Warning: contains spoilers for Suicide Squad: King Shark #3!
Like many other DC characters, King Shark has had differing origins. Now, Suicide Squad: King Shark #3 is clearing up a few things. Finally, the proper history of King Shark could be known - just in time for DCEU fans to latch onto his latest adventures.
King Shark - also known as Nanaue - debuted in 1994 and has starred in The Suicide Squad, the animated series Harley Quinn, and The Flash within the Arrowverse. Recently, his own Digital First series began, pitting him against brand new foes in a fatal tournament. This is a perfect jumping on point for fans wanting to see more of King Shark - particularly since his origin story is getting revamped.
Suicide Squad: King Shark #3 has the creative team of Tim Seeley, Scott Kolins, John Kalisz, and Wes Abbott. Throughout time, King Shark has had two predominant origin stories - and differing looks to go with them. In this new series, these origins are being consolidated as both of his early beginnings get mixed into one definitive story. He is the son of Chondrakha, a shark deity, and a human mother. He is also the pet project of Amanda Waller, who uses him to carry out her own dirty work.
The first origin story for King Shark included Chondrakha and his human mother named Kaikea. This was during the post-Crisis era of DC comics. After the events of Flashpoint, his story was rewritten. He was the son of Kamo - a different shark deity. Amanda Waller made a deal with Kamo. She would raise King Shark and in exchange for letting him visit home, he would be part of her Suicide Squad. This new issue removes Kamo. Chondrakha and Kaikea are now his official parents, though Waller still keeps him in her facility at her disposal. His visits home are still incorporated into this deal.
The origin itself wasn't the only thing that had changed for King Shark. With a shift in shark deity, the menacing predator also had a shift in species. Instead of appearing the way he does now, similar to many shark species, his second origin involving the Suicide Squad featured him as a hammerhead shark. Now that he has made a big-screen debut, as well as been a regular part of a DC animated series with a similar look, it seems likely that his appearance in those media and his newest series will be his main appearance for the foreseeable future. Fans have taken to him like fish to water and it would be beneficial for DC to maintain some consistency with the character.
While King Shark isn't always the most fearsome character, he is definitely an easy one for fans to latch onto. His abilities are straightforward, matching his appearance - which is very memorable. This series has made him especially endearing since everyone is continually being underestimating him - including his own father. He has the ability to make friends and is mostly used as a pawn with no regard to what he actually wants. Waller has not approved of the tournament he entered and is demanding King Shark be brought back to her custody, which means that everyone he's involved with only wants him to meet their needs. This is the perfect time for King Shark to shine - he has won the hearts of fans and has a fresh start in DC's comics. It's especially nice that his origin is now solidified more clearly so fans can have a clear-cut view of King Shark's past and present.