Waylon Jones was born with a genetic mutation giving him a reptile's skin, sharp claws, and teeth; due to genetic atavism. Croc became a circus wrestler who would rise to conquer the Gotham Mob racket only then to become one of Batman's most physically imposing rogues.
@agent9149: there is a grouping of several genetic defects that produce fish or reptile scale like skin, but the effects are nothing like Killer Croc's
Here's what the Wikipedia page has to say about his skin:
Killer Croc's backstory explains that he was born with a condition resembling epidermolytic hyperkeratosis, a disfiguring skin disorder. However, it is actually a form of regressive atavism, meaning that he has inherited traits of ancestral species of the human race, such as reptiles. This condition has been augmented by the presence of ametagene. Consequently, he has several extraordinary physical abilities relating to his endurance, strength, and speed.
So it seems that it's based on a few real diseases... But with a little hereditary genetic quirks thrown in for good measure.
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