Credit where credit is due, Marvel Rivals has done something incredible with Jeff the Land Shark. We’re 17 years into the MCU, in the most saturated time for superhero media in the history of the world, and Marvel Rivals has managed to pluck a character out of obscurity and give him A-list, mascot status. Jeff is a star, and it won’t be long until we see him in movies, merchandise, Disney Plus shows, and posing for pictures with kids at Disneyland. Not long after that, we’ll all hate the little freak. Clock’s ticking, Jeffy boy.
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This is a cycle we’ve seen repeated countless times. Adorable character becomes popular, adorable character becomes ubiquitous in pop culture, adorable character becomes hated. It happened to the Chipmunks, it happened to the Minions, it’s even happened to another Marvel superhero. Baby Groot triggered cuteness overload across the world until the world couldn’t take any more cuteness. Now, Baby Jeff is on the exact same trajectory.
The Life And Times Of Baby Groot
When I think about Baby Groot today, I don’t really feel hate. But boy, there was a time when I wanted to set that kid on fire and stomp him into burnt ash. Baby Groot first appeared in 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as the reborn (baby) version of Groot, and completely stole the show. Everyone fell in love with Baby Groot immediately, and Marvel wisely seized the opportunity.
Baby Groot took over the world seemingly overnight. Over the next two years, it felt like I couldn’t get away from the little stick. The memes, the merch, the media, Baby Groot was everywhere. Baby Groot got his own Lego set, his own Marvel Infinity comic series, and an entire line of Funko Pops. My nephew had a Baby Groot robot that would play ELO’s Mr. Blue Sky and dance around, announcing “I AM GROOT” in his signature baby voice. Baby Groot was everywhere, and slowly but surely, he became my worst enemy.
By the time Baby Groot got his own Disney Plus Series, the world was pretty much over BG. I don’t hate him as much anymore simply because I don’t have to see him. Now whenever he pops up he just reminds me of classic MCU. I can appreciate Baby Groot because I feel like he’s not being shoved down my throat. That’s where Jeff the Land Shark exists today, but it won’t be long until he becomes just as oversaturated as peak Baby G.
Jeff The Land Shark Is Baby Groot 2.0
Marvel Rivals found the perfect formula for a mega viral character. Jeff has all the cute little kid charm of Baby Groot mixed with the innocence and lovability of a puppy, all wrapped up in an iconic baby shark design. He’s a perfect storm of adorableness, and he’s about to be everywhere, all the time, whether you like it or not.
I don’t think Jeff is going to blow up overnight the way Baby Groot did – at least not until he shows up in the MCU. Marvel Rivals is massive, but it’s nowhere near as big as a Marvel movie, so at least for now, we’re not going to get all the Jeff all at once.
But there will come a time when we grow to hate Jeff. His presence in every aspect of our lives will become impossible to ignore. Every time you go shopping, Jeff will be there. Every time you turn on the TV, Jeff will be there. Every kid will want to be Jeff for Halloween. Your friends will start introducing you to their new labradoodle, Jeff. Jeff will be inescapable, and you will come to loathe Jeff. It’s just a matter of time, unfortunately. The age of Jeff is nigh.
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.
Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.
Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!
Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!
Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!