History:
SONIC SHARK
Classification: Terrestrial technology
Creator: Unidentified US military engineers
User/Possessors: Lt. General Fredricks, other US military staff, S.H.I.E.L.D. (Dum Dum Dugan, Nick Fury, Jasper Sitwell)
First Appearance: Fantastic Four I#72 (March, 1968)
Powers/Abilities/Functions: The Sonic Shark is a missile controlled by ground-based Army staff. The Sonic Shark has the ability to harness and unleash cosmic energy, allowing it to drain cosmic power. It is impervious to heat (such as the flame power of the Human Torch) and contains defenses which release a shockwave to repel anyone trying to interfere with its course.
History:
(Fantastic Four I#72) - When the Silver Surfer began running amock the Pentagon ordered Lt. General Fredricks to deploy the Sonic Shark against him. As the Sonic Shark targeted the Silver Surfer in the sky, the Human Torch saw it and tried to intervene on his ally's behalf. The Torch attempted to disable the Sonic Shark's engine with his flame powers but failed and the Sonic Shark caught up to the Surfer. The Sonic Shark started draining the Surfer's cosmic power into itself but the Fantastic Four's Pogo Plane flew to intercept it. Leaning out of the Pogo Plane, the Thing struck the Sonic Shark with his fist and hit it so hard that the Sonic Shark was hurled into the stratosphere and exploded.
(Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man I#5) - When the Silver Surfer again went on a rampage (this time due to the influence of the Psycho-Man), S.H.I.E.L.D. were ordered to unleash the Sonic Shark against him. Agent Jasper Sitwell expressed concern to Colonel Nick Fury about using the Sonic Shark because it might kill the Surfer but Colonel Fury felt it had to be launched to prevent the Surfer from claiming human lives. The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier launched the Sonic Shark missile at the Surfer. However, this time the Silver Surfer saw the Sonic Shark approaching him and recognized it from the earlier encounter. Rather than assault the missile, the Surfer used his Power Cosmic to drain the energies powering the missile. With its power drained the missile imploded and fell from the sky as a cluster of wreckage.
Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.
The Sonic Shark also appears in flashbacks seen in Silver Surfer: The Enslavers.
It's not entirely clear in Fantastic Four I#72 but I think the Sonic Shark was supposed to detonate after draining the Surfer's power.
In Webspinners I#5, Fury indicates that S.H.I.E.L.D. was involved in the Silver Surfer matter because of his attack on S.H.I.E.L.D. in Silver Surfer I#17. One can infer that Fury requested a copy of the Sonic Shark following that event.
This profile was completed on 11/24/2025 but its publication was delayed, as it was intended for the Appendix's 25th anniversary celebratory event.
Profile by Prime Eternal.
CLARIFICATIONS:
This should not be confused with:
images: (without ads)
Fantastic Four I#72, page 17, panel 5 (main)
Fantastic Four I#72, page 19, panel 1 (in action)
Appearances:
Fantastic Four I#72 (March, 1968) - Stan Lee (writer, editor), Jack Kirby (penciler, co-plot), Joe Sinnott (inker)
Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man I#5 (May, 1999) - Eric Stephenson (writer), Keith Giffen (pencils), Andy Smith (inks), Jimmy Palmiotti (inks), Scott Elmer (inks), Rodney Ramos (inks), Ralph Macchio (editor)
First posted: 09/01/2026
Last updated:11/24/2025
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
Non-Marvel Copyright info
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™ and © 1941-2099 Marvel
Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you
should check out the real thing!
Please visit The Marvel Official Site at: http://www.marvel.com
Special Thanks to http://www.g-mart.com/ for hosting the Appendix, Master List, etc.!