Since 1973,Sanriohas been home to hundreds of adorable animal-like characters, such asHello Kittyand Cinnamoroll, perfect for displaying on merchandise, featuring in series and movies, and more. Many of these characters became so well-known that it seems they will never fade into obscurity, but one in particular was forgotten soon after his creation, much to fans' dismay.
Big Challenges, a two-dimensional green crocodile character with both eyes on one side of his head, was created in 1978. He became a fan-favorite due to his simplistic cheerful design, with a wide-open toothy grin that gives the impression he is always smiling and laughing. Big Challenges' time in the spotlight was incredibly short-lived though.
Big Challenges, Sanrio’s Smiling Crocodile, Was Quietly Abandoned, Inciting Backlash
Although Big Challenges Was Never Officially Retired, Sanrio Stopped Featuring His Likeness Quickly
Big Challenges was displayed on a few pieces of merchandise from the brand in the late 1970s, but these items are few and far between. Despite his charming design and fans' affection for him,Big Challenges was thrust into the shadows, not to be used by Sanrio in an official project again for another 45 years.
Big Challenges' fans were pleasantly astounded by therelease ofHello Kitty Island Adventurein July 2023, because it also marked Big Challenges' first major debut in a Sanrio creation. He was featured as a character in the game, which was a shocking twist, since he had not appeared almost anywhere before that moment.
Big Challenges' First Major Appearance Was in Hello Kitty Island Adventure
45 Years After His Creation, Sanrio Finally Utilized Big Challenges in an Official Project in July 2023
Little is known about why Big Challenges was sidelined by Sanrio for so long, and this topic remains one of the company’s greatest mysteries to date. Big Challenges possesses a straightforward, joyful design that aligns with Sanrio’s brand, and he was an absolute hit with fans despite not being used after his creation.
The creators ofHello Kitty Island Adventurewere eager to give Big Challenges his much-deserved time to shine. Tom Blind, Game Director ofHello Kitty Island Adventure,spoke inan interview with Games Hubabout why the Sunblink team chose to include Big Challenges specifically, explaining that they wanted to highlight a lesser-known, forgotten character in their game.
“We were like, ‘Hey, we kinda want to use this character that you don’t even probably remember you have,’ and they had to chat about it internally a little bit. But the thing about Sanrio in general, is that even if something was debatable, they wanted to help us make the best game possible. They pushed internally to make things happen, and they were very much going to bat for us to make sure that we could make everything.” - Tom Blind,Games Hub
Some fans suggest thatBig Challenge’s role inHello Kitty Island Adventureis symbolic. The player must free Big Challenges from a chunk of frozen ice to unlock him. Both in the game and in real life, Big Challenges was left behind, but now with his in-game appearance, he can finally be appreciated properly.
Big Challenges' Future is Uncertain, But Fans Are Optimistic
Hopefully, His In-Game Appearance Will Be Only the First of Many Big Challenges Projects
A Change.org petitionwas even made by those wishing to see more of Big Challenges, proving that this crocodilian character’s impact was tremendous, even if he was not given the same attentionother cute Sanrio charactershave received. With a bright smile, Big Challenges' ever-present positivity reminds onlookers that even the toughest problems can be overcome.
There is no guarantee that Big Challenges will show up in any futureSanrioprojects, but considering the fan response when he was added toHello Kitty Island Adventure, the possibility seems likely. Now more than ever, the world needs uplifting characters who can evoke joy, so it is the best time for Big Challenges to make a comeback.
