Jeff the Land Sharkhas become a worldwide sensation amongMarvelfans, especially now thanks to hisrole in the hit video gameMarvel Rivals, and nowDC Comicsisattempting to jump on this love for adorable comic heroes with its own new series premiering later this year:Aquamanatee.
As revealed by AIPT,Aquamanatee– written by Ben Clanton, with art by Cassandra Federman – is a new series for young readers focusing on an adorable manatee named Marlowe, a big dreamer who longs to team up with his hero Aquaman, while living a pretty ordinary life for a manatee. However, when his chance finally comes to be a hero after gaining powers, he questions if he’s “the best man-atee for the job.”
This new series is the first entry of a new line of graphic novels meant for 5-7 year olds, with the first book available in the fall of 2025.
Marlowe The Manatee Is DC’s Answer To Marvel’s Jeff The Land Shark, But Whether He Will Be As Popular Is Unknown
Aquamanatee– Written By Ben Clanton; Art By Cassandra Federman; Available Jun 13, 2025 From DC Comics
There’s no doubt that DC Comics' latest creation,Marlowe the Manatee, has the potential to become a huge hit with young DC fans.Just like thehitJeff the Land SharkMarvel Infinity series, the artwork by Cassandra Federman is absolutely adorable with a simplistic style that makes it appealing to readers of all ages. Plus, with a sweet-sounding story to boot, the first entry in the newAquamanateeseries seems to have everything going for it to become the next big superhero animal.
We Admit It: Jeff the Land Shark is a Marvel Icon Who’s Begging for a Big-Screen Movie Debut
Jeff the Land Shark became a staple at Marvel Comics with the West Coast Avengers, but he’d be perfect for the MCU’s ever-growing onscreen cast.
While DC’s take on Jeff the Land Shark seems to be hitting all the right notes, there is one thing that could set him back. Marlowe is primarily being aimed at a very young demographic. With the writing aimed at readers aged 5-7, he might not appeal to older fans the same way that made Jeff an icon. The latter became a huge hit with Marvel fans because of how his design and stories can be easily enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age;Aquamanatee, however, feels like it will be far too restricted to make him a global sensation.
DC’s “Aquamanatee” Could Build On The Success Of Another Childrens' Comic Franchise
Taking A Cue FromDog Man
While Marlowe the Manatee might not reach the right marks that made Jeff the Land Shark so popular, he still has hope to succeed through another major fanbase.Dav Pilkey’sDog Manserieshas become a phenomenon with younger readers because of its appealing artistic style and entertaining stories. The market is huge for stories like Dog Man,soAquamanateecould find a major boost in popularity from these readers, especially withDog Manleaning into superheroics in some of his latest adventures.
It is clear thatMarvel’sJeff the Land Shark served as a major inspiration for Marlowe’s creation, but if handled correctly,DC Comics’response to the character could make him into so much more.
Based on the previews, it seems likeAquamanateeis precisely the kind of story that would make young readers excited, in the the same wayDog Manhas over the past decade. The first entry in the newAquamanateeseries is set to hit bookshelves starting June 12, 2025. It is clear thatMarvel’sJeff the Land Shark served as a major inspiration for Marlowe’s creation, but if handled correctly,DC Comics’response to the character could make him into so much more.
