Chain Chomps (occasionally called simply
Chomps, alternatively formatted as
Chain-Chomps, and alternatively called
Chain Chompers early on) are common enemies in the
Super Mario franchise. Chain Chomps were not initially conceived for the
Super Mario franchise, but a developer came across old concept art and decided to implement them in
Super Mario Bros. 3. Chain Chomps bear a resemblance to a ball and chain and are typified by their large, tooth-filled maws and incessant biting.
Shigeru Miyamoto's inspiration for the Chain Chomps was from a childhood experience: a dog once ran up to him and tried to bite him, but the dog's chain held it back. As a result, Chain Chomps also possess canine qualities, such as barking, and are commonly used as guard dogs throughout the
Super Mario franchise. Many Chain Chomps have been part of the
Koopa Troop, though a couple of them have been shown to be independent. Despite their English name, not all Chain Chomps have chains, or even chomp; many later depictions of chainless Chain Chomps have them rolling around like
boulders. (
more...)
