Evolution of Chocodile (Johnsonverse BTS)

The design process for Johnson Studios mascot Chocodile is an interesting story. The character underwent multiple incarnations before the current design was settled on.

This article takes place out-of-universe, and shows the evolution of the design created by Trevor807, and the decisions and vetoes of Johnsonverse creator BNSF1995 (who is also the co-writer of this article; what, you don't believe me? Well, good day, sir! And Mrs. Sir!)

Origin
The Chocodile character originated from a bizarre dream I had about a talking crocodile rocking back and forth on all fours singing "Chocodile!" repeatedly. From there, I took this name and created a character for the Johnsonverse so Johnson Studios could have an animated character to rival Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny.

First Design
BNSF1995: The first Chocodile design created by Trevor807 was, quite frankly, horrifying. When I first saw it, I was actually a little scared. As you can see, the first Chocodile design was green, with a yellow-green stripe running down the middle of his head, a yellow-green tail, and a brown shirt. In-universe, this first design is referred to as a rejected design from the design process in 1936.

Trevor807: Looking back, the art I drew back then was horrible. I've learned to grow as an artist since then, and I know that this design is on par with that atrocious Sonic design from the April 2019 Sonic movie trailer and the new Toucan Sam. In the Chocodile concept sheet, a slightly redrawn version is crossed out, as creator Randy Perkins, being a perfectionist, was so appalled at it, he didn't even finish it.

Second Design
BNSF1995: The second Chocodile design wasn't much of an original design, but rather, a recolor of Swampy from the Disney mobile game Where's My Water? This was meant to be a stop-gap measure while a new design was made, but it succeeded in showing Chocodile's kid-friendly nature.

Third Design
BNSF1995: The third design was, in my opinion, a happy balance between the first two designs. He had the brown skin (hence the name "Chocodile"), but also had a more cartoonish design, adding white gloves as was common in the 1930s.

Fourth Design
BNSF1995: But Trevor807 knew he could do better, and further refined the design, giving Chocodile more heft, orange shoes, and having him hold a chocolate bar.

Fifth Design
BNSF1995: Not only does he look suitably athletic for a chocolate-lover, but he also has a nice, goofy look to him, a perfect representation of his 1930s personality as a friend to all children (before he became a propaganda tool and advertising icon in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, an everyman in the 70s and since the 90s, and a deadpan snarker with a chip in his shoulder during the Stacker era in the 80s).

Seventh Design
In our opinion, this is the best design created.