History Main / HenshinHero

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* ''Anime/KingArthur'': Yes, [[Myth/ArthurianLegend King Arthur]] is one. In most episodes, he usually hides his identity, but when the time calls, he transforms into a literal knight and kicks ass.
[[/folder]]

May require a TransformationTrinket or ByThePowerOfGrayskull.

%%* ''Series/TheMysticKnightsOfTirNaNog'' was a wholly American henshin hero program, which used no Japanse footage (albeit borrowing a few ''Series/{{Beetleborgs}}'' costumes, which were, in turn, borrowed ''JuukouBFighter'' and ''BFighterKabuto'' costumes.)

* ''WesternAnimation/FredAndBarneyMeetTheThing'' turned the ''Franchise/FantasticFour''[='s=] Ben Grimm into a weedy teenager who can change into the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing by joining two rings and shouting "Thing Ring, do your thing!"

* WesternAnimation/SuperTed transforms into his super-powered state by speaking the phrase [[ByThePowerOfGreySkull "I'll just say my]] [[CatchPhrase secret magic word..."]] and then unzipping his fur to reveal a superhero costume underneath.

* HenshinHero/WesternAnimation

* There was a Japanese ''[[Series/SpiderManJapan Spider-Man]]'' series that turned him into a Henshin Hero, rather than the usual change of costume. He even got a HumongousMecha to battle the MonsterOfTheWeek whenever it turned giant-sized! [[WidgetSeries Yeah, it was that kind of show.]]

* OlderThanTelevision: [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]], who debuted ''decades'' before He-Man or the Japanese heroes, making him the UrExample of all transforming heroes. He's normally a powerless little boy (or early teen) named Billy Batson, but when he says "Shazam" (an acronym of the names of six mythological figures), he's transformed into a powerful FlyingBrick. Cap's supporting cast featured a lot of these, including Mary Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr., Hoppy the Marvel Bunny, and the Lieutenants Marvel, as well as a lot of Henshin Villains, like Black Adam, Ibac, and Sabbac. Later it was revealed that even the wizard Shazam himself was a former Henshin Hero thousands of years ago when he was Jebediah of Canaan, who transformed into The Champion by saying the magic word "Vlarem". Most of those characters were retconned out with the New 52 reboot in 2011, but the current version of Billy Batson still says "Shazam" to transform from a normal boy into a superhero (albeit one with somewhat different powers).
%%* The other ComicBook/{{Captain Marvel|MarvelComics}} was one for awhile when he was bonded to Rick Jones.
* Comicbook/{{Miracleman}} (originally and still sometimes Marvelman - see MM's own page for the convoluted legal history) was a direct homage to Captain Marvel, created while the latter was in the middle of his twenty-year publishing hiatus, and transformed by speaking the word "Kimota" ("atomic" backwards, more or less). He likewise had two teenage sidekicks, Young Marvelman/Miracleman and Kid Marvelman/Miracleman, who transformed by speaking their mentor's name.

* ComicBook/IronMan, to an extent. Basically, it depends on the version of the suit. Sometimes it'll form itself around a bodysuit that goes beneath it. And sometimes it has a compact form like the suitcase suit, though he does have to step in or pull it around him while it's partially formed. Iron Man fully qualifies with the "Bleeding Edge" armor, which is stored within Tony Stark's body and called out mentally at need.
* Comicbook/{{Superman}}

** Prior to that, he went through a period in TheSeventies when he only had his powers while visualizing a lynx. Otherwise they were in the possession of a young boy who was psychically connected to the lynx. No, really.
* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'' [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1942 Vol 1]]: For a time Diana no longer had her powers when not "transformed" into Wonder Woman. (This was also how it worked in her TV series)

* ''ComicBook/XMen'': Colossus is large and buff-looking in his human form, but only superhumanly strong and tough in his [[ChromeChampion metallic form]]. He's still strong in his human form, but only "normal human who pumps iron" levels of strong.
* ComicBook/TheMightyThor and Dr. Donald Blake are a variation on this - the difference being that Thor is the original and Blake was a mortal form Odin forced upon his son as a test. Most other wielders of Mjölnir or passable replicas thereof also fit under this trope more-or-less. Including but not limited to Storm when she got repowered by Loki, Beta Ray Bill (albeit he is also a super soldier; he was already strong but gets a ''lot'' stronger when transformed), Thunderstrike (both of them), and the new Comicbook/{{Thor|2014}} Jane Foster.
* Franchise/TheFlash Jay Garrick and ComicBook/GreenLantern Alan Scott of ''ComicBook/{{Earth 2}}'' gained their powers and costumes via mystical sources. As such, their costumes only appear when they use their powers.
* Depending on who's writing the DC character ComicBook/TheSpectre, he may or may not have some form of this. The older stories treated him as a guy who was returned from death and could, when he wanted, take on a ghostly form with mystical powers. Most later writers treat the Spectre and the human host it's associated with as separate characters, with how much control the host has when in Spectre form being highly variable. In the Ostrander run the two were separate to the extent that Corrigan didn't have a "Spectre form"; the Spectre essentially lived inside him (but could temporarily leave and act independently).
* Ultra Boy of the ''ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes'' had a slight variant. He had all the powers as Superboy had, but only one at a time; he could be either super-strong or invulnerable, but not both at the same time.

* ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'': The Hulk is theoretically this; in human form Bruce Banner is just a regular guy (though fairly smart), while in Hulk form he's extremely strong and tough, but he's also ''really'' stupid (usually). Because the comic is called The Incredible Hulk instead of The Average Banner, he tends to spend about 90% of the time as the Hulk, with the writers before the 00s reverting him to human form to have him angst for a while. Since ''ComicBook/PlanetHulk'' and its follow up stories, [[SplitPersonalityTeam Banner has been given more control/a partnership with Hulk's personality that allows them to transform back and forth at will]], with Green Hulk taking on a more intelligent form of speech, making them more a classical version of the trope, though both still see each other as the "other guy" to some extent.

The transformation is frequently accompanied by a costume change. This gives the trope some overlap with ClothesMakeTheSuperman: many male Henshin Heroes wear power-armor of some kind, and their transformation allows them to [[InstantArmor don their armor almost instantly]]. Bonus points if the change of clothing is the only outward difference, but [[PaperThinDisguise nobody notices]].

* The ''Franchise/UltraSeries'' is the UrExample for Japanese Tokusatsu. In every series, an ordinary guy uses a TransformationTrinket to become a gigantic alien warrior of light in order to battle {{kaiju}} and [[SizeShifter sizeshifting]] aliens. Unlike the previous three major franchises, it's not produced by Creator/{{Toei}}, but Creator/TsuburayaProductions.

* ''Series/{{Kikaider}}'' is a RidiculouslyHumanRobot who assumes a more robotic fighting form by chanting "Switch On".

* This trope is also a staple of ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' series, as well as their American ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' adaptations. Typically a Sentai team would all activate their {{Transformation Trinket}}s to do a group transformation, before [[SuperSentaiStance striking out in a cool pose]].

* The ReligiousEntertainment show ''Series/{{Bibleman}}'' had the titular character, and later his teammates, use a special chamber in his base to transform. During the TransformationSequence a voice would name the different parts of his suit as they manifest which are based on the [[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armor_of_God Armor of God]] from the ''Literature/BookOfEphesians''.

* [[ComicBook/XMen Colossus]], who is large and buff-looking in his human form, but only superhumanly strong and tough in his metallic form. He's still strong in his human form, but only "normal human who pumps iron" levels of strong.

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[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* ''Manga/AkazukinChacha''. The anime more closely fits the trope than the manga, which was mostly just a CuteWitch series.
* ''Manga/{{Dandadan}}'': [[{{Youkai}} Turbo-Granny]]'s possession of Okarun allows him to go into a SuperpoweredEvilSide twice a day, with superhuman speed, strength, and reflexes. [[spoiler:Later on she's exorcised, but he gets to keep the powers.]] His "powered-up" form has MoreTeethThanTheOsmondFamily and barely resembles him at all.
* ''Anime/DevilHunterYohko'', in which boy-crazy sixteen-year-old schoolgirl Yohko Mano can become a demon slayer to banish the forces of evil from Earth.
* ''Franchise/SailorMoon'' is one of the best-known MagicalGirl-based examples of the trope. Young schoolgirl Usagi Tsukino discovers she's the reincarnation of the titular ancient lunar warrior from the Moon Kingdom and uses her newfound powers to protect Earth from the forces of evil. It also had a live-action adaptation called ''Series/PrettyGuardianSailorMoon'' from the folks behind ''Franchise/KamenRider'' and ''Franchise/SuperSentai''.
%%** ''Manga/CodenameSailorV''.
* ''Anime/PrettySammy''. She uses a different henshin call in each program where she makes an appearance to transfrom.
* ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' does something odd with this trope. Although Nanoha has a TransformationSequence, all it does is summon her Barrier Jacket (combat uniform). She can use her magical powers without transforming. However, we only see her do it on a few occasions, and with relatively minor magic.
* The ''Anime/PrettyCure'' series, in which fairies bestow their powers onto ordinary schoolgirls to battle monsters and save both their world and that of the fairies.
* ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'', which was a short manga series called ''Tokyo Black Catgirl'' and successfully brought the MagicalGirl team into the 2000s.
* ''Anime/MermaidMelodyPichiPichiPitch'' is yet another MagicalGirl example, this time ''with mermaids''.
* ''Manga/ShugoChara'', again twisting it with minor magics being available otherwise - with a second, minor transformation that changes only the character's personality and physical capabilities, but leaves her or him looking the same.
* ''Anime/CorrectorYui'', whose main character was an [[AscendedFanboy Ascended Fangirl]] of the MagicalGirl genre.
* ''Anime/MyOtome'', in which the Otomes receive access to their Robes, which protect them and give them access to a powerful weapon, by receiving certification from their master (or in the Five Columns' case, from the Founder system).
* ''Manga/WeddingPeach'', whose MagicalGirl heroines gain their powers from ThePowerOfLove to battle monsters.
* ''Anime/PowerpuffGirlsZ'' gave this treatment to ''Franchise/ThePowerpuffGirls'' with Hyper Blossom, Rolling Bubbles, and Powered Buttercup.
* ''Anime/PrincessTutu'', in which the hero is a duck who is granted the power to become a magical princess.
* ''Manga/KamichamaKarin'', though a couple characters are able to use some of their abilities without transforming.
* ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': The Magical Girls use their Soul Gems to activate and fuel their powers, but it turns out that there's quite a bit more to the gems than they realize at first.
* ''Anime/CuteyHoney'', whose primary power is transforming into different persona, though she has one form for fighting seriously.
* ''Anime/KillLaKill'' technically IS a Magical Girl series, and every major character has a set of clothes that grant them powers through a TransformationSequence.
* ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman,'' if not the TropeCodifier, is an important early example, with the team members each having a wristband communicator that is also the TransformationTrinket for their PoweredArmor.
* The modern reimagining, ''Anime/GatchamanCrowds'', also falls under this but employs a twist on the previous show's formula. The members of Gatchaman instead use journal-like devices that manifest their soul, called [=NOTEs=], to activate superpowered forms resembling PoweredArmor, complete with the prerequisite [[AnimalMotif bird motif]].
* ''Hurricane Polimar'' uses his helmet for transformation as opposed to wrist-worn gadgets or smaller devices. Said hero can also transform into a submarine, tank, etc. but he also runs around yelling and beating the crap out of people with his fighting style - [[PunnyName Hariken]], or Illusion Destruction Fist.
* ''Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman'' and ''Uchuu no Kishi Anime/TekkamanBlade'' the former needs his mobile transport robot named Pegas to transform.
* ''Anime/TekkamanBlade II'' features a twist: Since many people were captured and partially transformed by the Radam at the end of the first series, a large part of the world's population can transform into a "Primary Tekkaman", who are armored, but have few if any powers otherwise: effectively Henshin ''Civilians''.
* Tatsunoko's ''Anime/TimeBokan'' series features this, with each hero (or [[BattleCouple heroes]], in some cases) using various transformation methods.
** The titular duo of ''Anime/{{Yatterman}}'' in particular has their costumes actually be their casual wear only flipped around!
%%* ''Anime/TheSoulTaker'', of course.
* The Karas of ''Anime/{{Karas}}'' require the "Will of the City" to unlock their powers.
* ''Manga/SaintSeiya'', which launched the armored warriors subgenre of shonen FightingSeries, as the main characters are granted constellation-themed sculptures that can become suits of armour for battle. Due to its first anime's running around the same timeframe as ''Anime/SailorMoon'', it's usually considered an honorary [[MagicalGirlWarrior magical boy warrior]] series.
** ''Manga/LegendOfHeavenlySphereShurato'' and ''Mystical Armor Legend: Samurai Troopers'' (aka ''Anime/RoninWarriors''), being more directly inspired by ''Saint Seiya'', also do this with their respective armors.
* ''Manga/{{Guyver}}'' is an interesting example, bordering on {{Deconstruction}}: while Sho gets off fairly light, other characters have transformations that [[PainfulTransformation cross straight into]] BodyHorror; [[AntiHero Aptom]] and [[{{Mooks}} the Zoanoids]], for example.
%%* ''Anime/StarDriver'' plays this completely straight with Takuto/Galactic Pretty Boy Tauburn.
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': While a capable fighter regardless, Ichigo can only draw on his powers by expelling his soul from his physical body using Rukia's glove, Urahara's cane, Kon's mod soul pill, or his Substitute Soul Reaper Badge. The latter becomes the conduit for his Fullbring, which once complete manifests as a short sword and white-and-black armor that gives him access to some of his Soul Reaper powers as well as some new ones.
* In ''Anime/TenchiMuyoRyoOhki'', Tenchi Maski gets two costume changes with a Juraian Battle Uniform when Tsunami unlocks his Juraian powers, and then the Light Hawk Wings trigger a special uniform that looks like a cross between the Battle Uniform and Jurai's holy robes.
* Pretenders, Headmaster Juniors, and Godmasters in ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'' are like this. The Pretenders are actually an inversion of the typical Henshin Hero, being robots that mass-shift and wear artificial Human skins to blend in to normal society.
* The title character of ''Manga/ChainsawMan'' has the ability to transform into a [[HalfHumanHybrid half-devil hybrid]] with chainsaws growing out of his head and arms. As that description might suggest, it's something of a [[DeconstructedTrope deconstruction of the genre]], as the aforementioned transformation is [[PainfulTransformation quite painful]] and [[BodyHorror rather grotesque]], and he can't transform all the way unless he has enough [[ThePowerOfBlood blood]] to deal from the damage he does to ''himself'' just by transforming.
* ''Anime/DigimonFrontier'' has the kids transform into Digimon, instead of having Digimon partners like the other series. Supposedly they're bonding with the spirits of legendary Digimon warriors, but until the last three or so episodes (in which the original warriors speak to the kids), "spirit" was just a fancier name for TransformationTrinket.
* The ''Anime/ViewtifulJoe'' anime expanded the henshin capabilities to include a sidekick, Captain Blue Jr. As his weapon was a Yo-yo, his phrase was "Henshin a-''[[JustForPun yo-yo!]]''"
* ''Anime/MegaManNTWarrior'', in which the operators can merge with their Navis in a process called Cross Fusion. Exclusive to the anime, this did not appear in ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'', the video game it was based on, although ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' does feature a similar form of henshin.
* In ''Manga/{{Ratman}}'', the titular hero is one of these, turning from a short middle-schooler to a tall, lean and deadly super. It's unclear if the other heroes fall into this; at least a few have what seems to be PoweredArmor instead.
%%* ''Anime/MagicalStageFancyLala'' isn't a hero per se, but is basically a henshin IdolSinger.
%%* Manga/{{Zetman}}
* ''LightNovel/NyarukoCrawlingWithLove'''s title character does this voluntarily, possessing a Kamen Rider-esque combat form with a completely unnecessary TransformationSequence[[note]]she's a VoluntaryShapeshifter who can change forms instantly[[/note]] entirely because she's a {{Toku}} fangirl and thinks [[RuleOfCool it looks awesome]]. It does help that her "Full Force Form" is one of the few forms she has that doesn't run the risk of [[DrivenToMadness shattering her love interest's sanity]]. A short story (later adapted as an OVA) has her briefly becoming a MagicalGirl, with all the associated trappings.
* Great Saiyaman 1 (Gohan) and 2 (Videl) in ''Anime/DragonBallZ'', whose TransformationTrinket consists of a wristwatch.
** Although Gohan doesn't ''need'' to transform to use his powers. It's just to hide his identity.
* ''Franchise/YuGiOh'':
** Yugi Muto from the original ''Anime/YuGiOh'', especially in the manga, courtesy of his SuperPoweredAlterEgo. Without him, Yugi's basically helpless (at first).
** The manga of ''Manga/YuGiOhGX'' introduces the Masked Heroes, who utilize a new variation of Fusion Summoning called "Transformation Summoning", are based on Henshin Heroes especially ''Franchise/KamenRider''.
** In ''Anime/YuGiOhSEVENS'', Luke drew his own manga as a very small child that stars a self-insert Henshin Hero called The Luke Man. [[spoiler: The Luke Man was accidentally brought to life as a sapient AI by Luke's older sister and wants to live out the comic in the real world.]]
%%* Maccha Green from ''Anime/RollingGirls'', who seems to be inspired by the ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' franchise.
* ''Manga/WorldTrigger'' has entire armies of soldiers that can only fight by using items called "Triggers" to transform into "Trion Bodies" made of energy ("Trion" being the energy source that basically powers everything). Trion Bodies are superpowered and only vulnerable to attacks using Trion and also protect the real body from any damage as long as they are active. Though while the bodies look different (often featuring uniforms of their squad), they don't obscure the users identity, because the users mostly work for an official organization anyway (most prominently "Border", which defends Earth from invaders). The anime also features a fitting TransformationSequence.
%%* ''Anime/SonicSoldierBorgman'', nuff said
* ''WebAnimation/KaijuGirls'' features cute anime girls who possess the powers of the various monsters from ''Series/{{Ultraman}}'' ([[Franchise/UltraSeries and its many spinoffs, sequels, and remakes]]). The girls are only slightly stronger than ordinary humans and most of their powers (such as SuperStrength) are only active after transformation.
* [[BigGood All Might]] in ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'' has to consciously activate his powers of SuperStrength, SuperSpeed and SuperToughness. When they're turned on, he has a standard HeroicBuild. When they're turned off, he looks like a scrawny guy who nobody would expect to be a superhero.
* ''Anime/TheGirlInTwilight'' has the girls transform tokusatsu-style when entering the alternate universe.
* The superheroes in ''Manga/{{Shy}}'' use special [[TransformationTrinket wristbands]] that use their "heart energy" to transform their wielder into their hero self. This can include some visual differences like [[PowerDyesYourHair a change in haircolor]], thereby averting [[PaperThinDisguise Paper-Thin Disguise]] for those heroes who have secret identities. Most heroes can use their powers even in their untransformed state to some degree as long as they wear their wristbands.
* ''Anime/BraveBeats'' features two characters, Hibiki and Kokone, who transform into music-powered superheroes named Flash Beat and Wink Beat with the help of two partners.
* ''Manga/YuushaGojoKumiaiKouryuugataKeijiban'' has Veggievorn, a vegetable-themed hero whose entire outfit is made of vegetables.
* In ''Franchise/OnePiece'', [[spoiler:Sanji has begrudgingly become this, with the use of a canister that contains a Raid Suit. He received it from the Vinsmokes AKA [[MurderInc Germa 66]], who are his estranged family. He didn't want to wear it at first, believing he should rely on his own strength and not technology, ''especially'' the same tech used by Germa 66. He later realizes that his pride could get in the way of helping others and decides to wear the suit, which enhances his already absurd strength, speed, and durability. It also grants him {{Invisibility}}. Sanji's official [[RedBaron codename]] is "Stealth Black" while donning the suit, but [[DontCallMePaul doesn't want to be called that]]. He feels that it'll associate him with Germa 66. Instead, he gave himself the codename "Soba Mask", which [[GiverOfLameNames just doesn't sound as cool]].]]
* All over the place in ''Manga/MissKuroitsuFromTheMonsterDevelopmentDepartment,'' being an AffectionateParody of the {{Toku}} genre. The titular character even gets in on the fun at the end, though her TransformationTrinket still has a few [[ShapeshifterModeLock bugs in it.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/DawnOfTheMonsters'': Eiji Murasame was mutated by Sheol energy and gained the ability to transform from a human into an UltramanCopy called Aegis Prime.
* Sister Leica from ''VisualNovel/{{Demonbane}}'' can transform into white angel Metatron, something unique to the visual novel and left out of the anime adaptation.
* The player character in the NES title ''Dragon Fighter'' is a gladiator who can turn into a fire-breathing flying dragon once a transformation meter fills up.
* ''[[VideoGame/ExtrapowerAttackOfDarkforce EXTRAPOWER Attack of Darkforce]]'' has Torajiro and Ryo who, with the power of the Guren Stone and the Gecko Stone, transform into GUREN TIGER and GECKO WOLF!
* In ''Franchise/FireEmblem'', [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Manaketes]], [[LittleBitBeastly Lag]][[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent uz]], [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Wolfseggner]], [[AsianFoxSpirit Kitsune]], and [[KillerRabbit Taguel]] all transform into animal forms for combat, and are unable to fight without transforming.
* The main character in ''VideoGame/IllusionOfGaia'' has three forms (including his normal form), all of which have different powers.
* In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesKuroNoKiseki'', the eleventh installment of the ''VideoGame/TrailsSeries'', some characters, including [[TheHero Van]], can summon some kind of magical armor, complete with TransformationSequence. Que jokes about how after controlling [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel Erebonia's]] ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'', we're going to play as Calvard's ''Franchise/KamenRider''.
* In ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'', Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Eraqus and Xehanort are all Keyblade weilders, and all have special Keyblade Armor that they can use whenever in combat or traveling through space. While it is unknown how Eraqus and Xehanort activate their armor, Terra, Aqua and Ventus transform by smacking the small amount of armor visible on their normal clothes (for Terra and Ventus in particular, it's their [[FashionableAsymmetry singular left shoulder-pads]]). The main trio can also toss their Keyblades up in the air to turn them into gliders to travel though space on.
** In what is perhaps the coolest part of the game, since Keyblade Armor protects its wearer from the darkness, Terra activates his in a last ditch attempt to avoid possession by Xehanort (who is essentially a Dark Lord), and while his body is still possessed, his heart trapped within, his mind manages to escape and inhabits the armor, creating the Lingering Will (which originally appeared a secret boss in ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII [[UpdatedRerelease Final Mix]]''), which you then play as against your possessed self, essentially making it Henshin vs. Henshin User.
* Dragoons in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfDragoon'' can transform between their civilian and powered-up, armored forms, getting access to magic spells, flight, and greater strength and endurance in the process.
* In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'', four of the masks Link collects on his journey through Termina transform him into the being they depict: the pond-hopping, bubble-spitting Deku, the fast-rolling, fire-punching Goron, the fast-swimming, boomerang-launching Zora, and the mighty Fierce Deity.
* In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', Link eventually gains the ability to change into his wolf form and back at will, which grants powers like increased senses.
* Appears several times in ''Franchise/MegaMan''.
** The most straightforward examples are Geo and Sonia from ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'', who become Mega Man and Harp Note by undergoing a FusionDance with EnergyBeings Omega-Xis and Lyra. In fact, most of the cast undergoes such ''Henshin'', but heroes are in the definite minority. The process actually bears a certain resemblance to ''Cross Fusion'' from ''Mega Man NT Warrior'', listed above.
** In the ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' series, a Mega Man is a person able to use a Biometal to transform in a process called "megamerging". Like ''Star Force'', since some villains also have Biometals, the series also has "Henshin Villains".
** Even the original ''[[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man]]'' was prone to it, since he had a non-combat form he spent most of his time in; that said, the audience almost never gets to see Rock in his off-hours, so sightings of the change are few and far between. He does it in the [[VideoGame/MegaManV fifth]] UsefulNotes/GameBoy game, though. No invocation, he just jumps into the air and transforms from Rock to Mega Man. [[spoiler:It doesn't help.]] A short mini-comic also implies that his helmet can be used as his henshin device.
* As of ''VideoGame/MetroidOtherM'', Samus appears to be this as her Power Suit is something that can only be sustained if her focus permits it. However this explanation has been regarded as FanDiscontinuity.
* ''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo 7'' has a henshin [[LimitBreak game mechanic]], where the characters turn into their older or younger selves.
* ''VideoGame/Persona5'' has a variation: the [[PhantomThief Phantom Thieves]] don masks and unique clothing when they delve into the Metaverse, which is the only place where they can access their Personas.
* ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet'' has the HeroicDolphin Palafin, whose Zero to Hero ability activates a form change upon switching out.
* Red from ''VideoGame/SagaFrontier'' is given the power to transform into the superhero Alkaiser by another such hero, Alkarl, in order to [[EmergencyTransformation save his life]].
* The [[MagicalGirl Princess Heart]] TransformationTrinket in ''VideoGame/SilentHill3'' turns Heather into a ''Franchise/SailorMoon'' expy; TransformationSequence, henshin call and [[AsskickingPose pose]] included.
* Kouta Asuma from ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'' has ability to transform into Fighter Roar, he later join by his sister Shoko Azuma as Fighter Emmy.
* ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe'', with wonderful catchphrases to go with it: "''Henshin a Go-Go, Baby!''" and "''Henshin Around!''". It just so happens that he only actually needs to say "Henshin". The rest of the catchphrase is just for fun. When Silvia and Blue transform, they just say "Henshin!" without the rest. His EvilCounterpart mocks the phrase, which is the stinger to this page, but has his own Henshin phrase: "[[VideoGame/DevilMayCry Devil Trigger!]]"
* ''Videogame/TheWonderful101'' stars a team of 100 Henshin Heroes that can transform themselves into various weapons like a [[PowerFist giant fist]], a [[{{BFS}} giant sword]] or a [[{{BFG}} giant gun]] that shoots heroes.
* When you go to the 1950s in ''VideoGame/YokaiWatch2'', your grandfather Nathaniel/Kenny (depending on whether you play as Nate or Katie) is a KidHero obsessed with the television superhero Moximous Mask.
* The titular hero of ''Cosmo Police Galivan'' begins each stage as an ordinary human in civilian garb, but dons cybernetic armor upon picking up a power-up item. [[https://vintagehenshin.tumblr.com/post/21910945523 The arcade flyer]] even depicts a Toku-style TransformationSequence, though this is not seen in-game.
* ''VideoGame/YsIXMonstrumNox'' has titular Monstrums. Upon bein hit by a magic bullet person gets an ability to transform into superpowered alter-ego, which is basically just them, but with ImpossiblyCoolClothes, outlandish hair color and a minor case of RedRightHand. They also get a single superpower, like SuperStrength or WallRun, called "Gift", that they can share with other Monstrums. While exploring [[CityOfAdventure city of Balduq]], they constantly transform, using Monstrum forms for RoofHopping and normal identities for talking with civilians.
* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroesIII'': The BadassNormal Travis Touchdown can enter a ''Kamen Rider''-esque [[PoweredArmor Full Armor mode]] if he scores triple-7s on the Slash Reel or during set sequences in the game, which gives him a massive boost in power for a short time. He'll even call out ''"Henshin!"'' when transforming sometimes.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* The eponymous WesternAnimation/AmericanDragonJakeLong, who transforms into a dragon to battle monsters and supernatural creatures. As per this trope, Jake must be a dragon to use dragon abilities, though he can still use martial arts and is fairly capable when [[BadassNormal fighting in human form]]. Unusually, he's able to transform specific parts of himself and not the rest if he so chooses, giving himself individual dragon traits such as claws or improved vision when the situation calls for it.
* ''WesternAnimation/AtomicPuppet'': Neither Joey nor AP have powers until they perform their FusionDance and become the eponymous superhero, as Joey is the only one who can unlock Captain Atomic's lost powers from his ForcedTransformation.
* ''WesternAnimation/Ben10'', and its sequels ''WesternAnimation/Ben10AlienForce'', ''WesternAnimation/Ben10UltimateAlien'', and ''WesternAnimation/Ben10Omniverse''. Interestingly, Ben has multiple hero forms to choose from (10 initially, then he gets more forms as each series progresses).
** Oh so is the rest of the PowerTrio, the LoveInterest and plenty of bit characters as well. For example, [[EnergyBeings Gwen]], [[EnergyAbsorption Ke]][[ElementalShapeshifter vin]], [[PowerArmor Ju]][[EquippableAlly lie]].
* ''WesternAnimation/ButtUglyMartians'': The titular Martians perform a henshin to summon their [[PoweredArmor Butt-Kicking Mode suits]]. All three of them have to be present to initiate BKM, but this is only ever brought up once.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Centurions}}'': [[DownplayedTrope A downplayed example]]. The Centurions fuse with their Assault Weapon Systems by shouting "[[ByThePowerOfGreyskull Power extreme!]]" and performing an X-pose, but have to call in the weapons to be beamed to them first. It's portrayed as InstantArmor in-universe, though it's usually (but not always) accompanied by a TransformationSequence.
* WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom is an ordinary kid who can transform into a ghostly superhero after a freak lab accident. Even though he has access to his powers while human, they aren't as potent until he transforms. He even has his own catchphrase when he transforms, "Going Ghost!"
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Freakazoid}}'': Dexter Douglas transforms into the eponymous hero by exclaiming, "Freak Out!", then has to say "Freak In!" in order to change back.
* ''WesternAnimation/FredAndBarneyMeetTheThing'' turned the ''Franchise/FantasticFour''[='s=] Ben Grimm into a weedy teenager who can change into the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing by joining two rings and shouting "Thing Ring, do your thing!"
* ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983'' as well as its DistaffCounterpart, ''WesternAnimation/SheRaPrincessOfPower''. Likewise in He-Man's [[WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse2002 2002 reboot]], in which there's a much greater visual difference between his normal and super-powered forms, and in 2018's ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'', where She-Ra is notably taller than Adora ("Like, eight feet tall").
** ''WesternAnimation/MastersOfTheUniverseRevelation'' establishes that this was the case for past Champions of Eternia as well. He-Man is unique because [[spoiler: in the WarriorHeaven of Preternia, he chooses to be Prince Adam. That's just how much of a HumbleHero he is.]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/IronManArmoredAdventures,'' instead of a suitcase-suit, [[HighSchoolAU teen Tony]] has it as a backpack. It only requires that the central button be pushed and it forms around him on its own without him having to do anything else, making for the most {{Toku}}-like version yet. Now all we need is [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull voice activation]].
* Wonder Woman pulls it off in an episode of ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueUnlimited'' ("To Another Shore", specifically) as a homage to the aforementioned TV series starring Linda Carter.
* ''WesternAnimation/KingArthurAndTheKnightsOfJustice'', which may have been inspired by the armored warriors anime genre, is what happens when you apply this trope to Arthurian legend.
* ''WesternAnimation/MegaManFullyCharged'': this version of Mega Man is the alter ego of [[RidiculouslyHumanRobot teen robot]] Aki Light, who [[TransformationSequence transforms]] into Mega Man by telling the [[ItMakesSenseInContext miniature robot who lives in his head]] [[ByThePowerOfGrayskull "mega-tize me!"]]
* Ladybug and Cat Noir from ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'', as well as Hawk Moth and any other Miraculous holders that appear, complete with {{Transformation Sequence}}s.
* ''WesternAnimation/MummiesAlive'': The mummies, complete with transformation sequences and ByThePowerOfGrayskull phrase.
* Near the end of ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls'', the Humane Six gain pony-eared and pegasus-winged MagicalGirl forms via Twilight's Element of Magic. In the ''[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirlsRainbowRocks Rainbow Rocks]]'' animated shorts, the characters' [[ThePowerOfRock musical instruments]] act as {{Transformation Trinket}}s.
* The ''WesternAnimation/PJMasks'' transform OnceAnEpisode from their civilian identities to the hero team they are in the night, and being unable to utilize their powers in the daytime.
* In ''WesternAnimation/RandyCunninghamNinthGradeNinja'', Randy becomes his {{Ninja}} alter-ego by putting on the [[CoolMask Ninja mask]] (Even got its own transformation sequence.)
* Bradley Biggle plays this trope straight to become ''Mint Berry Crunch'' in WesternAnimation/SouthPark episode Coon vs. Coon and friends. In fact, his transformation sequence gives nods to the ''Kamen Rider'' franchise and ''Anime/SailorMoon'', both of which are very prominent HenshinHero series.
* ''WesternAnimation/SuperDuperSumos'': The sumos go through a TransformationSequence to become "Sumo-Sized" and become even bigger and more powerful.
* WesternAnimation/SuperTed transforms into his super-powered state by speaking the phrase [[ByThePowerOfGreySkull "I'll just say my]] [[CatchPhrase secret magic word..."]] and then unzipping his fur to reveal a superhero costume underneath.
* When the five main characters from ''WesternAnimation/SuperWhy'' are not transformed, they're normal kids and a dog without powers. Princess Pea does have her magic wand untransformed, but it doesn't seem to be capable of spelling to make things appear as it does as Princess Presto.
* In ''WesternAnimation/SymBionicTitan'', the two organic heroes summon their PoweredArmor with a wrist-mounted transformation device.
* ''{{WesternAnimation/Trollhunters}}'' works this way with the magic amulet wielded by Jim, complete with TransformationSequence activated by reciting ''For the glory of Merlin, daylight is mine to command!''
* The fairies from ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub'' are a {{downplayed}} example. Although they behave and look mostly like humans when un-transformed, they retain a modicum of magic -- making objects levitate, preparing minor messes, launching minor magic attacks, summoning clothes, and opening portals. To be fair, teleporting is a rather inconsistent power since, in some seasons, they need Stella's scepter or a special transformation to do so. This is all enough for mundane affairs and low-danger situations. However, when is time for ass-kicking, they transform into full fairy form, where having fully functional wings is the least of their abilities. Depending on the transformation they can lift curses, heal, tap on magic while in magicless lands, draw power from people's faith in them, go underwater, and access special dimensions. The show is a MagicalGirlWarrior series [[{{Animesque}} heavily influenced by Maho Shojo anime]], and the main girls have their own set of StockFootage Sailor Moon-esque transformation sequences.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{WITCH}}'': Though the main heroines can only transform with their leader around, who has the TransformationTrinket.
%%* ''The WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce''
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Freakazoid}}'': Dexter Douglas transforms into the eponymous hero by exclaiming, "Freak Out!"

* The title character of ''Manga/ChainsawMan'' has the ability to transform into a [[HalfHumanHybrid half-devil hybrid]] with chainsaws growing out of his head and arms. As that description might suggest, it's something of a deconstruction of the genre, as the aforementioned transformation is [[PainfulTransformation quite painful]] and [[BodyHorror rather grotesque]], and he can't transform all the way unless he has enough [[ThePowerOfBlood blood]] to deal from the damage he does to ''himself'' just by transforming.

* The title character of ''Manga/ChainsawMan'' has the ability to transform into a [[HalfHumanHybrid half-devil hybrid]] with chainsaws growing out of his head and arms.

* ''Manga/ShugoChara!'', again twisting it with minor magics being available otherwise - with a second, minor transformation that changes only the character's personality and physical capabilities, but leaves her or him looking the same.