Transformation Sequence: Difference between revisions

{{trope}}

 

 

Before the [[Ordinary High School Student]] (or a hidden Bad Guy) can access her (or his) secret powers, there must be a power-up. This usually involves a change of form or at least costume, although the precise mechanisms usually vary by type. In Japanese television, this is called (a) ''henshin''. By genre, this usually goes as follows:

 

* [[Henshin Hero]]: Similar to the [[Magical Girl]] but usually less elaborate and more [[Rule of Cool|awesome]], our hero uses his [[Transformation Trinket|special device]] (often a weapon) and/or [[By the Power of Grayskull|shouts his transformation phrase]] to turn into his superhero form in a faster but equally flashy sequence, that for some reason often involves [[Lightning Can Do Anything|lightning]], [[Power Glows|glowing or shining]], and [[Transformation Name Announcement|the hero announcing himself]].

* Mechanical Sequence: A [[Humongous Mecha]] or [[Power Armour]] wearing hero gets into battle mode, whether through [[Transforming Mecha|transforming]], [[Combining Mecha|combining]], [[Mecha Expansion Pack|adding the gear]], and/or just plain [[Fighter Launching Sequence|launching into battle]]. Usually contains as much [[Technology Porn]] as time and budget will allow, and are very often tool-assisted in some way as the base's machines use mechanical arms and such to remove and add components.

* [[Make My Monster Grow|Size Increase]]: An already formidable monster or [[Sizeshifter|hero]] doesn't make many physical changes but simply [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|increases their size massively]], often to [[Kaiju]] levels.

* Other Sequences: Ones that aren't covered by or overlap with the above include [[Mon]] "evolution" sequences (which are sometimes permanent), [[Fusion Dance|characters combining into one]], or more mundanely, a [[Superhero]] donning their outfit via conventional (if accelerated) means.

 

 

Rarely is there a special-effects sequence for changing ''back''.

It seems to be an unwritten rule that evil characters almost never get a [[Stock Footage]] transformation sequence, instead opting for a special-effects-assisted "insta-transformation", a single sequence in the case of one-shot villains, or just transforming offscreen. This is a good way to spot the [[Sixth Ranger Traitor]] or a [[Noble Demon]] looking to make a [[Heel Face Turn]] somewhere down the line.

 

 

Compare [[Gorgeous Garment Generation]], [[Creation Sequence]], [[Fighter Launching Sequence]], [[Lock and Load Montage]], and [[Suit-Up of Destiny]].

 

{{examples}}

== Anime and Manga ==

** And the live version...[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTjIR1ysXEQ well, just look]. ([[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|"Honey Flash"]] indeed...)

** Transformation sequences gradually evolved over the course of each season as the novelty wore off: condensed, "team transformation" sequences created by intercutting the various characters' individual transformation sequences predominate in later episodes.

*** In ''SuperS'', Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon shared a sequence. What would happen if they had to transform separately was never addressed.

** In Ami Mizuno's [[Day in The Limelight]] episode of ''Sailor Moon R'' the camera actually cut away from her Sailor Mercury transformation sequence twice. The sequence appears to be happening in real time and her opponent appears to transfixed by the light show.

** When we actually see a character (namely, Sailor Uranus) transform back on-screen, it apparently requires only an act of will, as opposed to the "[[By the Power of Greyskull]]" phrases used for normal transformations. Also, there are a few plot-critical moments at which Sailor Moon is temporarily depowered by a villain, reversing her transformation; these, however, are obviously not voluntary.

* Similarly, ''[[Tokyo Mew Mew]]'' shows Mew Ichigo voluntarily transforming back into her normal form at least twice (with no nudity shown), seemingly just by touching her pendant; in the last episode, the entire team gets their transformations reversed because their powers are no longer needed.

* ''[[Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch]]'' gives everyone two separate sequences; one if they're in human form, and one if they're mermaids. Also, once they get their first [[Frills of Justice|wardrobe]] and [[So Last Season|weapon upgrade]], it appears that Lucia, Hanon and Rina ''cannot'' transform separately until near the end of the season, for the simple reason that the animators didn't make the necessary [[Stock Footage]].

* ''[[Saint October]]'' dispenses with glittery body outlines and comes up with things like... fruits falling down from a tree and covering the magical girl. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=236omc9BssU See] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s_QHxkO7_0 for] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBqPvQsOpU yourself].

* Was done in an adaptation of [[Zorro]] (''[[Kaiketsu Zorro]]'', to be exact). ''Regular Zorro''. He transformed.

** With ''lightning.'' And generic Latin music. And one of the first males to ever transform; see [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]].

* ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]'': Envy unleashes his gruesome true form inside Gluttony's stomach. Complete with "[[Oh Crap]]" expressions from Ed and Ling.

* Parodied in ''[[Hayate the Combat Butler]];'' Hayate once drew a manga about a magical girl that won a manga contest. When he showed it to the other girls at their insistence, the girls noted with some irritation that the transformation sequence was too [[Moe]] and full of [[Fan Service]].

** The "implied nudity" present in almost ''every'' transformation sequence in anime is only present in the original ''Pretty Cure'' and ''Max Heart''; subsequent series have the girls go from civilian clothes straight to glowy shapes which explode into the new outfit.

*** ''[[Suite Precure]]'' has brought back the glowing nudity.

** Mercifully in ''[[Yes! Pretty Cure 5]]'', the individual girls' sequences are very brief and often happen simultaneously via split-screen. Five long transformation sequences may be pretty and cheap but it ain't half boring the umpteenth time.

** Akidora: fairly standard sequence, this transformation combines Akina and Hydra, averaging their "assets"; introduced in episode 9 of season 2 and used ''3 times'' in that episode alone (full-length every time), plus at least once more during the series. Triggered when Akina and Hydra are annoyed at each other, dissolves if they start feeling friendly toward one another.

* A unique variant on the [[Super Mode]] sub-type appears in ''[[Mononoke]]'' (and the ''Bakeneko'' arc of ''<nowiki>[[Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales]]</nowiki>'' from which it was adopted). In it, the Medicine Seller doesn't so much ''transform'', as summon a warrior body to replace his normal one. The elaborately painted patterns on his blue robes and pale face slide off, instead crawling onto his other form's golden robes and dark-skinned face before his original body vanishes in what is unquestionably one of the most unusual transformations ever animated. And each sequence is slightly different from the others, ensuring that the process never becomes redundant. No [[Stock Footage]] for the Medicine Seller, that's for sure!

{{quote|'''Ryoma''': "What's the matter? Can't even pull off a change without checking the controls?"}}

** Then gleefully subverted with the revelation that the heroes only destroyed one of the machines. The other two formed enough of the machine for their enemies to keep fighting. Of course, one [[Kamehame Hadoken|Stoner Sunshine]] later...

** This scene seems to be based on the first battle in the ''Shin Getter Robo'' manga, though in that version they managed to destroy the partially-formed mecha before it could fight back.

* Parodied nicely in ''[[Genshiken]]''; when forcing Saki to cosplay, a somewhat...unhinged... Ohno, with a creepy laugh and in a sing-song voice, says "Time for all the gentlemen to get out of here, so Saki can begin her transformation sequence".

* Parodied in ''[[Asagiri no Miko]]'' where during one monster attack Seiko orders the girls to "Transform!"... And they run into a locker room and laboriously change into their miko clothes.

** Vita in A's also attacks the bubble of energy surrounding Nanoha while she's transforming. The bubble explodes but she's too late because Nanoha is able to flee from it already fully clothed. This suggests it's possible to attack and disrupt a transforming heroine in Nanoha, it's just difficult.

** We also see variations on transformations, including one that is virtually instant (Nanoha says simply, "Raising Heart, please?" and her Jacket flows over her), and numerous detransforms that are not only simple but clearly triggered just by willing them.

** The transformation sequence in [[The Movie]] only appears once each for Nanoha and Fate, thankfully. However, the previously missing [[Barbie Doll Anatomy|secondary sexual characteristics]] were this time included.

** Yuu from ''[[Creamy Mami]]'' has a static one featuring strobe lights and golden rings all around her body, after which she quickly grows into her [[Older Alter Ego]].

** ''[[Persia the Magic Fairy]]'' has one that begins with baton-twirling and a brief dance, and continues with heart and bubble imagery. The actual transformation part is quite brief though.

* Subverted in ''[[Cardcaptor Sakura]]'', where title character Sakura doesn't change, instead transforming the tiny gewgaw she wears on a necklace into a three foot long staff which she needs in order to use the magic cards. Any changes to her wardrobe are done in an entirely non-magical way. These staff transformations don't use [[Stock Footage]], since Sakura averts [[Limited Wardrobe]] ''hard''.

* ''[[Konjiki no Gash Bell]]'' featured a parody of the elaborate transformation sequence, with one-shot villain Coral Q able to transform into a variety of forms to counter Gash's spells. He takes great pride in these transformations (with theme song sung by sentai mainstay Hiroki Takahashi), and Kiyomaro counters them by simply saying he blinked and missed them, forcing Coral Q to de-transform and re-transform.

* Capcom has been experimenting with this a lot lately in the ''Rockman''/''[[Mega Man (video game)|Mega Man]]'' series. Cross Fusion starting in the third season of the ''[[Mega Man NT Warrior|EXE/NT Warrior]]'' anime, Denpa Henkan/EM Wave Change in the new ''[[Mega Man Star Force|Ryuusei/Star Force]]'' game/anime, and the "Rock On!" ability that underpins the [''ZX'' series.

** Specifically, in ''[[Mega Man ZX]] Advent,'' Ashe and Aile get full-on [[Magical Girl]]-esque transformations (Vent and Grey's transformations are similar, but much shorter; Grey's appears to be a [[Painful Transformation]]).

*** [[Mega Man X]] kinda gets one when he enters a Light Capsule. He gets surrounded by glowy lights, a lightning bolt strikes the capsule, the new part appears, and X raises his fist (with the recurrent [[Audible Sharpness]] sound) and [[Look What I Can Do Now!|demonstrates his new power]].

* [[Double Subversion]] in ''[[Voltron]]''. During one episode, the villains decide to attack Voltron while it is transforming. Unfortunately for them, they find out that a force field protects Voltron while it is transforming.

*** It also made for an odd logic exercise since for the entire set-up to work they not only had not use the stock footage but actually assemble the titular mecha from the head-down, the exact opposite direction to the normal from the feet up assembly shown in the stock footage.

* ''[[Bleach]]'': subverted for most characters where transformation sequences can be quite straight-forward and practical such as Ichigo transforming from human to shinigami with a simple smack via an appropriate soul-removal tool or popping Kon's pill form into his mouth. It tends to be played straight when seeing a character's power-up transformation sequence for the first time (such as a powerful Arrancar entering Resurrection form or a shinigami activating bankai). However, some shinigami who rarely activate their shikai forms will get a dramatic sequence as well.

* Averted in ''[[Galaxy Fraulein Yuna]]'' where one of the characters has a literal three frame transformation from normal clothing to battlesuit. Phenomenally cool.

** Played straight with the Pilot's transformation sequence, announced with a roaring ''Dude Fureedo!''

* Subverted in the second episode of ''[[Ultimate Girls]]'' when Tsubomi and Vivian transform. Instead of the stock animation which is later used, a "now transforming" meter is displayed which looks suspiciously like an Adobe Flash Player loading bar.

* ''[[Tekkaman Blade]]'' has a rare male nude transformation sequence. However, the transformation sequence was pretty much dropped after about six or seven episodes. It was replaced with [[Stock Footage]] of the [[Humongous Mecha]], Pegas, being deployed.

** When Saban created their dub of the series, ''Teknoman'', they reinserted the sequence into most episodes that didn't have it. It was even combined with the Pegas launch-sequence, creating a double-length sequence.

** Oh, and apparently this sequence happened in real-time and included a voice-over that was actually part of the sequence. Played for laughs in at least one instance when Moka transformed off-screen... and yet the voice-over describing what was happening could still be heard.

* ''[[Guyver]]'' has a rare non-nude transformation sequence, as the Guyver Armor appears ''over'' any clothes the user is wearing. It additionally provides an explanation for why the user can't be attacked, as he's protected by a [[Sphere of Destruction]] during the transformation. In one of the early episodes, one of the [[Mooks]] attempts to grapple the hero in mid-transformation, and gets splattered into a fine meat-paste for his trouble. In another, Sho is chained to his girlfriend so that he cannot transform without killing her.

* ''[[Wedding Peach]]'' had two, one for the [[Fairytale Wedding Dress|wedding dress form]], and one for their standard [[Magical Girl Warrior]] form.

** Which is, unusually, skipped after just the first two episodes.

** In ''To Love-Ru'''s [[Show Within a Show]], ''Magical Kyoko'', the transformation sequence is subverted. Kyoko, a magical girl, has a cat partner that transforms into her costume -- and ''only'' her costume. Kyoko has to manually put it on.

** We get to see her merge with Shin in the manga. The Plant version outfit is actually rather cute. The anime only shows it once for a split second, when Himeno briefly goes through different Pretear forms during the [[Combined Energy Attack]] sequence. The transformation {{spoiler|into the Legendary White Pretear}}, on the other hand, is instantaneous.

** Interestingly, there's also one episode where Himeno's transformation with Hayate is shown ''from outside'', implying that it does take time (at least enough time for other Knights to comment on it); however, it could be that it was actually longer than usual, {{spoiler|as the amount of power unleashed nearly caused Himeno to turn into the Legendary White Pretear}}.

* The Demonic subtype is played straight when the titular character of ''[[Naruto]]'' pulls out his {{spoiler|1=fourth [[Super-Powered Evil Side|kyuubi tail]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKZEdzPwlQQ Watch it here while listening to Linkin Park.] }}

** [[Failure Is the Only Option|No such luck]] for the protagonist of ''Victory Gundam'', despite the Victory and V2 Gundams having very similar combining/transforming sequences to the original RX-78; well over half a battle can and is spent just trying to get all the pieces together without being interrupted or having said parts outright destroyed by the enemy, leading to such gems as [[The Woobie|Uso]] having to fight without arms or even ''legs''.

*** Legs are just for decoration. The higher-ups simply don't understand that.

*** Especially evident when [[Love Interest|Rain]] gets a sequence. Parodied with Master Asia's ''horse'', who also gets to suit up.

* ''[[Shugo Chara]]'', by its very nature as a [[Magical Girl]] series, has these — though, it adds some twists. There's a part-way "character change" that adds an accessory or two rather than a full costume, and the male characters' transformation sequences are as elaborate as the girls'. Also, Amu gets multiple transformations and {{spoiler|can even borrow others' transformations}}. This trope is subverted hilariously on a couple of occasions: on one, Amu goes through the motions without her [[Transformation Trinket]], only realizing too late that it won't work; on another, ''someone else'' triggers her transformation by tweaking the [[By the Power of Grayskull|activation phrase]]! "Amu's heart: unlock!"

* ''[[Kaze no Stigma]]'' is positively laden with transformation sequences, mainly Ayano Kannagi whipping out her sword Enraiha --- often several times per episode (or at least it felt that way).

* ''[[Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs]]'' has a "4 vehicles transform into one Mecha" every episode.

* A staple feature of all incarnations of the ''[[Digimon]]'' franchise, to the point that to many they're the most memorable and recognizable point of the series. [[Transformation Is a Free Action]] is ([[Dangerously Genre Savvy|almost]]) always in full play; however, it's widely implied that evolution takes only as long to happen as it takes for the evolving Digimon to announce their evolution.

** ''[[Digimon Adventure]]'', despite being the one which set the trend for the franchise, loved playing with this trope on occasion. The forty-ninth episode played it to [[Crowning Moment of Funny|hilarious effect]] through combining it with [[Magic Misfire]] and [[Power-Up Letdown]]:

{{quote|'''Biyomon:''' Biyomon digivolve to...*fails* Hey! What happened?

* ''[[Inuyasha]]'': Averted with the titular character. He becomes human for the night of the new moon but the transformation has little visible effect on his clothing and there's a brief pulse of power where his hair and eyes change colour and his ears shift from dog-like to human. In the manga, the transformation is almost instantaneous but the anime will draw it out for dramatic effect, especially when returning to his [[Half-Human Hybrid|hanyou]] form. The transformation tends to be more dramatic when goes into his [[Super-Powered Evil Side]] mode but again, it's much faster in the manga and much more dramatic in the anime.

** Both the manga and the anime tend to make [[Noble Demon|Sesshoumaru's]] transformations into his [[Canis Major|true form]] dramatic but this is because he takes his true form so rarely there's clearly something very dangerous or important happening when he does.

** Also, in the last episode, we find out that everyone else just sees them having a bright light surround them for about half a second, then they are done transforming.

* ''[[Solty Rei]]'' showed a member of the RUC team suiting up with her [[Powered Armor]] in a fashion reminiscent of this trope, complete with a bit of [[Gainaxing|bounce]].

* ''[[Kirby]]'' has a variety of transformation sequences, one for each ability. Most of them are cute and silly, but a few are darn cool.

* ''[[Figure 17]]'' has a short, less flashy sci-fi themed transformation sequence for Tsubasa and Hikaru. It appears to be mostly symbolic, however, because when we see the transformation occurring from "outside" it's just a dome of green light that envelopes the characters.

* ''[[Angel Blade]]'' features one or two of these. They never show a power down or what it looks like to the others in the area. Also since it's [[Hentai]] any implied nudity is thrown out the window as it's all plainly visible.

* Parodied in ''[[Happy Lesson]]'. "Activate tutor transformation! Actually, I was wearing these underneath..."

* ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' features transformation scenes for each of the "stages" of the Gurren Lagann, featuring a specific background, and their awesomeness increases with the size of the resulting combination. The Chouginga Gurren Lagann scene deserves an special mention because half of it is about how epic sunglasses just got.

* ''[[Itsudatte My Santa!]]'' does this with the main character Mai getting an adult form, including gratuitous close-ups, including one after the transformation after the co-main character points out her added appeal. Is it any coincidence that it was created by [[Love Hina|Ken]] [[Mahou Sensei Negima|Akamatsu?]]

* Phoron's One Man Orchestra (before it was built [[Transforming Mecha|into the bike]]) in ''[[Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica]]'' has a bit of an elaborate sequence for setting itself up in ''Crimson S''.

* ''[[Hellsing]]'' Every time Alucard is granted more of his powers, he recites an elaborate chant to invoke the release system.

* The anime series ''[[Reideen]]'' features a bunch of more or less bishonen guys who transform into mecha-like armor which they may fuse into a Gundam-style mecha. The transformation includes light, they strip naked and then ''crystallize'' before becoming armored. After they transform back, they are actually naked and have to look for clothing or try to avoid being seen like that.

* Natsuru Senou of ''[[Kämpfer]]'' periodically [[Gender Bender|drops his (yes) Y-chromosome]] whenever another Kampfer is around in a short display of [[Squee|fan pleasing goodness]] (at least for the first few times).

** And was entirely baffled when she ''didn't''. Not even once for the whole season.

* When Erza in ''[[Fairy Tail]]'' changes her magical armor in mid battle, all the mooks stop what they're doing to ogle her.

** This is actually something of a subversion. In the manga it is noted that her transformations (actually just exchanging armor, called 'ex-quipping'), is performed astonishingly fast, to the point that it can be used practically in battle. Each transformation is assumed to take less than a second, just long enough for the opponent to go "Ooh, clothes vanishing from [[Hot Chick with a Sword]]!" before she's re-dressed in magical armor that lets her [[Badass|kick thirty people's asses at once]] without even ''trying''.

* The anime version of ''[[Chrono Crusade]]'' gave [[Our Demons Are Different|Chrono]] a transformation sequence when Rosette unseals the watch and [[Sleep Mode Size|unleashes his true form]], complete with his clothes ripping as he grows in size. In the manga, the transformation is never really seen, but seems to be instant.

* Somewhat spoofed in the manhwa ''[[Dorothy of Oz (manhwa)|Dorothy of Oz]]''. When Mara activates the boots, her clothes are actually ripped apart and reformed into her witch's outfit, meaning that everyone sees her naked. And yes, the reason why nobody interrupts the sequence is that they're ogling her.

* ''[[Seto no Hanayome]]'' has San and Luna transforming into their [[Idol Singer]] mode in order to stop a Yakuza War. Nagasumi [[Lampshade Hanging|hangs a lampshade on it.]]

** Later on, the [[Class Representative]] (by far the [[Shrinking Violet|most reserved]] person on the show) spontaneously transforms into 'Yes Amazoness' an amazon warrior as a cover when she [[Les Yay|accidently confesses her love to San]].

* ''[[Hell Girl]]'''s Ai Enma has one of these nearly [[Once an Episode]] (in the first season, anyway.) However, it's not very traditional.

* ''[[Heroman]]'' gives male protagonist Joey one of these, though all that's really changing is the gauntlet. It has a rather [[Magical Girl]] vibe which isn't helped by Joey's [[Viewer Gender Confusion|excessively girly appearance]]. Heroman himself has a version of one of these early on, where he marches toward the enemy growing larger with each step, but he stops using it after the first couple of goes.

* ''[[Full Moon wo Sagashite]]'' gives Mitsuki one when she turns into [[Older Alter Ego|Full Moon]]. A rather simplistic sequence is used for the first half of the series, but a more elaborate looking, [[Magical Girl]]-type one was used in the second half. Meroko also gets a short sequence when she [[Voluntary Shapeshifter|shapeshifts]].

* ''[[Black Jack]]'', oddly enough. In the manga he washes up and puts on his scrubs like any normal surgeon. In the anime there's a fanfare and a light show and what looks for all the world like a [[Magical Girl]] transformation. And he's just [[Badass]] enough to make it look good.

* ''[[Revolutionary Girl Utena]]'' features this. Oddly, the one transforming isn't in charge of the transformation.

* Mechanical Transformations are surprisingly averted most of the time in ''[[Tiger and Bunny]]''. Despite it being a [[Mecha]] [[Superhero]] action anime with its fare share of [[Filler|plot-less moments]], we rarely (with the exception of episode 5, which has a pretty standard one) see the characters getting into their battle outfits. [[Super Mode]] transformations happen so quickly that they aren't really a 'sequence', and are usually symbolized by a slight (by anime standards, at least) [[Battle Aura]] and [[Power Glows|glowing eyes.]] Kotetsu, being the protagonist, gets a couple of [["Growing Muscles" Sequence|Growing Muscles Sequences]] [[Rule of Cool|just for the heck of it.]]

* Transformation sequences in ''[[Oku-sama wa Mahou Shoujo|Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo]]'' are fairly long, but used rarely. Like many other examples, they're instant in real time.

* In ''[[High School DxD]]'', Issei's transformation sequence into his [[Powered Armor|Balance Breaker]] does take at least 15 seconds in the anime. The first time he gets to use it in the anime is at the final episode though.

* The [[Monster Clown|Clown]] from ''[[Spawn]]'' becoming the terrifying devil Violator. The detailed transformation in the movie is particularly disturbing.

* [[Iron Man]] occasionally has one, depending on the title and era (for instance, it's very rare to see him activate the suit in an ''Avengers'' comic). The most typical one involves assembling the armor from a briefcase. This was abused a bit during the late 90s and early 2000s when every new writer on the Iron Man title introduced their new, super-advanced armor technology, like the SKIN armor, Tin Man and Ablative armor.

 

== Fan Works ==

** Not much outright transformation was shown in the first movie, the most notable sequence being one shot where two lycans change ''back'', as well as one sequence where a character had an aborted change. The second film had some decent shots of man-to-wolf changes, but they went quick because they were [[Mooks]].

* There are a number of these in ''[[Van Helsing]]'', most notably the werewolves who transform by ripping their skin off.

* The 80s remake of ''[[The Fly]]'', though that happens by degrees over a long period of time. They're also completely terrifying.

* ''[[Ghostbusters]]'' has the scene where Dana and Louis turn into Terror dogs; it's quite a disturbing process, though.

* ''[[Animorphs]]'': Characters who morphed had to wear tight clothing or risk becoming naked when they remorphed. The latter only occurred once. The books made it quite clear that morphing almost never happened the same way twice, and was usually highly disgusting unless the morpher had an unusual talent for it (as did Cassie).

* In the ''[[Discworld]]'' series, both vampires and werewolves can transform, vampires into either a swarm of bats or one really big bat. Not much detail is given to werewolf transformations, but there is at one point a fight between two of them where they're both in a constant state of flux between forms. Angua, the werewolf on the watch and Captain Carrot's girlfriend, is stated to be perfectly comfortable with him seeing her naked in either form, but doesn't want him to see her mid-change.

* In ''[[Winni Allfours]]'', the protagonist is a girl who wants a pony. When that's denied to her, ''she chooses to turn herself into a pony''. Two whole pages of the small book are dedicated to showing her change from little girl to tubby little pony.

{{quote|''Very slowly things began to happen...''}}

== [[Live Action TV]] ==

* The many and varied ''[[Ultraman]]'' series usually involve a man-to-giant-alien-robot-thing transformation.

** A later sequence, however, has Ami transforming. Unlike Minako, however, she gets a blue glowy thing.

* Many, many, many ''[[Kamen Rider]]'' characters had this... until 1989. Actual sequences were common in the Showa era; even the enemies had transformation sequences, even if they amounted to little more than the camera zooming in on them, blurring a bit, and revealing the monster from its disguise. For the revival era (''[[Kamen Rider Kuuga]]'' and onward) they were mostly phased out in favor of transformation ''special effects'' done on the fly. Just about the only Heisei series to use honest-to-goodness Transformation Sequences is ''[[Kamen Rider Kiva|Kiva]]'', and only then for form changes.

** In several early Kamen Riders, the pre-change ''gestures'' were as epic as the sequences (also not so much nowadays; you ''may'' get the [[Transformation Trinket]] held in the air during the call of "Henshin.") and enemies sometimes stopped the henshin gestures by attacking during the middle of the gesture, or setting traps that would halt them.

** The "transformation chivalry" was humorously acknowledged in the first ''[[Kamen Rider Den-O]]'' movie: the [[Big Bad]]'s minions attack Ryotaro as he attempts to transform, causing Momotaros to angrily shout "Bastards! You're not allowed to interrupt the transformation sequence!"

*** Brutally subverted in ''[[Kamen Rider Double]]'' when the Arms Dopant fires a goo "bullet" that plugs up Shotaro's belt, preventing him from transforming.

** The [[Darker and Edgier]] Heisei series like ''[[Kamen Rider Blade]]'' and ''[[Kamen Rider Faiz]]'' tended to have transformation chivalry less frequently, with characters often walking or even ''fighting'' in mid-transformation. Debut appearances always played it straight, though; probably best illustrated in the first episode of ''Blade'', where Kazuma's belt orbits his body several times, trailing a "tail" of cards, before finally settling in place around his waist.

** Transformation chivalry is ''enforced'' in some series by the [[Sphere of Power]] or other transformation effects being ''absolutely impenetrable,'' deflecting attacks and painfully repelling villains who attack in midmorph.

** Gokaiger's past Ranger powers are the powers of the ''actual'' past sentai heroes, meaning few returning characters get to change and fight, so we don't get to see a lot of new old morphs. However, we do get one for {{spoiler|the Black Ranger of}} ''[[Chojin Sentai Jetman]],'' because he is {{spoiler|actually still dead.}} However, when the Gokaigers do the above-mentioned focus episode transformation sequences, we get some idea of what the old sequences would look like if made today.

* ''[[Power Rangers]]'': In the earlier seasons, the usage of [[Stock Footage]] became quickly grating, as the rangers would look the same at the beginning of the sequence, regardless of what clothes they'd been wearing beforehand or changes in their hairstyle. In later seasons, it became standard to use clever tricks to downplay this; many seasons have the Rangers wearing uniforms or otherwise having a [[Limited Wardrobe]] before the (full) sequence begins. In several other seasons, the sequence is cut such that their pre-transformation clothing is hidden during the sequence using close-ups and visual effects.

** The ''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' transformation sequences weren't very elaborate... so in "Once a Ranger" a new, snazzier sequence was made for Adam (the second MMPR Black Ranger) so he wouldn't be the only one without.

*** Adam's old morph was [[Screwed by the Lawyers]]. At the time, Disney had rights issues with ''MMPR'', so they were forced to scrap the old sequence entirely (with an unfortunately generic song played along with it, as they couldn't get the MMPR music either).

** ''Power Rangers ''gets extra trope mileage thanks to the [[Humongous Mecha]]. [[Fighter Launching Sequence|Entrance]], [[Transforming Mecha|transformation]] and [[Combining Mecha|combination]] for a triple trope score combo!

* And it is also seen in Saban's ''[[Masked Rider]]''. It's brand new, as ''[[Kamen Rider Black RX]]'s'' change was nothing but the belt appearing and getting glowy, at which point the transformed Black RX would be seen in real-space (in fact, ''several'' old Riders' transformation sequences are elaborate belt-summoning and activations without showing the actual suit formation.) but it looks very much like something you'd see in old-school KR. The form changes are RX stock. Also, Robo Rider gets to transform onscreen (no sequence) where Shadow Moon didn't.

* ''[[VR Troopers]]'' gets them, with the VRT actors' faces beneath what's mostly the [[Metal Heroes]]' original Japanese transformations. Holding up the Virtualizer pendants is new.

** ''[[Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan: The Movie|Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan the Movie]]'' shows that the Gokaigers actually morph even ''faster'' than a Space Sheriff.

* [[Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad]] gets a hybrid of the real-space scenes and the stock footage sequences. Sam striking the 'power chord' on his guitar is ''half'' new footage (constant angle-changing for drama. The alternate angle is stock footage.) as is his transforming into energy and flying into the computer. The energy entering the Servo form on the screen and Servo flying into action is stock footage, as well as Servo's 'decompressing' into his proper size. (The original series is a [[Spiritual Successor]] of the [[Ultra Series]], so decompression replaces the heroic [[Make My Monster Grow]] to building size.)

* In the 1970s ''[[The Incredible Hulk (TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' series, David Banner (Bill Bixby) would transform into The Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) using the same sequence of events, involving multiple close-ups of Bill wearing coloured contacts, then the his skin turning green, the shirt tearing on his back and then a full shot of the Hulk, whipping off the remnants of the shirt.

* The 1970s ''[[Wonder Woman]]'' series actually had two different Tranformation Sequences. In the first season it was essentially a slow-motion [[Montages|montage]] of Lynda Carter spinning in place in different stages of the change. Starting in the second season, though, a much shorter and more dramatic sequence was used where Carter would spin, there would be an optical of an explosion over her, and then she would appear in costume. The latter has become subject to much parody. (As well as an homage in an episode of [[Justice League Unlimited]])

* ''[[The Twilight Zone]]'' pulled off an impressive transformation scene despite limited special effects in ''The Howling Man''. A man walks down a pillar-lined hallway as the camera follows alongside him. As he passes behind each pillar, he gets more and more demonic (ending with a cliche horns and tail [[Satan]]). It's cut so that it appears to be one long take, but there's no effects on screen at any point.

** This technique is also used for the [[Wolf Man]] transformation in the 1935 film ''[[Werewolf of London]].''

* ''[[The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog]]'', the ancient Irish ''[[Power Rangers]].''

* ''[[Manimal]]'', starring Simon MacCorkindale. Though he could transform into any animal, there were transformation sequences only for three animals.

** And they never explained why he always returned to human form fully clothed despite the transformation sequence's clear depiction of his clothes ripping.

* "[[Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future|POWER ON!]]" By pressing the team's distinctive phoenix insignia, Captain Power and his cohorts would activate the [[Powered Armor|Power Suits]] which would transform from "patterned longjohns" worn under their uniforms, into actual plate armor with weaponry and personalized devices. Heavy damage to the Power Suit would make them fade back into their inactive shape.

* KITT in the last season of ''[[Knight Rider]]'' and [[KI 3 T]] in the 2008 TV movie and show.

 

* The SRX from ''[[Super Robot Wars]]'' has an impressive combinations transformation which has its own theme called "Variable Formation".

* The ''[[Breath of Fire]]'' series is the king of this trope for video games, since the main character of each game (all named Ryu) can transform into a dragon, with a more elaborate sequence in each game. Furthermore, in the first and third games, a second character has a transformation sequence (Karn in ''[[Bo F 1]]'', and his Fusions; Rei in ''[[Bo F 3]]'', and his Weretiger transformation), and the fourth game's antagonist, Fou-Lu, is playable and can also transform into a dragon in a sequence largely identical to Ryuu's.

* ''[[The Legend of Dragoon]]'' has individual anime-like transformations for every single playable character in the game, as they turn into their Dragoon forms. One villain also gets a mid-battle transformation into a Dragoon with his own sequence. Dart, the main character, gets a second Dragoon form late in the game with an even more over-the-top sequence.

** Luckily there was a menu option to replace the sequence with a much shorter "Normal form * Flash* Dragoon form" sequence.

*** But you still got the full transformation sequence of the character who initiated the "transform all" Special command.

* ''Saiyuki: The Journey West'' features characters who can transform into monsters. Each one has an elaborate transformation sequence and an equally elaborate reversion sequence. Furthermore, there's two more sequences for transformation and reversion used in cutscenes (even though they otherwise use the same sprites!)

* The character of MOMO in ''[[Xenosaga]]'' gets powerups that can be used once per fight that include transformation sequences.

* [[Mega Man ZX]] "Model X! Model Z! Megamerge!"

* Transformation sequences were an oft-requested feature in ''[[City of Heroes]]'', and a small set of four costume-change emotes are now available as part of the Magic Booster Pack (released in Spring 2009). Another half-dozen or so became available with Issue 15, and each of the origin-themed expansion packs adds one or two as well. They run the gamut from reminding you of ''Wonder Woman'' ("Spin") to [[Shazam|Captain Marvel]] ("Lightning") to being reminiscent of the arrival of time travelers in the various ''[[Terminator]]'' movies ("Energy Morph").

** Kheldians and Nictus, the game's resident body-stealing shape-shifting aliens, follow this trope to a T. Switching into their forms involves a moment of concentration and a big, screen-shaking flash of Kheldian/Nictus energy, whereas switching back just makes the human silently pop into existence where the alien used to be.

* ''[[Altered Beast]]'' has a momentary pause before buffing up when one of the [[Transformation Trinket|magical floating steroid balls]] is collected, followed after a third time by a transformation sequence to make you into a werewolf, dragon, or giant cuddly bear with halitosis. [http://www.i-mockery.com/shorts/altered-beast/3.gif The werewolf one] is particularly detailed.

* ''[[Diablo]] 2'': In the cutscene before Act IV narrated by Marius, he has the misfortune to witness The Wanderer's horrific transformation into Diablo. Spikes burst out from his back, his face distorts horribly, and it ends with Diablo casting aside what's left of his human shell like a dirty rag.

{{quote|'''Marius''': ''[[Nightmare Fuel|What I saw next]] [[Things Man Was Not Meant to Know|was not meant for mortal eyes!]]''}}

* [[Prototype (video game)|Prototype]]: Alex Mercer goes through a lot of morphing, but acquiring a [[New Powers as the Plot Demands|power during a cutscene]], the camera zooms in for a sequence with writhing sinews of biomass in the [[Real Is Brown|full spectrum of color from black to grey]] consuming him before he emerges with his new [[Red Right Hand]].

** You can also do the long version of the sequence at any time by holding the D-pad for the quick-change instead of just pressing it. This lets you see the sequence for powers you acquire as upgrades like muscle mass, whipfist, and the vision powers.

** To a smaller extent, the Striker VX does it as well. The intro even shows it extending two spindly legs just prior to landing then folding back it's propeller before firing off-screen.

** Or for that matter, ''every single amphibious unit in the game'' does a Transformation Sequence when going from land to water or the opposite; from Allied Prospectors expanding an air cushion to Soviet Stingrays extending six legs and climbing ashore, [[Spider Tank]] style.

* [[Ar Tonelico 3]] did this in a reverse effect. [[Magical Girl|Reyvateils]] ''remove'' their clothes during their [[Fan Service|zoom-in transformation sequences]]. Strangely enough, they reequip their clothes in a flash when they begin using their ultimate attacks.

* Carbuncle from [[Puyo Puyo]], in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjpVDO1G-74 this] commercial, does the usual intro... right before Carbuncle transforms '''into a handheld with Carbuncle himself inside it.'''

 

* Alex in the webcomic ''[[Angel Moxie]]'' [http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/0/2/025.html has a sequence], though it only occurs a couple of times [http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/0/5/054.html the second time it crops up] has a lampshade hanging.

{{quote|'''Riley:''' You know, by the time you transform, the world could have already been destroyed.

'''Alex:''' It's my moment. Let me have it. }}

** Later, {{spoiler|[http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/4/1/418.html Riley] and [http://www.venisproductions.com/angelmoxie/archives/4/3/437.html Tristan] also each get a one when they first activate their ultimate power}}.

* Lampshaded in [http://www.megatokyo.com/strip/266 this] ''[[Megatokyo]]'' strip.

* ''[[Sexy Losers]]'' parodies the ''[[Sailor Moon]]'' example with... [[All Men Are Perverts|obvious]] [[A Date with Rosie Palms|results]].

* ''[[Sparkling Generation Valkyrie Yuuki]]'', of course.

* ''[[Xkcd]]'': When he hears a cry for help, [http://xkcd.com/663/ Sagan-Man] whirls around and dons a cape.

* Much to her horror, Tohsaka gets one in ''[[Fate/hollow ataraxia]]'' thanks to the Kaleidostick.

* Parodied in ''[[Kid Radd]]''. "Magical Maid Robo Sheena!"

 

== Web Original ==

* In ''[[Arcana Magi Zero]]'', when Alysia Perez calls for Saga and Megumi Miyazaki calls for Fable, their magic circles would go through their bodies forming their magical outfits and armor.

* Linkara's had a few Power Rangers styled ones in ''[[Atop the Fourth Wall]]', and then there's Spoony turning into Dr Insano in ''[[Kickassia]]''

 

 

* ''[[He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'', when it was a [[Filmation]] production, got maximum mileage out of Prince Adam's transformation into He-Man with lots of digital pyrotechnics for very little physical change. (He-Man looked identical to Adam except for a tan and a deeper voice; [[Wig, Dress, Accent|how nobody put two and two together is baffling]].) If Cringer was present, his transformation into Battle Cat would further pad the scene.

* Curiously, the original appearance of the ''[[Transformers]]'' in the West did ''not'' include overt transformation sequences. The characters would make the switch between robot and vehicle/device forms wherever they were standing in complete continuity with the scene (although they always transformed [[Stock Footage|the exact same way]]). This is more cultural than cost; newer series such as the shows of the Unicron Trilogy, which were actual anime, frequently featured such scenes, and the Japanese [[Alternate Continuity]] third season of [[Transformers Generation 1|Generation 1]] featured transformation sequences for new characters only (old ones kept scene continuity). ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' is generally in-scene but faster than G1, unless the bot in question is about to do something important (''e. g.'', Megatron transforming for the first time after being rebuilt and telling the Decepticons to "[[Catch Phrase|Transform and Rise Up]]").

** '''[[Transformers Animated]]'' also had the Autobots using Japan-esque transformation sequences in the final episode, mostly for dramatic effect.

** ''[[Transformers Rescue Bots|Rescue Bots]]'' is probably the first western Transformers series to use transformation sequences on a regular basis.

* ''[[Ben 10]]'' has ''ten'' unique, albeit [[Stock Footage|recycled]], sequences. There's one for each alien creature Ben has the ability to change into (though Grey Matter's didn't actually get ''used'' until season two). Two more are added in season two, but one was lost after the events of "Ghostfreaked Out". Some are longer and more detailed than others, but all follow the same pattern of showing the change progressing outward from his wrist. Sometimes a simple green flash of light is substituted for the transformation, and red light is ''always'' used for Ben changing back. Seasons three and four added more new aliens, but no new sequences, oddly enough. [[Future Me Scares Me|Future-Ben]] supposedly had [[Over Nine Thousand|ten thousand]] alien forms but we didn't (obviously) didn't see all of them.

** ''[[Ben 10: Alien Force|Ben 10 Alien Force]]'' also has the sequences, and he's gained [[Transformation Name Announcement|an irritating tendency to say the name of each creature he's turned into when he's done]]. The changes are actually instantaneous, as he's shown an ability to simply switch between forms in seconds when needed. It also regularly shows him changing back. Both of the latter use the same "glowing green dots" effect.

*** One particularly humorous moment has Ben's parents (who have forbidden him from using the Omnitrix) managing to catch him in the act during one of his (around 10-second) sequences, in episode 20 of ''Alien Force.''

* The old ''[[Spider-Woman]]'' cartoon series features a transformation sequence for Jessica Drew to change into the titular heroine.

** {{spoiler|The [[DVD Commentary]] actually mentions that is a vulnerable opening and part of mastering the Avatar State is ''not doing that''}}.

** It should be noted that Aang ''did'' try and protect himself, as he made himself a little cocoon out of crystals to cover himself. Wait a minute, that means this could of all been avoided if it weren't for [[Power Floats]]!

* An [[Animated Adaptation]] of ''[[Shazam]]!'' featured Billy, Mary, and Freddy, and a drawn-out transformation sequence. Unlike most, they had sequences for transforming back to normal as well, and a variety of different stock sequences for various combinations of the main characters, transforming singly, in pairs, or all three at once. (Interestingly, the comic version is specifically stated to be instantaneous. In the 1970s it was furthermore stated that, between the speed of transformation and the blinding flash, most people don't know that Billy is Captain Marvel, even when he transforms right in front of them, though that hasn't carried over to post-crisis versions of the character)

** In fact, [[Filmation]] in general. In addition to the ones mentioned above (He-Man, She-Ra, Shazam), there was also Web Woman, Super Strech and Microwoman, ''[[Fantastic Voyage]]'', ''[[Filmation's Ghostbusters|Filmations Ghostbusters]]'' (the 1986 cartoon), and ''[[Bravestarr]]'' (30-30 had transformation sequences when he went from bipedal to quadrupedal and back), just to name a few.

** Like [[Filmation]], Hanna-Barbera was also good at filling time with these sequences. In addition to the Thing, there was also the Mighty Mightor (with a sequence very similar to He-Man, but predating it by twenty years), the Arabian Knights, the Impossibles, the Super Globetrotters, the Super Friends (in the Wonder Twins' segments), Wonder Wheels, Mighty Man and Yukk, the Drak Pack, and even the [[Swat Kats]].

** Hanna-Barbera also spoofed this trope with one version of ''[[Captain Caveman]].'' On ''The Flintstones Comedy Show,'' he worked as a copy boy named Chester at a stone-age newspaper, disguising himself with a pair of glasses and his cape folded into a bowtie. Despite the minimal disguise, he still required a coat rack and an elaborate transformation sequence (which included heroic music, explosions, lightning bolts, rockets, fireworks, and stars, and was loud enough so that the entire city of Bedrock could hear it) to become Captain Caveman.

* ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]'': In the episode "Super Zeroes," the girls each try to change their look to be more like the super hero in their favorite comic books, complete with such elaborate transformations that, by the time they're done, the monster has left town.

* In ''[[Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]]'', Spider-Man's amazing friends could do it, to his envy (since he has to actually put on his costume).

* The 90's cartoon ''[[King Arthur and the Knights of Justice]]'' had a transformation sequence for each of the knights as they put on their battle armor. Sometimes it was further padded by transforming their ''horses''.

* Subverted somewhat in ''[[Danny Phantom]]'', as the transformation sequence there is refreshingly simple and short, while still being rather stylish with a chance to play around with it and ''not'' use [[Stock Footage]]. Whenever the titular character wants to transform into the titular alter-ego he simply focuses for a few seconds, a ring of blue white light appears, bisects and travels over him, leaving one superhero in place. Easy, done.

* ''[[Monster Buster Club]]'': "MBC, poooooooower up!!"

* ''[[Mummies Alive]]'' had this.

* Most of the time after the first few episodes this happened in ''[[Static Shock]]'', even though his costume was just regular clothes altered by the hero to obscure his identity.

* In ''[[Thundercats]]'' and [[Continuity Reboot|reboot]] ''[[Thundercats 2011|ThunderCats (2011)]]''

** Mumm-Ra, [[Big Bad|lead villain]] has a stock transformation sequence with a [[By the Power of Greyskull]] into a more intimidating [[One-Winged Angel]]. Incidentally, he also becomes a lot less clothed in the transformation.

** There's also "[[Korn]]'s Groovy Pirate Ghost Mystery", in which the band is faced with a lynch mob of townspeople and titlar pirate ghosts. Although they're generally a parody of archtypical protagonists in Scooby-Doo-type mystery shows in this episode, Korn launches into an obtuse transformation sequence that turns them into... {{spoiler|various types of corn}}. Even the pirate ghosts are stunned.

'''Head:''' We know. [[Rule of Cool|It's just cool to do.]] }}

** Even better, the [[Sailor Moon]] [[Expy]] had a longer sequence than the others, so while the other girls were already done and posing, she kept [[Everything's Better with Spinning|spinning and spinning and spinning...]]

* in ''[[The Little Mermaid]]'', Ariel's transformation when turning from mermaid to human. + 1 as she's mostly naked afterward.

** There's another transformation sequence in the same movie, though without the nudity. All the in-between stages of [[Big Bad|Ursula's]] transformation into Vanessa are ''extremely'' creepy, and her [[Evil Laugh]] doesn't help.

* [[Super Chicken]] and his Super Sauce.

* [[She Hulk]]'s [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQptInZJbXo transformation scene] in the 1990s ''[[Incredible Hulk]]'' episode "Doomed" is still venerated for graphic depictions of female muscle growth and [[Breast Expansion]] while Jennifer Walters apparently has an orgasm.

* [[Super Duper Sumos]]: The sumos goes through a transformation sequence to become "Sumo-Sized."

* In ''[[Teen Titans (animation)|Teen Titans]]'', Cyborg had a rather epic one in ''The End: Part 1''. He connects himself to the main Titans Tower power system, unloads some very big guns against a glowing white background with crackling electricity and shoots Slade and his minions with the mother of all sonic blasts. ...Doesn't stop Slade, but it was worth a shot. Unfortunately, this is never used again.

 

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Magical Girl Tropes]]

[[Category:Spectacle]]

[[Category:Shapeshifting]]

[[Category:Turn-On Tropes]]

[[Category:Pandering to the Base]]