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{{trope}}
[[File:vol-shapshifter-001_3160.png|link=Terminator (
{{quote|''"If comic books, cartoons, and Sci-Fi Original Movies have taught me anything, it's that shapeshifting comes with a bunch of boring rules and restrictions that limit its potential Turn-Into-A-Bulldozer-Whenever-I-Wantity. 'You can turn into a machine gun but not bullets, contemporary jazz turns you back to normal, you can only turn into presents your grandma's knitted for you.' Crap like that."''|'''[[Homestar Runner
A character with the power to transform and reshape his or her body. This trope comes in a wide variety of [[A Worldwide Punomenon|forms]], but can be classified by exactly '''what''' the character can transform themselves into.
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Many with a flexible transformation scheme also have a tacked-on bonus ability to alter their shape in any way they wish; i.e., adopt a clay-like consistency and sculpt themselves [[Blob Monster|blob-style]]. The [[Rubber Man|stretchy, ultraflexible body]] of a character like Plastic Man or [[The Incredibles|Mrs. Incredible]] is a milder form. Others may use a [[Partial Transformation]] to "mix and match" elements of their human and transformed states.
Being able to [[Shapeshifter Weapon|form limbs into stabbing weapons]] and [[Pulling Themselves Together|reform oneself after being blown apart by explosives]] has become an almost standard ability of the clay-consistency metamorph in recent years, probably due to the popularity of the T-1000 character from the ''[[Terminator (
Quite a few Shifters boast [[Elemental Rock-Paper-Scissors|elemental powers]], with [[What Do You Mean Its Not Symbolic|water-based powers]] being particularly popular. A potent [[Healing Factor]] is also often packaged in, considering they can restructure their body at will.
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== Anime & Manga ==
* Ditto from ''[[Pokémon (
** In ''[[
* All characters with Youma blood in ''[[Claymore]]'' have some degree of shapeshifting ability. Full Youma and Awakened Ones (aka Voracious Eaters) usually have a human form and a [[One-Winged Angel|monstrous form]]. Several of them also display the "rubber-band limbs" kind of shapeshifting. Claymores themselves exhibit a series of progressive changes when they tax their powers.
* Envy of ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]''. S/he finds it most useful to change into people, but isn't limited to that; in the anime he turns into a giant dragon, and in the manga his/her "true form" is... let's just say you don't want to meet it down a dark alley.
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* Aside from the examples mentioned under [[Animorphism]], ''[[Lyrical Nanoha]]'' also has the cyborg Due, who can reshape her appearance for long-term infiltration missions.
* ''[[Pretty Cure]]'' is positively full of this:
** Nearly all "mascot" characters in the ''[[Pretty Cure]]'' franchise can freely switch between two forms, their "real" form and a disguised form intended to blend in on Earth. (Any similarity to ''[[Transformers]]'' is purely coincidental, we're sure.) A Most disguises resemble some form of personal electronics, such as cellphones; [[Yes!
** Villainous characters were no stranger to this, either. Two of ''[[Futari wa Pretty Cure]]'''s first [[Quirky Miniboss Squad]] (and all three of the fourth) changed their appearances on occasion -- Poisony, in particular, used at least four different disguises, one of which was a convincing impersonation of Honoka. And in ''[[Yes!
** And while it's certainly not on the same scale, all of the [[Magical Girl|Magical Girls]] in the franchise undergo some kind of physical change when they [[Transformation Sequence|transform]], ending up with longer hair at the very least.
* Puar and Oolong from ''[[
** All Saiyans from Vegeta had control of the Ōzaru forms during full moons. Vegeta displayed a technique to imitate full moon light just so he could transform.
* ''[[One Piece]]'' has quite a few shifters in the cast. Mostly because the [[Super Serum|Devil Fruits']] powers more often than not involve altering the user's body in some way. The Devil Fruits come in three kinds, all of which have shifters amongts them.
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*** An special example of this type is Tony Tony Chopper, a reindeer who ate the [http://onepiece.wikia.com/wiki/Hito_Hito_no_Mi Hito Hito no Mi] which allows him to turn into human and have human intelligence. In addition to the basic three natural forms he can shapeshift into he can adquire four others through the use of the "Rumble Balls" he invented. He takes this further after a [[Time Skip]], in which he claims to have been able to change the seven forms he can transform into, and on a side note reveals he now only needs the Rumble Ball for one of the seven.
** And the third class is are the Logia, which allows the user to [[Elemental Baggage|generate]], [[Elemental Powers|control]] or [[Elemental Shapeshifter|become]] a particular element. All of the users of Logia Devil Fruits are Elemental Shapershifters by definition.
* Eve from ''[[Black Cat (
* ''[[Tenchi Muyo!
** Zero (later Ryoko Hakubi) and (sort of) Washuu, and in the spinoffs there are: Ryoko Balouta of ''[[Tenchi Muyo! GXP
** Ryo-Ohki has the ability to transform into a spaceship; after absorbing Mass she can also transform into a full-sized human female (possibly) covered in brown fur ([[Barbie Doll Anatomy|it's hard to tell]]), a small sized human/cabbit form, her spaceship form, and her default cabbit form.
** In ''[[
** In ''[[
* It's implied that all of the demons in ''[[Chrono Crusade]]'' have shape-shifting abilities. They all have at least two forms: their true demonic form, and a more human-looking form they seem to use when mingling among humans, and possibly to conserve energy as well. Chrono himself has a third form: a small, child-like version of his human form that he took on to save as much energy as possible.
* Ahiru from ''[[Princess Tutu]]'' is somewhere in between Voluntary and [[Involuntary Shapeshifting]]. She turns back into her duck form when she quacks--which she sometimes does on purpose, but also accidentally triggers when she responds in shock by quacking. (She can also stop the transformation if she slaps her hand over her mouth in time, however.)
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* Weapons in ''[[Soul Eater]]'' are otherwise-normal humans (besides their titular taste for corrupted souls) who can each transform into one of a variety of devices, including but not limited to [[Sinister Scythe|scythes]], guns, knives, shurikens, and [[Chainsaw Good|chainsaws]]. The catch: Most cannot fight by themselves, and require a Meister to wield them.
* In ''[[Hellsing]]'', most of the vampires can do this.
* In ''[[Hime
* Horo from ''[[Spice and Wolf]]'' can change forms between a wolf-eared and tailed girl in her late teens and a giant wolf larger than an elephant. The latter is her "true" form.
* The slime sisters from ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'' seem to have this ability. Some demons also appear to have some abilities along this line, though the primary example had features (horns -> hair) that showed up regardless.
* Yamimaru of ''[[
* Most Ninja in ''[[Naruto]]'' can do this.
* Nyanko-sensei/Madara in ''[[Natsume Yuujinchou]]''. Aside from being able to go from [[Sleep Mode Size]] (a [[Maneki Neko]]) to his true form (a gigantic wolf spirit) on command, he changes into a human girl once in a while when being a cat is inconvenient. He also took Natsume's form once to keep Natsume's family and friends from realizing anything had happened when Natsume was trapped in a magic jar. This was not [[Not Himself|entirely]] [[Something They Would Never Say|convincing.]] To be fair, it was probably deliberate when he slipped up with Tanuma.
* Origami Cyclone of [[Tiger and Bunny]] can shapeshift into anyone he's touched. {{spoiler|We find out he can also do inanimate objects later in the series when he turns into a wanted poster during a manhunt.}}
* [[Magical Girl|Magical Girls]] in ''[[
* Momose from ''[[
* [[Cutey Honey]] has the ability to transform ... into various alternate versions of herself, it's a magical girl thing. This is Taken [[Up to Eleven]] in the 1990s Reboot when she transforms into a giant ''SPIDER''. Thus proving her full capabilities as a shapeshifter.
* Nurarihyon from ''[[Gantz]]'' combines this with [[From a Single Cell]]: the capacity of his shapeshifting ability is so potential, he is almost impossible to kill. Actually, by just trying to do damage to him, he ''is'' impossible to kill. Only when he can't see the attack coming, are his [[Healing Factor|regenerative abilities]] hindered. Nurarihyon can also transform into pretty much anything imaginable from an old man to [[Squick|a gigantic naked body of a woman]] [[Fan Disservice|formed by countless naked bodies of women]].
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== Comics ==
* Jason Blood is able to transform into the demon [[Etrigan]] by saying a short poem.
* Mystique from the ''[[X-Men (Comic Book)|X-Men]]'': people, some other creatures. Similarly, Morph from the [[X-Men (
** Mystique's morphing ability allows her to morph into anyone/anything (including a wooden chair and a giant dragon on separate occasions), but she retains her "default mode" mass (her larger transformations would, well, tear like a hot-air balloon filled with blood if damaged...which is what happened to her as Bishop in ''[[X-Men (Comic Book)|Uncanny X-Men]]'' issue 301). Meanwhile, Kevin Sydney (who is in fact the same guy for both versions of Morph) transforms in similar fashion as [[Fantastic Four|Mr. Fantastic]] does by reshaping his features via concentrated power of will.
** Carmen Electra played a parody of Mystique in ''[[Seltzer and Friedberg|Epic Movie]]''. In one scene Peter requests her to transform into [[Shapeshifting Squick|increasingly bizarre forms]] to please his various fetishes: unibrows, giant butts, flabby arms, etc. I'm surprised that he didn't ask for her to grow a Jay Leno chin.
* Impossible Man from the ''[[Fantastic Four (Comic Book)|Fantastic Four]]'' comics and cartoon is a trickster-like alien who can turn into all kinds of crazy things. In an episode of the 90's series titled "Hopelessly Impossible", he turns into Galactus, Lawrence Limburger, Hulk, Lockjaw, and a Ninja Turtle.
* Dark Horse comic ''[[The Mask (
* The [[DCU]] is positively lousy with shapeshifters: Beast Boy, [[Plastic Man]], Offspring, all Martians (including resident superheroes [[Martian Manhunter]] and Miss Martian), Madame Rouge, Gemini, Everyman, [[
** Plastic Man is regarded as the most powerful shapeshifter in the modern setting, with the ability to take virtually any shape, change color, and survive numerous attacks that seem tailor-made to hurt shapeshifters, such as [[Terminator (
** Beast Boy from the ''[[Teen Titans (Comic Book)|Teen Titans]]'': any animal [[Shapeshifter Baggage|regardless of size]], but he will always be green. Madam Rouge from the animated version has no such weakness.
** Martian Manhunter from ''[[Justice League]]'' had blob-form powers and disguise forms, as well as a few other notable abilities.
*** Like the ability to survive being [[Nightmare Fuel|ripped in half]].
** Clayface from ''[[Batman:
** Inque from ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' had a body made of a black viscous fluid, and could shape herself at will.
* ''[[Elf Quest]]'' has a number of examples. The original High Ones shapeshifted into elfin forms, which most of them retained (and which [[Lamarck Was Right|bred true]]) after crash-landing on the magic-poor World of Two Moons. A few, such as Timmain and Haken, were able to painfully force their shapeshifting abilities despite the planet's lack of magic. Most notably, Timmain often shapeshifted into a wolf (becoming the wolf-mother of the story's main tribe) and, many generations later, taught Kimo how to do so as well. Winnowill was able to shapeshift into human form, as was Jink centuries after that. When Winnowill's spirit was absorbed by Rayek, she sometimes succeeded in taking control of his body and reshaping it into her own form.
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== Fan Fiction ==
* In the Virtual Series [[
* In [[
* George in ''[[
* [http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7673069/1/Digipoke_Digital_Pokemon Digipoke: Digital Pokémon]. has the [[Ragtag Bunch of Misfits|protagonists]] changing into different Pokémon and [[Digimon]] in order to defeat their enemies, sometimes spending no more than a couple of seconds before transforming again.
== Films -- Live Action ==
* ''[[Terminator (
* Jareth from ''[[
* [[Jim Carrey]] played ''[[The Mask (
* The title ghost from ''[[
* ''[[It Came
* Vampires in film since ''[[Dracula (
* The girls from ''[[The Craft]]'' could make themselves look like other people using disguise magic.
* In ''[[Inception]]'', Eames is a "forger", which means he can take on the appearance of other people when in a dream. Perhaps not a straight example of the trope as he can't do this in reality, but...
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** Talented wizards/witches in general, actually. There are spells for shape-shifting- their mastery is required for becoming an Auror.
** Don't forget the Boggart. (Even though it changes into the thing you fear most)
* Half the cast of ''[[
* Beorn from ''[[The Hobbit]]'' can transform into a bear at will.
** In ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', Finrod Felagund disguises himself, Beren and their companions as Orcs, probably by singing (which is how Sauron later strips them of their disguise.) A little later, Lúthien turns Beren into a werewolf and herself into a bat-like creature.
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* In the ''[[Star Wars Expanded Universe]]'' (in particular, the "Galaxy of Fear" series), the race known as the Shi'ido can shape-shift. Also, Clawdites can shapeshift.
* Albert from Norman Linsey's childrens story ''The Magic Pudding'' and the animated movie adaptation.
* Author Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has shapeshifters in her books known as Elavie, most notably in her [[Kiesha
** Particularly strong vampires in her world can shapeshift as well, but, unless the vampire was Elavie before being turned (such as {{spoiler|Jaguar}}), it's more a case of having a very good sense of self and an understanding of one's own shape and the shape of the animal.
* Many creatures in the ''[[Mercy Thompson]]'' series can change shape voluntarily. The titular character can turn into a coyote at will, there are werewolves aplenty, and all fae can disguise themselves with basic illusion magic.
* Saint Dane in ''[[The Pendragon Adventure]]'' can shift into nearly any form suited for any Territory, even if the Territory is inhabited by [[Mega Neko|cat people]] (which Eelong is). Sometimes he creates an alias, sometimes he steals one, sometimes he even changes genders. He also has the form of a black crow for quick movement. If it weren't for his [[Red Right Hand|icy-blue eyes]] and tendency to want to reveal himself, [[Villains Blend in Better|he'd be near-impossible to find]].
* Sun Wukong, the magic monkey of the Chinese epic novel, ''[[Journey to
** Also worth mention is Zhu Bajie (aka Pigsy) who only knew 36 transformations, half as many as Sun Wukong (aka Monkey). He makes up for it with being better at fighting underwater (despite being a [[Half-Human Hybrid|Pig-man]]).
* The main characters of ''[[Switchers]]'', by Kate Thompson, have the ability to transform into any animal they wish at will... at least until [[Growing Up Sucks|they turn 15]].
* [[
** While it's not quite clear whether or not he can switch between forms, some of his forms are able to shapeshift.
* Many characters in [[John C. Wright]]'s ''[[
* The goblins in [[Tom Holt]]'s J.W. Wells books can shift instantaneously into any human form, although whether they can take other forms has not been mentioned. The vainer goblins in the series, such as Rosie Tanner, enjoy transforming into a different supermodel-gorgeous human every day, wearing bodies the way some Hollywood film stars wear clothes -- always the best, and never the same outfit twice. It is emphasized that while goblins actually change the structure of their bodies, other creatures like the Fey prefer the simpler methods of glamour and illusion, which take less magical strength than actual shapeshifting.
* The character of Emma Anyanwu from Octavia Butler's ''[[Patternist]]'' series has total conscious control of her body at a cellular level. She can regenerate from any injury, stop herself from aging, alter her DNA at will, and take the form of any human or animal regardless of gender. Although she can mimic the outward appearance of any creature she sees, to become a truly accurate replica of another living organism she has to ingest and analyze a sample of that organism's DNA, e.g. through a bite of animal meat or a drop of blood.
* The character Geloë from [[Tad Williams]]' ''[[Memory,
* Shapeshifting is a standard ability of sorcerers in [[David Eddings]]' ''[[The Belgariad|Belgariad]]'' and ''Mallorean'' series. Their version conveniently incorporates a form of [[Hammerspace]] for clothing and held items and also confers some of the personality traits of the assumed shape.
* Dax Jones from ''[[The Shapeshifter]]'' series can take multiple animal forms, like his {{spoiler|alien mother's species}} and has to regularly or suffer stroke like symptoms.
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** They aren't limited to humanoid shapes, either; it's just something of a taboo, because they consider it extremely demeaning to be forced to wear nonhuman bones. One of them is forced for a time to wear the bones of a wolfhound, and he eventually grows rather fond of the form, mostly because of the physical advantages (speed, natural weapons) of being in the body of a big damn dog.
* The Dutch YA novel ''De Wortels Van Het Woud'' (The Roots Of The Forest, by Tais Teng) has a main character who can modify his body with various animal characteristics. It turns out that he and his sister are among the last of a race of shamans. Although his sister (whose powers are not related to shapeshifting) is utterly freaked out by the revelation, the boy eventually chooses to stay in the world of magic and live his life in the Forest in millions of animal forms.
* The [[Punctuation Shaker|si'lura]] in ''[[The Banned and
* Mr. Nobody from the ''[[Wild Cards]]'' books-- there are several other shapeshifters in the series as well.
* In ''[[
* The Soletaken of the ''[[Malazan Book of the Fallen]]'' are individuals with the ability to assume animal form. Most assume mundane forms, such as wolves or bears, but Eleint Soletaken possess the rare ability to assume the form of a dragon. There also exist the D'ivers Soletaken, who can split their mind into several transformed bodies.
* In ''[[Kingdom Keepers]]'', Maleficent transformed into a crow and an eel in the first book. In [[Sleeping Beauty (Disney film)|her debut movie]], she transformed [[Scaled Up|into a dragon]], so this is likely a natural extension of that.
* [[The Guardians]] and demons can change their appearance at will. Demons usually shapeshift into [[Man of Wealth and Taste|men of wealth and taste]] and both sides use it to disguise themselves.
* In [[Robert E. Howard]]'s [[Conan the Barbarian]] story "Black Colossus", Natohk is served by an unnatural shape-shifter.
* In [[Josepha Sherman]]'s ''[[The Shining Falcon]]'', every person with [[Royal Blood]] in a certain city can assume bird form.
* Watercrafters in ''[[Codex Alera]]'' can change their appearance if they are skilled/powerful enough. It's limited to human forms, with it being difficult to hold a form with a significantly different height/build then the crafter, and generally used to maintain a youthful appearance.
* Shape-Shifters are a [[Witch Species|group of Wizards]] that can turn into animals or even trees in ''[[
* Immortals in ''[[
* "Demons" in [[The Bartimaeus Trilogy]] are actually spirits summoned from another plane of existence where there are no physical forms. While on Earth, they're constrained to a physical body of some kind, but it can be pretty much whatever they feel like. Generally they take humanoid or animal forms, whatever fits the situation, but there's plenty of examples of mythological creatures (phoenixes, ogres, etc.) or [[Hybrid Monster|hybrids]] involving whatever body parts they feel like, and even the implication that they could probably take the form of inanimate objects, if they so desired. The only real limits are that excessive shifting will wear them out eventually. They also seem to be somewhat constrained by size, never getting much bigger than slightly bigger than human size (although the more powerful the demon, the larger they are).
* In the [[Apprentice Adept]] series, all [[Unicorn|unicorns]] can choose two other shapes they can change into at will. Most of them seem to pick human and a winged form.
* Every single character in ''[[
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** The transformations into a bull or cat were done OFF SCREEN though. Also a dolphin.
*** And when he transformed back into his human form, he was always inexplicably fully clothed.
* The Changelings, including main ensemble member Odo, from ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]'' have a very flexible and almost undetectable transformation power. Their natural state is a fluid.
** Also Daledians, featured in ''Next Generation'' episode "[[Star Trek:
* It can be argued that the ''Game Face'' presented by [[Buffy the Vampire Slayer|Buffyverse]] vampires is their real appearance (after all, they're demons!) and they "shape-shift" to appear as normal humans as necessary.
* ''[[Metal Heroes]]'': Space Sheriff Gavan's partner Mimi had shapeshifting powers through a device around her neck, but she only used it to turn into a bird and occasionally alter her clothing.
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* [[Raven]] from the kids TV game show of the same name. Guess what he transforms into?
* Meego, from the short-lived TV series of the same name, possesses shape-shifting abilities, although they were only seen in the first episode. To prove to one of the main characters that he was an alien, Meego transformed from his normal, humanoid form into a bug-eyed furry monster, a sumo wrestler, then into an attractive blonde in a bathing suit before changing back to normal.
* On ''[[Fringe]]'', we have the second season's antagonists, [[A Good Name for
* ''[[
* In ''[[Lost]]'', {{spoiler|the smoke monster can take the form of several people, but they have to be dead first. He takes the place of John Locke midway through season five.}}
* [[Everything's Better
* In ''[[The X-Files]]'' shapeshifting aliens are a recurring menace - though they don't need to kill someone to take their shape, they often do to avoid complications. The alien bounty hunter is probably the most notable example.
** In a completely unrelated incident, there's an episode called 'Small Potatoes' in which a man can shapeshift, and uses the ability to sleep with women while disguised as their husbands. He locks up Mulder and takes his form to elude capture, and then, understandably, tries to get it on with [[Hot Scientist|Scully]].
*** It should be pointed out that his natural form was ugly and came complete with tail, and his children retained these traits, much to the horror of the women who had essentially been unknowingly raped.
* Maya, the Metamorph in [[Space: 1999]].
* In Volume Four of ''[[Heroes (TV series)|Heroes]]'', [[You Will Be Assimilated|Sylar]] tracks down and kills a man who can change his form to look like any other human being, and thus claims the power for himself.
* [[Roger Rabbit Effect|Ttark]] from ''[[Kratts' Creatures]]''.
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** Monster example: True lycanthropes (i.e. born, not infected).
*** Infected lycanthropes can learn to control their shifting to an extent, but voluntarily changing into hybrid or animal form automatically changes their alignment based on which variety they are.
* Various versions in ''[[
** In both ''[[
** In both ''[[
** In ''[[
* In ''[[
* Curiously, Manra shapechangers seem to be the only beings in ''[[Talislanta]]'' with this power.
* ''[[
* ''Night Wizard'' as a number of playable classes which can do this, most notably the Tamer/Magic Beast User, whose main gimmick is transforming body parts into various forms to grant himself various abilities.
== Theme Parks ==
* Waldo from ''[[Muppet
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* SNES video game ''Super Morph'' featured a ball-like thing with shapeshifting powers: main forms include a raincloud and a few others.
* Samus in the ''[[Metroid]]'' series gets to transform into a "Morph Ball" form to fit into tight spaces, set bombs, activate switches, and even roll up magnetic walls. In ''[[Metroid Prime]] Hunters'', other [[Bounty Hunter|bounty hunters]] appear, who have their own "alt forms". Gandrayda in ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' is a more traditional version.
* Jenova from ''[[
** Liquid Flame, a fire-type boss from ''[[
* ''[[Devil May Cry]] 4'' has the Gladius type of demon, a [[Goddamned Bats|horribly annoying]] thing that shifts between a sword and a flying reptile form.
* ''Dr Muto'' for Playstation 2 has a shapeshifter for a main character.
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* ''Virtual Bart'' has this in a few levels with Bart in them. Also in ''[[The Simpsons Game]]'' Homer can transform into Homer Ball, Gummi Homer, and Helium Homer. A few of the other family members have transformations too, including Bart.
* The game ''[[The Death Gate Cycle|Death Gate]]'' features Sang-Drax, a dragon who uses shapeshifting as defence. Whenever you try to attack, he simply changes to a form that is invulnerable to it. You can either catch him off-guard or get some world-shaking magic that no one is invulnerable to. The latter happens, taking the form of the force of the Interconnection spell, which throws Sang-Drax deep into The Vortex.
* Mario in ''[[
** Moreso in ''[[
*** [[Fridge Logic|Paper boat... on water?]]
** The ''[[Paper Mario (
* Druids in the ''[[
** The Shaman class also has the ability to shapeshift into a wolf for faster movement, while Warlocks can temporarily turn into a demon. Lesser forms include the dwarven racial Stoneform, the Death Knight Lichborne ability (which grants them immunity to many status effects) and the Priest abilities Shadowform and Dispersion.
*** Shapeshifting into a humanoid form (usually human or elf) is a common ability among dragons in the series. Some demons can do this too.
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* Axl of ''[[Mega Man X]]'' had this and served as a plot point for both ''X7'' and ''X8''.
** Played straight as the main gimmick of ''[[Mega Man ZX]]'' with Model A being able to take on the shapes previously defeated bosses.
* ''[[Prototype (
* The Laguz from ''[[Fire Emblem]]: Path of Radiance'' and ''Radiant Dawn'' are able to transform into their respective animals (be they beast, bird or dragon) for offensive purposes.
* ''[[
* The Harmonixers from the ''[[Shadow Hearts]]'' series have this as their main ability. Yuri, from the first and second games, is the most versatile, being able to take at least 20 forms. Shania's more oriented towards [[Ms. Fanservice|fanservice]].
* ''[[Kirby]]'''s most well-known [[Power Copying|characteristic.]]
** Only a few copy abilities (Wheel, U.F.O.), since generally it's just [[Power Copying]]. Though ''[[
* Morrigan in ''[[Dragon Age]]: Origins'' has this power, and can teach it to other mages in the party, as well. Her mother Flemeth is even better at it.
* [[Eldritch Abomination|Crazen]] of ''[[Lusternia]]'' uses this ability to ''[[Nightmare Fuel|extremely creepy]]'' effect, as Krokano can attest:
{{quote| I roared and tried to fling Thalrinda from me, but her arms locked around my neck, becoming a loop of flesh that tightened around me like a noose. Her mouth pressed up against my face as she leaned forward, her lips scraping against my eyelids. Her tongue split in two and [[Eye Scream|plunged into my eye sockets]]. Any semblance of form was all but gone, now, melted away like wax: revealing itself to be a the tip of one of Crazen's huge tendrils.}}
* In ''[[The Legend of Zelda:
* In ''[[
* Orochi, Magaki and Saiki from ''[[
* The ''[[Quest for Glory]]'' series has Leopardmen and Gypsies (who turn into wolves) in games 3 and 4 respectively. Unfortunately for the latter, the easily spooked townsfolk buy into all the old [[Our Werewolves Are Different|Werewolf]] legends, which is what sets off the first big plot event of the game.
* Polymorphing in ''[[Nethack]]'' is one of the most complex and difficult aspects of the game, that can lead to major benefits if done well. A character has several ways to self-polymorph, such as a {{spoiler|wand, spellbook, ring, trap, potion, eating a polymorphing monster,}} and more. Most of these are uncontrolled without some form of polymorph control, such as a {{spoiler|ring or an intrinsic}}. Polymorphing can be very useful or detrimental, depending on if the new form destroys armor or if it can handle what the character is already carrying. (Weirdly, [[Magic Pants]] is only played straight with the character's pants, as there are none equitable in game and there are [[The Dev Team Thinks of Everything|ways]] the player should die if they aren't wearing pants.)
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* Luna in [[Sailor Moon CS]].
* In [[Holiday Wars]], [[April Fools' Day]] is a shapeshifter who can take any form he wants. We first see him swap forms in [http://www.th3rdworld.com/web-comic/Holiday-Wars/episode/Holiday-Wars-Episode-42 this strip].
* The Amoeba in ''[[The Incredible and Awe Inspiring Serial Adventure of The Amazing Plasma
* Grace in ''[[
** Ellen recently got a form of this. She can zap someone (animals included) with an invisible beam and turn into a perfect replica of it. Elliot also has voluntary [[Gender Bender]] abilities, but he often is [[Does This Remind You of Anything?|forced to transform himself when his magical energy builds up too much]].
** Elliot's basically a semi-voluntary shapeshifter. ''Someday'' he'll be able to control it but for now if he doesn't shapeshift briefly every few hours when he gets the opportunity, he'll build up an excess of magical energy and [[Involuntary Shapeshifter|shapeshift at inopportune times]]. [[Does This Remind You of Anything?|Did we mention he's a teenage boy]]?
* Brian Parker from ''[[
* ''[[
* The Dragon and Cubi races in ''[[Dan and
* [[Informed Ability|Supposedly]] an angelic ability in ''[[Misfile]]'', only Cassiel has used it so far on screen and she isn't so great at it.
* Felucca's power in ''[[Earthsong]]''. She shapeshifts into a huge dragon.
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* Drel from ''[[Corner Alley 13]]'' is a magically altered werewolf with this ability. The prequel ''Weakness'' reveals that he must remain at a set mass while transforming.
* Decoy Octopus from ''[[The Last Days of Foxhound]]'' can take on the shape of anyone. However, to do so, he needs to drink some of their blood (with a special ingredient added).
* Ariel from ''[[
* Kieri from ''[[Slightly Damned]]'' was cursed into a form of a snow bunny, however, the being responsible was in too much of a hurry to do a particularly good job of it and now she has a limited ability to shift between the two forms at will.
* Ghosts get this power in [[One Over Zero]]. Though {{spoiler|Mock}} is the only one who uses it.
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* In ''[[Beyond the Canopy]]'', Jojo is a semi-solid being who can alter his shape and proportions at will.
* In [[The Kingfisher]] some vampires can turn into animals, animalistic monster forms, mist, and/or some kind of shadowy form. These abilities are all at will and seem limited by the vampire's lineage.
* The students in ''[[
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* Indiana Jones in [[We Are Our Avatars (Roleplay)|We Are Our Avatars]] could do this With a [[Nethack|Wand of Polymorph and Ring of Polymorph Control]], however there are limits: it must be organic, can't exceed a certain natural power, and if a polymorph immune form, he'll be stuck in it.
* Two of the heroes in ''[[The Questport Chronicles]]'' do this: one transforms into a dragon, the other into a vicious demon.
* ''[[
* Jaza from [http://chimerabazaar.blogspot.com/ The Chimera Bazaar] is a shape-shifting being, but has forgotten its original form, which makes its gender questionable.
== Western Animation ==
* Ben Tennyson from ''[[
** It was taken ''much'' further in ''[[Ben 10: Alien Force
* Aku from ''[[Samurai Jack]]'', who even refers to himself as "the shape-shifting Master of Darkness". Luckily, he never got the hang of changing his color-motif along with his shape.
* Peter Griffin develops this in the ''[[Family Guy]]'' episode Viewer Mail 1# in the segment Super Griffins.
* Genie from ''[[Aladdin (Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' may be the best known of the trickster subtype.
* Technically, ''[[Transformers]]'', GoBots and other [[Transforming Mecha]]: one or a few "alt-modes", usually turning into a vehicle or an animal.
** Worth noting is that the [[Transformers]], at least, tend to choose new alt modes to blend in with new surroundings.
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** Originally part of the ''Take Hart'' art show hosted by Tony Hart.
* There was shapeshifting of the "aquatic" kind in the 80's cartoon ''Tiger Sharks''. The main characters could turn into human-fish hybrids when they entered the fish tank.
* The Wondertwins of ''[[
** Played with in an older [[Cartoon Network]] commercial. Zan and Jana are there to present to the child viewers the difference between real and imaginary scenarios, but the PSA is cut just short of revealing their "simple phrase" when Zan realizes (and begins complaining about) how he's always turning into something water-related, regardless of the situation at hand.
** And let us not forget the ''[[Harvey Birdman, Attorney
* The Catatonian Bounty Hunters in the 2006 revival of ''[[Biker Mice From Mars]]'' are shapeshifters as demonstrated in "Once Upon a Time on Earth Parts 1-3."
* To a very limited extent, Meatwad from ''[[
** And in [[The Movie]] an office park complex.
* ''[[The Fairly Odd Parents]]'' has mainly all of the fairies in fairyworld who can shapeshift at will due to their magic powers. Cosmo and Wanda can also do this -- except in one episode where Cosmo's fagiggly gland acted up causing [[Involuntary Shapeshifting|just the opposite]] to happen to him.
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* Courage from ''[[Courage the Cowardly Dog]]''.
* The shapeshifting experiment Morpholomew from the ''[[Lilo and Stitch]]'' cartoon series.
* ''[[Beetlejuice (
* ''[[The Simpsons]]'' has had plenty of this. For more info see [http://www.nohomers.net/showthread.php?t=69673 this link].
* Chase Young in ''[[
* The Polymorphic Specters from ''[[Code Lyoko]]''.
* David Bowie (yes, ''that'' David Bowie) has shapeshifting powers in ''[[The Venture Brothers]]'' world. In one scene he transforms into a bird and flies away, prompting Hank to comment that "the guy from ''[[
* Ralph, The All Purpose Animal from ''[[Twice Upon a Time]]''.
* The Fleeblebroxians from the ''[[Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers]]'' episode "Dale Beside Himself" can shapeshift into whatever they want to. One of them spends half of the episode as a Dale [[Doppelganger]].
* In an episode of ''[[South Park]]'', the kids are captured by aliens. Their leader is a shapeshifter who initially takes the form of Stan's dad. The kids denounce this as stupid (a [[Take That]] against ''[[Contact (
* Jacklyn from ''[[Igor]]'' pulls this off using special pills.
* Hordak, the main villain of ''[[She
** Similarly, his sidekick Imp can change shapes as well, utilizing his abilities to spy on the Great Rebellion. He also doesn't have the same limitations as his master, able to conceal his features, and even his color scheme in a chosen form. (Interestingly he can also manifest his face on a shape if he wants to, allowing him to communicate with others.) His only limitation seems to be he can only become something that approximate his physical size (i.e. he cannot become a giant ''T. rex'' or shrink down to be a lethal virus).
* Every member of Oberon's Children from ''[[
* Klone from ''[[Blackstar]]'' is a rare example of a good-aligned shapeshifter, using his powers to combat the forces of evil and once to even sneak into the [[Big Bad]]'s hideout.
* Widget from the ''[[Widget the World Watcher]]'' series can shapeshift to pretty much anything as long as he isn't upside down.
* Two episodes of ''[[Exo Squad]]'' featured a Neosapien who was transformed into a [[Blob Monster|blobish creature]] that could shapeshift by Automutation Syndrome and medical experiments.
* Beast Boy from ''[[Teen Titans (
* In the fourth season of ''[[Winx Club]]'' there's the shapeshifter Duman who is one of the Wizards of the Black circle. {{spoiler|Later on his powers became unstable, which eventually killed him}}. Oh, and Darcy can also turn into other people with her illusion powers. Actually, I think Icy and Stormy have been able to do this as well in order to disguise themselves.
* [[Punny Name|Camille Leon]] in ''[[Kim Possible]]''.
* Chameleon from ''[[The Mighty Ducks (
* The luchadores from ''[[Mucha Lucha]]''. At first it seemed like it was just to illustrate their attacks, but it turned out they actually do this real time.
* Several aliens in ''[[Men in Black (
* According to [[Word of God]], Heloise on ''[[Jimmy Two-Shoes]]'' is "a bit of a shapeshifter". Exactly what this implies is vague, but it certainly [[Informed Ability|isn't used very obviously on the show]].
** "The Hooded Chicken" reveals that it's just her feet. Whenever she ''has'' feet, that is.
* Newton, the big humanoid newt from ''[[
* Merlock from ''[[
* ''[[The Herculoids]]'' episode "The Mutoids". The title characters can assume the form of any humanoid or change themselves into solid rock.
* [[Fantastic Four]]-like superhero [[Imagine Spot]] episode of ''[[Rugrats]]'' has this with Tommy able to shape-shift into animals.
* [[
* [[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
** Princess Luna is capable of shifting to or from her Nightmare Moon form at will. She also turns into a thorn and several ponies at once (the [[Evil Knockoff|Shadow Bolts]]) as [[Jekyll and Hyde|Nightmare Moon.]]
** The Changelings are a race that are capable of taking the shape of any pony.
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