeff doesn’t need dialogue to carry an entire comic. Tokitokoro’s art handles expression and emotion so well that every growl, glare, and wag of the tail tells you exactly what Jeff’s thinking. Kelly Thompson’s writing keeps that light, mischievous tone that made me fall for Jeff in the first place, balancing pure comedy with moments of heart. It’s a series that feels fun, fresh, and ridiculously cute.

What also makes this series stand out is how every issue feels like its own little adventure while still keeping one fun, cohesive story. The energy never dips, one minute you’re laughing at Jeff causing magical chaos, the next you’re rooting for him like he’s a full-on Avenger (which, honestly, he should be by now). The mix of Marvel cameos, fast pacing, and visual comedy makes this one of those reads you’ll want to revisit just for the expressions and background gags alone.

Who Should Add This to Their Pull List?

If you loved It’s Jeff! on Marvel Unlimited, this one is an easy pick. It’s also perfect if you want something light and funny between heavier reads, since you can jump into any issue and have a great time. And if you’ve only met Jeff in Marvel Rivals? This is the best way to see what the little guy is really like on the page.

Final Thoughts

Jeff the Land Shark is pure fun from start to finish, and the proof that Jeff can carry a book all on his own. I got so many cover variants for this one, but if you missed out the issues, don’t worry: the paperback releases in May 2026.

More Marvel Worth Reading

If Jeff’s guest stars got you curious, I’ve got you covered. Magik gets her own story of sorcery and self-acceptance in my Magik review, and since Jeff’s chase goes through the Savage Land, Rogue: The Savage Land is a fun follow-up. If Wanda is your favorite cameo, check out my Scarlet Witch (2015-2017) review. And for more lighthearted Marvel, Spider-Boy is another book with tons of heart.

FAQ

Is Jeff the Land Shark worth reading? Yes, especially if you want a light, funny Marvel comic packed with guest stars and super expressive art.

Who is writing and drawing Jeff the Land Shark? Kelly Thompson writes, Tokitokoro draws, Jim Campbell colors, and Joe Caramagna letters, with main covers by Gurihiru.

How many issues is Jeff the Land Shark? Five, released from June to October 2025.

Do you need to read anything before Jeff the Land Shark? No. Every issue works as its own adventure, though It’s Jeff! is a great companion read.

Where did Jeff the Land Shark first appear? He made a cameo in West Coast Avengers #6 (2018) and was properly introduced in issue #7, created by Kelly Thompson and Daniele di Nicuolo.

Is Jeff the Land Shark available in a collected edition? Yes, the paperback releases in May 2026.