Shark

Origin

When an atomic pile went out of control at an experimental atomic station, there was an explosion which released radiation and mutated a tiger shark that was swimming close to the shore. Rapidly, the Shark developed humanoid looks, as well as great psionic powers and human-level intelligence.

The Tiger Shark telepathically absorbed knowlege from the minds of humans, thus learning how to speak. But despite his newly found abilities, the Shark retained his instinct to hunt and destroy his prey.

Creation

Karshon is a DC character created by John Broome and Gil Kane. His first appearance was in Green Lantern Vol. 2 #24.

Characteristics

Due to the explosion at the atomic station, Shark evolved quickly - but retained the instinct to hunt. Because of his higher intelligence, he felt his superior hunting skills only worthy to be used on individuals who were extra-ordinarily strong as well, first seeking out Green Lantern, but then other heroes. Despite Green Lantern returning Shark to his natural state, it failed to remained permanent and Shark had been able to take on Aquaman in the guise of an Atlantean named Karshan. He was returned back to his original tiger shark form when Aquaman defeated him.

Major Story Arcs

The Shark soon realized that with all his new abilities hunting humans would be too easy. He telepathically sought out a victim who would be worthy of him, and he learned of Green Lantern, and how Hal Jordan was supposedly a man without fear. The Shark decided he would hunt Green Lantern and that before he killed him, Jordan would experience fear.

Green Lantern fought and overcame the Shark before returning him to a normal tiger shark through his power ring commands. However, this move proved only a temporary measure as the Shark has returned to his humanoid form on several occasions since. His primary adversary has always been Hal Jordan, but he has also battled other super heroes. The shark once took the form of an Atlantean and called himself Karshon. In this guise, he battled Aquaman and temporarily succeeded in usurping the throne of Atlantis from its rightful king. However, Aquaman overcame him, and the Shark again reverted to his tiger shark form.

Crisis on Infinite Earths

Following one battle with Hal Jordan, the Shark was blown to atoms by an explosion. Guy Gardner managed to put the Shark back together, and the Shark assisted Gardner.

Powers and Abilities

Karshon has super human strength, endurance, a set of claws, sharpened teeth, and enhanced sense of smell. He can breathe in water as well as on land, swim at up to 60 Miles per hour and fly by psyonically levitating himself. He also has a number of mental powers, such as the ability to instil fear in his victims, manipulate matter, project energy bolts and communicate telepathically.

Characteristics

Gender: Male

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 243 lbs (110kg)

Eyes: Black

Hair: No hair

Unusual Features: Humanoid tiger shark

In Other Media

Justice League Unlimited

Shark appears in Justice League Unlimited episode "I Am Legion". He was among the supervillains welcoming Lex Luthor in his arrival to the Secret Society secret base. He was also witnessed how Luthor overthrew Grodd, in episode ''Dead Reckoning'' and was present in ''The Great Brain Robbery'' when Flash addressed the Legion in Luthor's body.

Batman: the Brave and the Bold

Shark makes cameo appearances in Batman: The Brave and the Bold episodes "Night of Huntress" as an inmate at Blackgate Penitentiary and "Mayhem Of The Music Meister".