| 1 | %% Image selected per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1316308538037040200 |
| 2 | %% Please do not change or remove without starting a new thread. |
| 3 | %% |
| 4 | [[quoteright:300:[[Anime/HeartcatchPrettyCure https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_precure_transformation_spray_2536.jpg]]]] |
| 5 | [[caption-width-right:300:Magie Bleu. BrandX parfum extraordinaire.]] |
| 6 | |
| 7 | ->''"With a device that he wears on his arm, he can change his shape and save the world from harm!"'' |
| 8 | -->-- '''ExpositoryThemeTune''', ''WesternAnimation/Ben10Omniverse'' |
| 9 | |
| 10 | A Transformation Trinket is an object which is the source of your shapeshifting powers, or at least a focus for them. It is vitally necessary to have your transformation trinket on your person in order to [[PowerMakeover change into]] your SuperpoweredAlterEgo. They're common among {{Henshin Hero}}es and {{Magical Girl}}s, and are almost always activated ByThePowerOfGrayskull. |
| 11 | |
| 12 | They may take the form of and double as a MagicalAccessory. Belts and belt buckles are common, as are wristbands, jewelry, and, since the TurnOfTheMillennium, cellphones. Weapons and {{magic wand}}s/staves/etc. also sometimes double as Transformation Trinkets; see BecomeYourWeapon. Sometimes swipe-cards, keys or entry-codes are used in conjunction with the item. |
| 13 | |
| 14 | Reliance on a Transformation Trinket can be an AchillesHeel: [[PhlebotinumBreakdown they are subject to theft, loss, and breakage]]. Clever villains may also discover how to jam them and [[BroughtDownToNormal block your transformation ability]]. If your powers are mystical in nature, your trinket might not work unless you have self-confidence or faith in the righteousness of your cause. Beware that chances are you ''will'' be in a dangerous situation where the trinket is just out of reach and you'll be frantically reaching for it saying "IfICanOnlyMove..." The exception is if the object is a ClingyMacGuffin. |
| 15 | |
| 16 | They make lovely {{merchandise|Driven}} for the kids... [[PeripheryDemographic of all ages]]. So buy one today! |
| 17 | |
| 18 | Compare ClothesMakeTheSuperman and PowerUpFood. Tends to be a form of AmuletOfConcentratedAwesome or SignatureDevice. |
| 19 | |
| 20 | If the Transformation Trinket gives you armor, then see InstantArmor. |
| 21 | |
| 22 | ''[[TropeCo/TransformationTrinket This item]] is available in the TropeCo/TropeCo catalog.'' |
| 23 | |
| 24 | ---- |
| 25 | !!Examples: |
| 26 | |
| 27 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 28 | |
| 29 | [[folder:Anime & Manga]] |
| 30 | * ''Manga/AkazukinChacha'': a little unusual in that there were actually three Transformation Trinkets-- shared among the three leads-- which had to be combined for Chacha to transform. |
| 31 | * ''Anime/AnimalDetectivesKiruminzoo'' has the eponymous kirumin compacts for the main characters, while the animilians can transform at will. |
| 32 | * ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': Exorcist ninja transform into their battle suits (which often include weapons) with some accessory they wear on their person. Matsuri uses a choker which, being somewhat paranoid, he wears everywhere; it [[NonUniformUniform replaces the tie for his school uniform]] and he even [[CantBatheWithoutAWeapon keeps it on while bathing]]. Soga's is a lightning-bolt shaped badge, and Reo's a bracelet. An ayakashi makes a similar devices for Suzu's ayakashi medium outfit in the form of a necklace, which Reo refers to as an "outfitting tool". |
| 33 | * ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': |
| 34 | ** After the Soul Society Arc, Ichigo is given a pendant that ejects his {{shinigami}} soul from his body so he can fight monsters. It beats the hell out of his earlier Transformation Trinket, which is a glove Rukia wears while she ''punches him in the face''; and Kon, a modified soul inside a candy that displaces his own. Although Kon is still somewhat useful, because Ichigo's body is essentially dead when Ichigo leaves it. |
| 35 | ** When Rukia is in the real world she uses her own mod soul called "Chappy", which has an irritatingly cute personality (this was what she apparently tried to obtain when Ichigo ended up with Kon). |
| 36 | * ''Manga/BlueExorcist'' has the Kurikara, a demon-slaying sword. When drawn, [[AntiAntiChrist Rin]] becomes [[WreathedInFlames covered in blue fire]] and becomes more demonic looking, with bigger fangs, ears, and FireballEyeballs. Unusually, he's actually extremely powerful even when it's sheathed. Then again, Kurikara is more PowerLimiter that contains his Demon Heart and Rin is a HalfHumanHybrid who already had SuperStrength even ''before'' the seals on him were undone. |
| 37 | ** There's also a downside: the longer the sword is drawn, the more Rin's demonic half takes over, [[TheBerserker and the more unstable he gets]]. |
| 38 | * In ''Anime/BlueReflectionRay'', Reflectors rely on their rings to use their magic and transform. They’re powerless if their rings are lost or taken. |
| 39 | %%* ''Manga/ButsuZone'' - Sannju's armring. |
| 40 | * In ''Manga/CardcaptorSakura'', it's the trinket ''itself'' that transforms, not the magic user. (Her own personal fangirl provides the costumes.) It is a key-like pendant that transforms into a wand, by the way. |
| 41 | * The pocket watch in ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'' could be considered to be a very untraditional Transformation Trinket. When Chrono opens the watch, it allows him to turn into his true form--but the watch is what ''keeps'' him looking like a young normally. It doesn't make him transform so much as it removes the seal on his powers. |
| 42 | %%* ''Anime/CorrectorYui'' had a wrist-mounted device. |
| 43 | %%* ''Anime/CreamyMamiTheMagicAngel'' has a magic wand in the early episodes; and then a star-shaped ring when the wand is lost. |
| 44 | * ''Anime/CuteHighEarthDefenseClubLove'': [[MagicalGirl The Battle Lovers]] use their Lovracelets—later [[GirlinessUpgrade True Lovracelets]]—to transform while [[TakeOverTheWorld Caerula Adamas]] use finger rings and the [[PolarOppositeTwins VEPPer]] either use their microphones or the rings circling their neckwears. |
| 45 | ** The sequel, ''Anime/CuteHighEarthDefenseClubHappyKiss'' use Happybraces for [[MagicalGirl Magic Knights]], and finger rings for Edelstein. Unlike its predecessors, [[VoluntaryShapeshifting their mascots]] need to become human to activate. |
| 46 | * ''Anime/CuteyHoney'' has her choker. In ''Cutey Honey Flash'', she has a matching ring, and in ''Cutie Honey: The Live'', her trinket is a pendant that turns into the classic choker when she transforms. |
| 47 | %%* ''Anime/DevilHunterYohko'': Finger rings. |
| 48 | * ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'' has the various incarnations of the Digivice. Instead of transforming the user, however, Digivices transform the user's BondCreature partner (except in ''Tamers'' in the case of Bio-Merging, and in ''Frontier'' where there are no partners). Other Transformation Trinkets across the various canons, generally used in conjunction with the Digivice, include the [[Anime/DigimonAdventure crests]], [[Anime/DigimonAdventure02 Digimentals]], [[Anime/DigimonTamers TCG cards]] and [[Anime/DigimonFrontier legendary spirits]]. |
| 49 | * ''Anime/DragonBallZ'' pulls a satire of this concept when Gohan tries to hide his identity. He goes to Bulma for help, and she provides him with a watch, which contains a costume (completely with goofy-looking helmet) that transforms him into the GREAT SAIYAMAAAAAAN!!! When Videl finds out about this, she gets in on the act and gets a matching outfit to become the Great Saiyawoman. |
| 50 | * Ai from ''Literature/DragonCrisis'' has a transformation trinket that has been embedded inside her body, that lets her transform into a pseudo-werewolf. |
| 51 | * ''Anime/FancyLala'': Lala uses a magic pen which she wears as a necklace. The pen is decorated with a small clock whose hands [[OlderAlterEgo spin forward]] whenever she transforms. |
| 52 | * ''Manga/FateKaleidLinerPrismaIllya'': The Kaleidosticks allow its users to enter a MagicalGirl trance, granting them access to an unlimited supply of mana. The Class Cards also serve a similar function when installed, granting the user access to the powers of the Heroic Spirit it is based off of. |
| 53 | * ''Anime/FlipFlappers'': Cocona, Papika and [[spoiler:Yayaka]] use the Amorphous crystal shards to become their magical girl selves with a wand-esque stick and a bracelet serving as window-dressing for the former two. They evoke their henshins through the phrase [[ByThePowerOfGrayskull "Flip Flapping!"]] |
| 54 | %%* ''Anime/FloralMagicianMaryBell'' uses a pink tambourine. |
| 55 | * Guy Shishioh from ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'' could in fact be considered the trinket himself, as he does technically 1) As cyborg guy have the power batteries that make him go hyper mode integrated into his body, where as 2) Being Evoluder Guy, he literally becomes part of the machines he pilots. |
| 56 | %%* ''Anime/GatchamanCrowds'' uses ''notebooks''. That triple as communication devices and a way of becoming InvisibleToNormals. |
| 57 | * In ''Animation/GuardianFairyMichel'', the fairies act as living examples, giving their powers to Michel, who amplifies them. |
| 58 | * Avoided in the ''Manga/{{Guyver}}'' anime, where Sho Fukamachi grows telepathic transmitters on the back of his neck that summon the Guyver armor. |
| 59 | * ''Anime/HanaNoKoLunlun'' has a magic pin that can change her outfit to suit whatever task is at hand. |
| 60 | * In Episode 2 of ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry Kira'', Rika and Satoko were given staves that allowed them to transform into magical girls. |
| 61 | * The titular ribbon from ''Manga/HimechansRibbon'', which has various handy powers, primarily allowing Himeko to turn herself into whoever she wants for one hour. |
| 62 | * In ''Manga/HimitsuNoAkkoChan'', the protagonist Akko uses a MagicMirror or compact to transform into anything she wishes. |
| 63 | * ''Anime/HurricanePolymar'' has a special helmet made of a new artificial polymer, a polymet, that allow Takeshi to transform in Polymar, an invincible costumed hero. |
| 64 | %%* Lime's choker in ''Anime/JewelBEMHunterLime''. |
| 65 | %%* ''Manga/KaitouSaintTail'' used what appeared to be a pendant on a chain, but it's an incense holder. |
| 66 | * ''Manga/KamichamaKarin'' has magic rings that let people transform into [[Myth/GreekMythology Greek gods]]. |
| 67 | * ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'': |
| 68 | ** The weapon ''itself'' (known in-universe as a Device) transforms into a pendant, keychain, badge, card, or other item when not in use, and is activated to transform both itself and its user. |
| 69 | ** Vivio's is a more traditional MagicalGirl Transformation Trinket, since it retains its form while changing Vivio to her [[OlderAlterEgo teenage Magical Girl form]]. Oh, and it's a [[BunniesForCuteness bunny plushie]]. |
| 70 | ** It should be pointed out that mages are fully capable of using magic without their Devices (Yuuno being a primary example), [[PowerCrutch it's just a lot harder]] since then they have to do all the calculations for spells in their heads instead of relying on the Devices to do the math for them. |
| 71 | * In ''Manga/MagiLabyrinthOfMagic'', mastery of a Metal Vessel allows it to be this, where the user [[FusionDance combines with]] the Djinn contained within to enter a SuperMode. |
| 72 | %%* ''Anime/MagicalEmiTheMagicStar'' uses a magic bracelet. |
| 73 | * In ''Manga/MahouShoujoNanteMouIiDesuKara'', Yuzuka transforms using a bracelet that [[MentorMascot Miton]] gives her. |
| 74 | %%* The two sisters in ''Anime/MakerunaMakendo'' use an elephant wand and a striped baton. |
| 75 | * The pearls in ''Manga/MermaidMelodyPichiPichiPitch'', stored in shell necklaces when not in use and implanted inside the girls' microphones when they transform. |
| 76 | %%* In ''Anime/MyOtome'', the [[MagicalGirl Otome]] have [=GEMs=], which are magical earrings that run on AppliedPhlebotinum. |
| 77 | * In ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', anyone can form a contract with a mage to draw on their power. This contract produces a tarot card, which can be used, among other things, to summon a weapon (sometimes [[ImprobableWeaponUser extremely unusual]]) and a variety of user-defined costumes. |
| 78 | * The titular heroine of ''Manga/NurseAngelRirikaSOS'' transforms into Nurse Angel using a magical hat which she [[ChekhovsGift got as a present]]. |
| 79 | * ''Anime/OjamajoDoremi'' uses the "taps", circular musical instruments which vaguely resemble tambourines. In the second season, they were replaced by similar-looking devices shaped like [[FlowerMotifs flowers]]. In the third season, they used circular wrist-mounted devices that were attached to rings. Finally, in the fourth season, they use the "Cologne Taps": perfume bottles which, like the ''Anime/HeartcatchPrettyCure'' example below, trigger the transformations with a couple of spritzes; it doesn't help that both series have the same character designer. And while we're at it, [[SixthRanger Hana-chan]] had a transformation device that resembled a compact and was activated through the power of the other girls. |
| 80 | %%* ''Anime/PersiaTheMagicFairy'' uses a magic baton. |
| 81 | %%* The Burst Hearts of ''Manga/PokemonReBurst''. |
| 82 | %%* ''Anime/PowerpuffGirlsZ'' has rings and belt buckles. |
| 83 | * In ''Manga/{{Pretear}}'', the "trinkets" are actually people, the Knights of Leafe. Himeno merges ("prets") with one to transform into the various Pretear forms. |
| 84 | * ''Anime/PrettyCure'': |
| 85 | ** The first few continuities use cell phone-like items (which weren't actually operatable as cellphones) called Communes, in which their {{Weasel Mascot}}s lived. |
| 86 | ** ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'' uses the wrist-mounted Pinky Catch, then goes back to the cell phone (but without mascots inside), this time called Cure-Mo. [[SixthRanger Kurumi]] uses eye shadow palette-like item to transform, which also doubles as a weapon for her finishing attack, and is required to fuse powers from another item to become [[MidSeasonUpgrade her second weapon]]. |
| 87 | ** ''Anime/FreshPrettyCure'' had a handheld kind of cellphone that resembled an electronic notebook. |
| 88 | ** ''Anime/HeartcatchPrettyCure'' has perfume bottles. |
| 89 | ** ''Anime/SuitePrettyCure'' has brooches. |
| 90 | ** ''Anime/SmilePrettyCure'' has make-up compacts, complete with powder puffs which appear during the TransformationSequence. |
| 91 | ** ''Anime/DokiDokiPrettyCure'' goes back to cellphones, which are the mascots. |
| 92 | ** ''Anime/HappinessChargePrettyCure'' has compact mirrors. |
| 93 | ** ''Anime/GoPrincessPrettyCure'' goes back to perfume bottles, with keys inserted within them to activate their powers. |
| 94 | ** ''Anime/MahoGirlsPrecure'' uses Mirai's teddy bear as the transformation item for Mirai and Riko. [[SixthRanger Kotoha]] used a notebook of plot importance to trigger transformation. |
| 95 | ** ''Anime/KiraKiraPrecureALaMode'' has compacts. |
| 96 | ** ''Anime/HugttoPrettyCure'' has another handheld cell-phone like item (which can also function as phones for the girls to talk with each other,) albeit this time it's able to turn into a heart-shaped item when the MacGuffin is inserted to the device. |
| 97 | ** ''Anime/StarTwinklePrettyCure'' has pens and pendants. The pendants double as TranslatorMicrobes, which is convenient when they travel to alien planets. |
| 98 | ** ''Anime/HealinGoodPrettyCure'' uses batons with the mascots embedded in it. Said batons are also what they use in their moves. [[SixthRanger Asumi]] uses her mascot itself to transform. |
| 99 | ** ''Anime/TropicalRougePrettyCure'' uses compacts and jewelry rings. |
| 100 | ** ''Anime/DeliciousPartyPrettyCure'' uses their respective mascots to transform equivalent to ''Mahou'' minus [[MacGuffin the attachable items]]. [[SixthRanger Amane]], in the other hand, uses pendant. |
| 101 | ** ''Anime/HirogaruSkyPrettyCure'' uses a quill pen that transforms into a baton-like item. |
| 102 | ** ''Anime/WonderfulPrettyCure'' returns back to compacts, but this time without any [[MacGuffin additional items]] required to trigger the transformation like ''Delicious♡Party'' did. Said compacts are also capable for flesh-and-blood animal Cure to speak human language alongside the ability to switch back and forth between their animal and human form. |
| 103 | %%* ''Anime/PrettySammy'': a baton. |
| 104 | * ''Anime/PrincessTutu'' has a pendant for the main character, Ahiru. However, it's not just so she can turn into Princess Tutu--it's also so she can turn into a ''girl''. [[FirstEpisodeTwist She's really a duck]]. |
| 105 | ** Not only that, but [[spoiler:it also turns out to be one of the pieces of [[DismantledMacGuffin Mytho's heart]], the feeling of hope]]. |
| 106 | * ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': 'Soul Gems'. Kept as a ring most of the time, turned into a Fabergé egg-like trinket when transforming or using magic untransformed, then becomes a PowerCrystal of some sort when transformed. [[spoiler: And the name is [[SoulJar quite literal]]. In fact, the Soul Gem IS the magical girl, and her human body is merely a remotely controlled husk. When she becomes a witch, the Soul Gem turns into a Grief Seed which is then harvested and used by other magical girls to clean ''their'' Soul Gems. Lather, rinse, repeat...]] |
| 107 | %%* ''Anime/PuniPuniPoemi'' uses a dead fish. It's [[GagSeries that kind of show]]. |
| 108 | %%* ''Anime/RoninWarriors'' used crystal marbles. This element wasn't added until around episode 20. |
| 109 | * [[SplitPersonality Moka]] from ''Manga/RosarioPlusVampire'' wears a rosary around her neck that [[OnlyTheChosenMayWield only Tsukune can remove]]. When it's on, she's [[NiceGirl Outer Moka]]. When it's off, she's Inner Moka. It's somewhat an inversion though, as the amulet actually serves as more of a [[SealedEvilInACan suppressor]] as [[spoiler:Inner Moka is the real Moka and Outer Moka is not.]] |
| 110 | * ''Franchise/SailorMoon'': Usagi and Chibiusa used jeweled brooches, while the other Solar-System Senshi used wands. Usagi also had a Disguise Pen (which was used in the first two seasons of the [[Anime/SailorMoon anime]], but dropped after that). The Sailor Starlights used head-mounted microphones, and in [[Series/PrettyGuardianSailorMoon the live action series]], as well as their transformation items (now bracelets), the girls had cellphones which they could use to disguise themselves. Heck, at one point Sailor Moon even used ''the Holy Grail'' to become Super Sailor Moon... or at least something ''called'' that for a while, then officially named the Cálice. |
| 111 | * ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'' has transmutation wristbands. They also tripled as communicators and tracking beacons. |
| 112 | * ''Manga/ShugoChara'' has the Humpty Lock which Amu uses to fuse whichever Guardian Character's egg she needs for the situation to transform. Ikuto uses the Key that is paired with it. Everyone else just directly transforms with their Guardian Character. |
| 113 | %%* Used in the TV adaptation of ''Manga/SkullMan''. Coupled with BodyHorror and NightmareFuel. |
| 114 | * ''Anime/SpiderRiders'': had a wristband like device called a Manacle that was used not just for transformations, but also for keeping their GiantSpiders in HammerSpace. |
| 115 | * ''[[Manga/StellarWitchLIPS Stellar Witch LIP☆S]]'' has a lipstick that has to be put on in order to transform into their witch thief form. |
| 116 | * Karin Kokubu from ''Manga/SuperPig'' uses a pink compact to transform into the pig [[AnimalSuperheroes Justice Buurin]]. The compact stores a pig's snout which is called by the phrase [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull "BA BI BU BE BOorin!"]], the compact then opens and the snout comes out and attaches to her face in one of the oddest [[TransformationSequence transformation sequences]] in anime. It also apparently is a form of communication of a king of a planet of [[AlienAnimals alien pigs]]. |
| 117 | * In ''Anime/{{Tamagotchi}}! Yume Kira Dream'', Yumemitchi and Kiraritchi have Yume Kira bags which allow the user to transform into something resembling a particular occupation (e.g. a fisherman, a cheerleader, etc.) and giving them the skills of that occupation. |
| 118 | * ''Anime/TekkamanBlade'' used small crystal "sculptures." After Blade's crystal is shattered, it's installed into a HumongousMecha. |
| 119 | * The second season of ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'' has a wrist-mounted device that allows Kotetsu and Barnaby to transform into their Hero forms. |
| 120 | * In ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'', the girls wear a pendant as decoration for their magical outfits' chokers. They can transform without a trinket in the manga, but in the anime, they carry around their pendants when untransformed and have to kiss the pendant to transform. However, [[AdaptationInducedPlotHole this does not explain how Lettuce and Zakuro were able to transform prior to receiving the pendants]]. The [[Anime/TokyoMewMewNew anime reboot]] does away with the pendants and has the girls transform at will like in the manga. |
| 121 | * Fine and Rein of ''Anime/TwinPrincessOfWonderPlanet'' each have a Sunny Luce, a compact that allows them to use the power of the Prominence. They can also use it to call on their [[MagicWand Sunny Rod]] without being transformed. |
| 122 | * ''Anime/UmiMonogatari'' has the Bermuda Stones, which turn Marin and Kanon into priestesses. Which makes it a bad thing when [[spoiler:Sedna destroys them]]. |
| 123 | * The main trio of ''Urahara'', the anime adaptation of ''Webcomic/ParkHarajukuCrisisTeam'' wield the Amatsura, magic stones fueled by creativity and imagination to activate their [[MagicalGirl henshin forms]]. |
| 124 | * The Triggers in ''Manga/WorldTrigger'' are necessary to enter a Trion body, which is super powered and also invincible to anything except Trion attacks. The equipment of the body depends on the programming of the Trigger while the raw power depends on the person using it. |
| 125 | * ''Anime/YuGiOh'' has the [[AmuletofConcentratedAwesome Millennium Puzzle]] that allows the main character to transform into his SuperPoweredAlterEgo when in danger. |
| 126 | ** The Millennium Ring also hosted an ancient Egyptian spirit who could could take control of his descendant's body when wearing it. The third alter ego, Yami Marik completely averts this trend, though the normal Marik was able to go into the Millenium Ring, sharing a body with both Yami and Normal Bakura, but not able to physically manifest himself like the two spirits of the millennium items are. |
| 127 | * Though Duel Disk is often used for competitive and summoning purpose, those from ''Anime/YuGiOhVRAINS'' can be considered as this, although whether he or she would undergo a physical transformation upon entering LINK VRAINS is completely optional. There are two models for this: an old type and a new type, with the former requiring physical cards to activate. |
| 128 | * The {{Magical Girl}}s in ''Anime/YukiYunaIsAHero'' don't have actual trinkets. They instead use a special app created by the Taisha to transform using their cellphones. |
| 129 | [[/folder]] |
| 130 | |
| 131 | [[folder:Asian Animation]] |
| 132 | * ''Animation/CatchTeenieping'': Princess Romi uses the tituar Teeniepings to help her transform into different forms depending on which Teenieping she transforms with. Each form also comes with its own unique powers that correlate to each respective Teenieping. |
| 133 | ** In Season 1, the six Royal Teeniepings are used to transform Princess Romi into different elemental-themed princesses (Heart, Cloudia, Star, Clover, Melody, or Sunshine). |
| 134 | ** Season 2 has Princess Romi transform into jewel-themed princesses instead. Heartsping returns to help transform Romi into Princess Diaheart, while Joahping, Teeheeping and Trustping are used to help Romi transform into Princess Emerald, Princess Ruby and Princess Sapphire, respectively. |
| 135 | ** In Season 3, Romi has four new forms that she can transform into, again with the help of Heartsping along with four other Royal Teeniepings. Heartsping helps transform Romi into Princess Floraheart, with Okeydokeyping, Nanaping and Trueping also helping her transform into Princess Crystal, Princess Solaris and Princess Gloria, respectively. |
| 136 | * In ''Animation/JetAndThePetRangers'', the eponymous team uses a magic star to transform themselves into their superhero personas. As explained in the series' OpeningNarration, the star had chosen them one night to form the hero team. |
| 137 | * Tee Yang of ''Animation/KungFuWa'' puts on the titular character (a kung fu master who was turned into an anthromorphic sock when he arrived in the modern day) to magically change into her superheroine alter-ego, Kung Fu Girl. |
| 138 | * Keke from ''Animation/NanaMoon'' uses a magic badge shaped like a lion's head to transform into all sorts of occupations, and occasionally animals. |
| 139 | * In ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf: Mighty Little Defenders'', General Wolf's functional chips transform those who use them. For example, Wolffy uses a chip that transforms him into a dog, and Wonky uses a chip that makes him much stronger. |
| 140 | [[/folder]] |
| 141 | |
| 142 | [[folder:Comic Books]] |
| 143 | * In ''ComicBook/AmethystPrincessOfGemworld'': Amaya can use her amethyst necklace to shift between her Gemworld outfit and her Earth clothes. |
| 144 | * The Fly, an Creator/ArchieComics hero, originally used a magic ring to transform into his superhuman form; when Creator/DCComics gained licensed use of the Archie superhero characters and rebooted them under the Impact Comics imprint, it was changed to a fly-in-amber amulet. |
| 145 | * ''ComicBook/AstroCity'': |
| 146 | ** Winged Victory's logo-shaped necklace, seen in her civilian form. |
| 147 | ** Marguerite Li's hair scrunchies, when worn, turns her into American Star. |
| 148 | ** In "Having a Wonderful Time", a tourist on a tour of abandoned supervillain bases finds a green gem on the ground. When she picks it up, she is transformed into Omnius Rex, a cosmic villain last seen in 1977. |
| 149 | ** Stormhawk and G-Dog both use a magic amulet that merge them with their pet into a BeastMan superhero. |
| 150 | * Dan Garrett, the first ComicBook/BlueBeetle, had the Scarab, which would transform him if he held it and spouted his magic word. Jaime Reyes, the third Blue Beetle, has the Scarab too... [[BodyHorror except it has attached itself to his spine]]. |
| 151 | * Rather than transforming him, Rick Jones' Nega-Bands activated a hyperspace link that allowed him to switch places with ComicBook/{{Captain Marvel|MarvelComics}}, an alien hero who was stranded in the Negative Zone. |
| 152 | * Jack Ryder used the Molecular Transducer to turn into ComicBook/TheCreeper. |
| 153 | * The H.E.R.O. dials in various incarnations of Creator/DCComics' ''ComicBook/DialHForHero''. The twist is the dial's user will turn into a ''different'' superhero each time, completely at random. And the dials seem to prefer [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway "unusual" powers]] to turning the wielder into yet another FlyingBrick. |
| 154 | * Darla Deering uses the "Thing Ring", based on the Thing cartoon mentioned in the WesternAnimation section, to [[InstantArmor summon her Miss Thing]] armor in ''ComicBook/{{FF}}''. |
| 155 | * ''ComicBook/TheMightyThor'': |
| 156 | ** In the earlier stories, Donald Blake's cane allowed him to transform back to his true form, Thor, God of Thunder, and the cane itself transformed into the hammer [[PublicDomainArtifact Mjolnir]]. |
| 157 | ** Likewise, Eric Masterson (AKA 'Thunderstrike') used his cane (AKA the enchanted mace 'Thunderstrike') to transform into his heroic alter ego (...''Thunderstrike'). |
| 158 | * ''ComicBook/SevenSoldiers: Bulleteer'': Sara Smart uses the magical Whistle of the Wind Kings to transform into her super powered Sally Sonic form. |
| 159 | * Captain Thunder, DC's 70s CaptainErsatz ComicBook/{{Shazam}}, transformed by saying the magic word "THUNDER!" ''and'' rubbing his magic belt buckle. |
| 160 | * ''Franchise/WonderWoman'': |
| 161 | ** ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'': According to ComicBook/TheContest Hippolyta used the Mask of Proteus to get Hercules' men to stop attacking the Amazons by appearing as Herc, and Diana used it to disguise herself for the first competition to become Wondy. This is contradicted by the issues in which Diana actually did compete as she wore plate armor and a face concealing helmet and didn't need a magical disguise. |
| 162 | ** ComicBook/{{Hercules|Unbound}} has a magic mirror that allows him to shift to look like other humans or humanoids of similar body mass, and which also changes his clothes. He has infuriated both Franchise/WonderWoman and ComicBook/WonderGirl (Cassie) by trying to deceive them while posing as someone else using it. |
| 163 | [[/folder]] |
| 164 | |
| 165 | [[folder:Comic Strips]] |
| 166 | * From ''Dynamite'' magazine: When teenagers Pam and Bill touch their mysterious rings together, they transform into Dawnstar and Nightglider, the Dynamite Duo! |
| 167 | [[/folder]] |
| 168 | |
| 169 | [[folder:Eastern Animation]] |
| 170 | * In ''[[Animation/TheReturnOfHanuman The New Adventures of Hanuman]]'', Maruti uses a mace-shaped locket to turn into Hanuman. |
| 171 | [[/folder]] |
| 172 | |
| 173 | [[folder:Fan Works]] |
| 174 | * ''Fanfic/TheEchoRanger'', as a crossover between ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' and ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'', obviously features these. Izuku gets the Echo Morpher, which despite being based on Tommy's Master Morpher takes the form of a wristwatch as opposed to the original Rangers' belt buckles. Melissa later manages to combine two morphers given to her by Izuku (who'd received it himself from Rita) and Telos into a single working Morpher for her new hybrid Echo Coin. |
| 175 | * In ''Fanfic/FriendshipIsMagicalGirls'', the girls activate their Mahoushoujo powers by inserting their Element of Harmony gems into silver pins. |
| 176 | * Inverted in ''Fanfic/HildaAndTheHowlingWoods.'' Werewolves will often wear a bit of silver on their persons to ''prevent'' InvoluntaryShapeshifting. |
| 177 | * The ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'' fic ''Fanfic/HopToIt'' has seven artificially created Miraculouses, including a wristwatch (belonging to Jack/Rabbit), a pair of dogtags (belonging to Diego/Perro Negro) and a pair of cuff links (originally belonging to Swan Princess, later stolen by Omega and given to the villain who called himself Trumpeter Swan). |
| 178 | * ''Fanfic/ICantBeAMagicalGirlYouAMagicalGirlSay'': [[Manga/MyHeroAcademia Izuku]] has Handyman, a watch that enables him to transform into his MagicalGirl form whenever he presses the button on top of it. |
| 179 | * In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13139211/1/Lady-Lucks-Favor Lady Luck's Favor]]'', [[WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom Princess Dorathea]] has her dragon amulet (as in canon), but also has a ring given to her by the court wizard that enables her to pass as a human girl for twelve hours. |
| 180 | * ''Fanfic/TurningANewLeaf'': [[Manga/MyHeroAcademia Izuku]]'s Quirk has turned him into a tanuki, which allows him to use leaves to transform into any animal or person he can think of. |
| 181 | * George's ring in ''Fanfic/WithStringsAttached''. Also [[SoulJar contains part of his soul]]. And yes, he does lose it once. |
| 182 | [[/folder]] |
| 183 | |
| 184 | [[folder:Films — Animation]] |
| 185 | * In ''WesternAnimation/{{Moana}}'', [[SemiDivine Maui]] has the ability to polymorph into a number of Polynesian-regional animals through the power in his divinely gifted giant whalebone fish hook, which also doubles as an AbsurdlySharpBlade. |
| 186 | * ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls'': The magical geodes the girls gain in ''Legend of Everfree''. Before that, they could transform with pony ears, ponytails and eventually rainbow colors, but they had little control over it and it didn't involve clothes (except with Daydream Shimmer, which was an AllYourPowersCombined special case). The geodes give much greater control, allowing them to transform at will, and add a MagicalGirl InstantCostumeChange. However, this also introduces the LogicalWeakness that the transformation reverses instantly if a geode is lost, since it now depends on it, as happens to Sunset Shimmer in "Cheer You On". |
| 187 | * In ''Animation/RedShoesAndTheSevenDwarfs'', the titular magic red shoes allows the main female character to glamour her overweight body and give herself the physique of a thin supermodel. |
| 188 | * The Amulet of Merlin from ''WesternAnimation/{{Trollhunters}}'', which automatically adjusts the Trollhunter armor to fit the wearer. |
| 189 | * In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', this is inverted with the red-panda talismans that Mei's female relatives all wear. The talisman traps the wearer's red panda spirit and prevents her from transforming as long as the talisman is intact. If a talisman is broken, replacing it requires very specific circumstances. |
| 190 | [[/folder]] |
| 191 | |
| 192 | [[folder:Films — Live-Action]] |
| 193 | * In ''Film/IronMan2'', Tony has a suitcase which turns into and equips him with one of his Iron Man armor variations via something that is pretty much a TransformationSequence. |
| 194 | ** He gains a much more proper one in ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' and ''Film/AvengersEndgame'' due to upgrading to nanotech, in the form of the arc reactor on his chest[[note]]which is [[Film/IronMan3 no longer implanted into his chest by this time as he's since removed the shrapnel in his heart]], merely just an attachment on top of it[[/note]]. All he needs to do is tap the chest and [[TransformationSequence the armor forms around him in mere seconds]], making Tony a full on HenshinHero at this point. ''Endgame'' shows it's really just stuck on top of his chest and is easily removable without much effort or any risk of injury. |
| 195 | ** Also in ''Endgame'', the time-space GPS developed by Tony, once he successfully finds a working model to time travel, and worn around the palm, also serves as the container for the Quantum Suit, also made nanotech like the above armors. Like the arc reactor above, activating and deactivating the suit only requires the device to be tapped. Likewise, tapping the device initiates time travel once the suit is on. Despite promotional artwork, it cannot be used simultaneously with Tony's Mark 85 armor or Scott's now-nanotech Ant-Man suit. In Rhodey's case, however, since his current War Machine armor isn't nanotech like Tony's, the suit is just integrated into his armor as a protective layer. |
| 196 | %%* The titular mask from the 1994 comedy ''Film/TheMask'' (and its comic counterpart). |
| 197 | * ''Film/NeverCryWerewolf'': Jared uses a charm made from the skin of a dead man to transform into a werewolf whenever he wants. |
| 198 | * In Creator/{{Disney}}'s ''Film/TheShaggyDog'', Wilby Daniels gets hold of an ancient talisman with an [[GratuitousLatin ominous Latin]] inscription that turns him into the titular carpeted canine. |
| 199 | * Inverted in ''Film/WolfMikeNichols'', the amulet is supposed to ''prevent'' Will (Creator/JackNicholson) from transforming but at the end he discards it and becomes a full wolf. |
| 200 | * Hank [=McCoy=] makes a serum that temporarily reverts him from "blue Beast" to "Nicholas Hoult" in ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast''. [[spoiler:It comes to save him as a Sentinel is about to attack, as the serum not only disguises him but cloaks his X-gene as well.]] |
| 201 | [[/folder]] |
| 202 | |
| 203 | [[folder:Folklore]] |
| 204 | * {{Tanuki}} often place a leaf on their forehead to transform. |
| 205 | * [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent Werebeasts]] of various mythologies often have this as a rule, putting on or removing animal skins in order to transform. [[SelkiesAndWereseals Selkies]] are probably the most famous nowadays, but [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent werewolves]] often used pelts or wolf-fur belts in medieval legends. |
| 206 | [[/folder]] |
| 207 | |
| 208 | [[folder:Literature]] |
| 209 | * "Literature/{{Bisclavret}}", a medieval lay by Creator/MarieDeFrance, is about a man who [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent turns into a wolf]] for three days every week, after first [[ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing hiding his clothes]] in an abandoned chapel. He literally cannot transform back unless he retrieves them. Oddly, the story doesn't even specify that it's a certain set of clothes, so it might just be whatever outfit that he was wearing before he changed. |
| 210 | * ''Come On Ossie'', a book by the same author as ''Flossie'' below, main character Oswald uses his grandfather's medal to turn into an 18-year-old. |
| 211 | * ''Flossie Teacakes'' has a magical coat that magically transforms her into an 18-year-old. |
| 212 | * ''Literature/FoolMoon'' has fur belts that turn FBI agents into rampaging werewolves. They also double as [[ArtifactOfDoom Artifacts of Doom]] thanks to the demon that comes attached. |
| 213 | * In ''Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar'', one of the Tarma and Kethry short stories is of them being called to the aid of a mage who thinks she's found a powerful amulet that lets her take the form of a [[BearsAreBadNews bear]] and commune with ancient spirits. In actuality, it's junk and YourMindMakesItReal. In this setting it's not hard to [[VoluntaryShapeshifting magically turn into an animal]], but there's also such an extreme level of TheMindIsAPlaythingOfTheBody that even brief time spent in a form with a brain that can't support a human mind causes a loss of humanity that a mage can "probably" recover - and Mara's been spending a ''lot'' of time as a bear, leaving her unable to question an idea that's become a delusion. She rejects Kethry's offer of help and attacks her, [[ShootTheShaggyDog only to be shot and killed]] by Tarma. |
| 214 | * ''Literature/InterstellarPig'' features this in the form of the equipment chosen by Barney that allows him to transform into any of the aliens he is battling; he becomes a carnivorous lichen. |
| 215 | * ''Literature/LafayetteOLeary'': In ''The Shape Changer'', O'Leary receives a device just called a "Mark III" from his old friend, the semi-retired highwayman Red Bull, which changes his shape to that of a sneak thief called Zorro, and he promptly ends up getting arrested. |
| 216 | %%* ''The Lay of Melion'' has the same basic plot as "Bisclavret" above, except the title character's wife transforms him with a magic ring. |
| 217 | * The ''Literature/MagicShop'' novel ''The Monster's Ring'' is about a ring that turns the wearer into a monster. |
| 218 | * In the ''Literature/RainbowMagic'' series, the 2 heroines of the series have been given lockets containing fairy dust, which turn them into fairies (by making them shrink and grow wings) when opened. |
| 219 | * In the second book of the ''Literature/YoungWizards'' series, Kit has to use a whalesark, or the essence of a deceased whale's nervous system, to transform into that whale. |
| 220 | [[/folder]] |
| 221 | |
| 222 | [[folder:Live-Action TV]] |
| 223 | * ''Series/AikatsuPlanet'' has [=AiPlaPhone=] and Idol License for the idols to summon the mirror portal and enter their avatar form in Aikatsu Planet world. How the non-idol characters entered that world is left unexplained, however. |
| 224 | * ''Series/BIMASatriaGaruda'' has the red Power Stone for the hero, while apparently differently colored ones are used by villains. |
| 225 | ** The sequel season, Bima X, has all of the Power Stones for the Satria Heroes, who succed in recovering them from the villains in the previous season, while the villains used synthetic power stones. |
| 226 | *** Bima, the main Satria Heroes, uses 4 power stones : Red, Blue, Green, and Purple; One to transform, while the rest is used for mode change. |
| 227 | *** The red one is used to transform into Bima X's base form, Bima X Flame Mode, which is the upgrade of his base form in the previous season. |
| 228 | *** The blue one is used to transform Bima into Bima X Storm Mode. |
| 229 | *** The green one is used to transform Bima into Earth Mode. |
| 230 | *** The purple one is used to transform Bima into Magnet Mode. |
| 231 | *** Azazel, the black Satria Heroes, uses the black Power Stone to transform into his base form. |
| 232 | *** [[spoiler: This season also introduce a new Satria Heroes called Satria Harimau Torga, who uses 2 power stones, which are the orange and white, to transform into his base form and his Ice mode respectively]]. |
| 233 | *** [[spoiler: Aside from Torga, there is also an evil Satria Heroes called Dark Torga who sides with the villains. He is actually Topeng Besi, a general in the villain army in the previous season, and uses a synthetic power stone to transform]]. |
| 234 | * In season 3 of ''Series/BlackLightning2018'', Agent Odell gives Jefferson a watch that generates a new suit for him with eerily familiar visuals when he applies a 5-volt jolt to it. |
| 235 | * In ''Series/TheFlash2014'', Eobard Thawne possesses a ring that contains his supersuit. By activating his ring, his suit is ejected from it and he uses his speed to change into it. In season 5, Barry received a ring of his own from his future daughter Nora. |
| 236 | * The Makai Knights of ''Series/{{Garo}}'' transform by using their weapons to draw circles in the air. |
| 237 | * ''Franchise/KamenRider'': for nearly all Riders, a belt. In the Heisei era, it quickly became standard to have a secondary collectible item such as cards, keys, stamps, or watches which often serves as the actual source of the power, but needs to be inserted into the belt to access that power. Exceptions still abound: |
| 238 | ** [[Series/KamenRiderAmazon Amazon]] lampshades and subverts this. Amazon is always wearing a giant, rather goofy-looking belt buckle, but it's NOT his transformation trinket (his armlet is). |
| 239 | ** Averted with the {{deconstruction}} movie ''Film/ShinKamenRiderPrologue''; let's just say that its protagonist is closer to (a gorier version of) ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk than a Kamen Rider... |
| 240 | ** [[Series/KamenRiderKuuga Kuuga]]'s belt is effectively a one-time item; after his first transformation, it merged with his body (and even appears on X-rays!), emerging only when he needs it. |
| 241 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderAgito'''s G3 had none. He was ''all'' tech, and had to physically don his battle suit (with a bit of automated finishing-up as parts lock into place; think ComicBook/IronMan, suitcase version.) |
| 242 | ** The Riders in ''Series/KamenRiderHibiki'', which has a musical theme, use appropriate handheld devices: percussion-type Oni like Hibiki use tuning forks, wind instrument types like Ibuki use flutes, and stringed instrument types like Todoroki use an stringed arm brace. In this case, their belt buckles contain devices that turn their weapons into their signature instruments for {{Finishing Move}}s (for example, Ibuki's buckle turns his gun into a trumpet by forming the bell). |
| 243 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderDouble'' uses the regular sort of belt + widget combination, but there's actually ''two'' belts, one for each member of the FusionDance. The one that Philip wears only gets used to teleport his selected Gaia Memory over to Shotaro's belt alongside Philip's soul, causing his body to pass out. The Fang Memory can flip this around and use Philip as the host body, while the Xtreme Memory teleports Philip's entire body along with it to make a complete fusion. |
| 244 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderOOO'' doesn't use the belt ''buckle'' as the important part of the transformation; instead it's just a holster for his chosen Core Medals, and the actual device that does the transforming is a scanner that he pulls off the side of the belt. As the RuleOfThree is a recurring motif, this isn't accidental. |
| 245 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderWizard'' has the [=WizarDriver=] belt, which unlike most belts is actually worn full-time: most of the time it's in a scaled-back form, having maybe a little larger belt buckle than can be found in real life but it's not too outrageous. Even in this form it can activate most of Wizard's [[RingOfPower Rings of Power]], as all he has to do is hold his ringed hand in front of it. When it's time to fight, ''then'' he can turn the thing to the full version that can activate his transformation rings as well. Which of them is the source of his power? [[spoiler: Actually, it's the Phantom monster inside him, whose powers he can draw because he was badass enough to resist the "drive you to despair and burst out of you" process.]] |
| 246 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderDrive'' has an unusual belt in two ways: not only is [[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment the Drive Driver]] a RobotBuddy containing the mind of Drive's inventor, but the belt itself can't do anything without both the arm-worn Shift Brace to hold and activate a Shift Car, ''and'' Drive's CoolCar the Tridoron being nearby to actually send the powers. |
| 247 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderAmazons'': The Amazons are bio-organic weapons, and so their transformation is a biologically innate process. What the belt does is enhance their monster body. |
| 248 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderZeroOne'' is notable not for the belt structure, but for the sheer number of belts. By the final episode there are '''eleven''' different kinds of transformation belts in play, although all except one use the same system of inserting Progrise Keys into the buckle. |
| 249 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderSaber'': for almost every Rider, it's their holy sword that's the source of their powers and the object that interacts with the magical storybooks they use to access specific forms. The belt only serves as a holster for the sword, the books, or sometimes is purely for decoration. Only Solomon and Storious use the belt itself as the transformation item, highlighting that they aren't swordsmen and got their powers by other means. |
| 250 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderRevice'': The Revice Driver serves as both a trinket for Revi, who gets to wear it, and Vice, who doesn't, highlighting that Ikki is the KidWithTheLeash. It's not until near the very end of the show that Vice finally gets his own copy of the Driver that he can use without having to get Ikki's permission every time he wants to transform. |
| 251 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderGeats'': While the belt is used to transform as per usual, it has three, sometimes four components to it. The belt itself is used to transform but is generic for all the "player" Riders, the ID Core in the middle is unique to each Rider and is used to signify they've entered into the game and touching it gets them their memories of the game back after each "reset", and the Buckles are used to give power-ups and two can be be used at one time. |
| 252 | ** Subverted in ''Film/KamenRiderTheFirst'' and ''[[Film/KamenRiderTheNext The Next]]'', [[TheRemake remakes]] of [[Series/KamenRider the original series]] and ''Series/KamenRiderV3'' respectively. The "Hoppers" have their traditional Typhoon belts, but no actual transformation is involved - instead, they simply change into their costumes by removing the civilian clothing worn over them and donning their helmets. Sometimes it's even hard to tell when transformation ''takes place,'' as we cut from an un-suited Rider spinning the Typhoon's wheel to the suited Rider donning the helmet, with no 'ceremony' whatsoever. The ''entire suit'' is like the IXA belt: just in place as needed, no attention called to it, when did that get there? |
| 253 | ** Interestingly, in some of the older series, posing and saying "henshin" causes the belt to appear in place and activate, without existing beforehand or actually being interacted with in any way. Sometimes it doesn't even appear to activate transformation - it just appears before the rest of the suit out of habit. |
| 254 | * ''Series/MadanSenkiRyukendo'' is another case of the weapon itself being the transformation item. |
| 255 | * ''{{Series/Merlin|2008}}'' had two villains with these in the episode "Gwaine". They used them to take the identities of knights they killed. They were crystals of some type, activated with a bit of the victim's blood. |
| 256 | * On ''Series/TheMysticKnightsOfTirNaNog'', the Mystic Weapons are also the transformation trinkets. |
| 257 | * ''Series/OnceUponATime'': |
| 258 | ** Similar to the ''Wolf'' one above; [[spoiler: Red Riding Hood's signature red cape is what keeps her genetic werewolf form condition at bay every full moon]]. She often forgoes it when she needs to transform as a distraction, however. |
| 259 | ** Regina gives [[WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid1989 mermaid Ariel]] a bracelet that allows her to assume human form, but with an EquivalentExchange element that forces another person to become a mermaid. Later, after Regina's HeelFaceTurn, she alters the bracelet so that Ariel can assume both human and mermaid forms whenever she desires, without any negative impacts. |
| 260 | * ''Franchise/PowerRangers'' and ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' have gone through various Transformation Trinkets over the years. Wrist-worn devices are the most common, though cell phone morphers are being seen more often lately, but there are exceptions. The glove-style [=GekiChangers=] in ''[[Series/JukenSentaiGekiranger Gekiranger]]'' and the [[CoolShades sunglasses]]-styled Solar Morphers in ''[[Series/PowerRangersJungleFury Jungle Fury]]'', for example. The Dino Buckler is the most iconic, being the item used in ''Series/KyoryuSentaiZyuranger'' and its western counterpart, ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers''. |
| 261 | ** The phone morphers make sense for MerchandiseDriven reasons: the toys can make a variety of sounds or quotes play with different button combinations, whereas there's only so many ways to hold out your belt buckle and yell "It's morphin' time." However, it became pretty nonsensical in-universe because of how poorly they often fit the theme. It's one thing for a high-tech team, but Gaoranger (Wild Force) is a nature-themed series where the Rangers live on a flying island with their hippie-looking mentoress, which are the remnants of an ancient kingdom. No attempt was ever made to explain why the morphers were phones, devices not invented for ''centuries'' after the Animarium left the surface! Magiranger (Mystic Force) wields the powers granted by the powerful magic-users of a magical dimension, so naturally... they get cell phones. (Mystic Force had them start out as Harry Potter-esque wands TheMentor disguised as phones for the whole SecretIdentity thing, though.) The newest descendants of a samurai bloodline? Cellphones, of course! Space pirates? Cellphones, what else? However, sentai would get over its obsession with phones with ''Gokaiger,'' as the last full team with phone morphers was them, at least until Zyuohger with their Zyuoh Changers. |
| 262 | ** Then there's the ''Series/PowerRangersSPD'' A-Squad. Their ''unmorphed uniforms'' are their morphers, apparently: Without any device being hauled out, Ranger-colorcoded energy flows from the colored portions of their unmorphed uniforms to become the Ranger suits. |
| 263 | ** A bit of EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: We actually don't see change devices until [[Series/DenshiSentaiDenziman the fourth series]]. In ''Series/HimitsuSentaiGoranger,'' the unmorphed Ranger jumps and yells "Go!" and a RepeatCut has them fly through the air again, but now suited (meaning we also don't get the first TransformationSequence in season one, either.) In ''Series/JAKQDengekitai,'' the heroes must enter "strengthening capsules", little booths that suit them up. There's a set on the base and a set on their plane. In ''Series/BattleFeverJ'' the heroes say "Fever!" and [[SpectacularSpinning turn around once]], though the first time, they actually had to physically put on the suits. (This was most likely [[TheArtifact an artifact]] of the show's [[WhatCouldHaveBeen original intentions]] of being a Japanese adaptation of ComicBook/CaptainAmerica.) |
| 264 | ** ''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' follows in the tradition of ''Series/KamenRiderDouble'' and ''Series/KamenRiderOOO'' in that the cell phone morphers (the Mobirates) are just holders for the ''real'' transformation trinkets, the Ranger Keys: the [[BroughtDownToNormal dispersed]] essences of every single previous Ranger, materialized in the form of individual Yale keys. Indeed, when past Rangers gets their hands on their respective key, the reabsorbing of its power reverts it back into their own morpher. |
| 265 | *** ''Series/PowerRangersTurbo'' also had the keys be the real power source: the keys were put in a number of devices, and got all glowy to make other things happen (in the manner of several mystical power sources that reserve the right to occasionally do more than what they're normally used for.) However, it's easy to forget because they do this much less after TheMovie. |
| 266 | ** Before them, ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers''[='=] Power Coins did way more than morph the Rangers (which, under special circumstances, they could do without the morphers.) |
| 267 | ** In ''Series/PowerRangersRPM,'' it's Engine Cells. A variety of them are placed in a variety of things, including the morphers (cell phones for [[PowerTrio the primary colors]], wrist-worn for [[ThreePlusTwo Green and Black]], weapons for [[SixthRanger Gold and Silver]]) and the Zords (to make them grow, because they're pocket-sized by default). However, they're much less of a plot point unto themselves than Ranger Keys or Turbo Keys, let alone Power Coins or [[Series/KamenRiderOOO Core Medals]]. |
| 268 | ** In ''Series/EngineSentaiGoOnger'', which is a more lighthearted series, the Engine ''Souls'' are more plot points. An Engine is an alien RobotBuddy that can only operate for so long at its proper HumongousMecha size under Earth's conditions, and after a time will revert to SleepModeSize, which takes the form of an Engine Cast (the toy-sized body) and an Engine Soul (''exactly'' [[OurSoulsAreDifferent what the name implies]].) When an Engine Soul is placed in a weapon, that allows the Engine to operate it from within. When placed in the morpher, the morpher creates a little cartoony hologram of the Engine. The Change Souls that power the morphers for transformation, however, aren't the soul of anything, and only do that. |
| 269 | ** ''Series/ZyudenSentaiKyoryuger''[=/=]''Series/PowerRangersDinoCharge'', being a dinosaur series, decides that the most logical choice for the transformation trinkets is... a large gun in which a battery is inserted. The guns, however, are more like the aforementioned belts belonging to Kamen Riders Double, OOO, and Wizard; the batteries, charged up with the user's bravery (''Kyoryuger'')/[[MacGuffin Energem]] charges (''Dino Charge''), are what cause the transformation. The exceptions are the SixthRanger, who uses a large wrist-worn crossbow-like device, and the first two ''Kyoryuger'' {{Guest Star Party Member}}s, who are already dead and now manifest as spirits that can channel their bravery directly into their batteries. No gun morphers for them because ''they became Rangers before guns ever existed!'' |
| 270 | ** ''Series/ResshaSentaiToQger'' returns to the wrist devices for the main five. However, they're two-piece: a model of each Ranger's personal train car mecha is inserted into the [=ToQ=] Changer. Yes, they are interchangeable. Each train comes with a model to be used in the Changer to summon it, or in some cases use its power at small size. They're similar to the Beast Batteries of ''Kyoryuger''. |
| 271 | ** ''Series/ShurikenSentaiNinninger'' goes back to the logic of Kyoryuger's weapon-based trinkets, this time using large swords and transformation shuriken for the ninja theme. |
| 272 | *** The Sixth Ranger's got it worse: His is based on a ''cheeseburger phone'', with his golden Shuriken being the ''cheese''. |
| 273 | ** ''Series/DoubutsuSentaiZyuohger'' goes back to the cell phone changers with their Zyuoh Changers, which are giant Rubix Cube-like blocks which flip open to reveal phones. They then press a number which shouts out the name of their respective animal before closing it and turning the top of the Zyuoh Changer 3 times (With the animal photo facing front). |
| 274 | *** The Sixth Ranger's is a flashlight with a cube shoved in between the light and the handle, and it transforms him by turning the cube to the Rhino photo, slapping it on his knee, and then moving it like the other Zyuohgers do with their Zyuoh Changers |
| 275 | *** Both the Sixth and Red rangers can actually change their ranger form by switching the masks on their helmets. |
| 276 | *** Zyuoh Eagle later gets a giant cube that turns into a cannon which give him a new powered-up form called Zyuoh Whale. |
| 277 | ** ''Series/UchuSentaiKyuranger'' decides to combine both wrist-devices and Kyoryuger's system into one with their Seiza Blaster, a gauntlet-like transformation device which doubles as a blaster similar to KyoryuGold's changer, and Kyutamas, which function like the Zyudenchi. |
| 278 | *** Xiao has a cane with a dragon head which opens up to reveal the Kyutama slot. He then closes the mouth on the Kyutama before slamming the cane bottom on the ground. SixthRanger Houou Soldier has a sword and shield which both function as his changer, by inserting the Kyutama into the sword (which is sheathed in the shield) before pulling it out, which triggers the transformation. |
| 279 | ** ''Series/KaitouSentaiLupinrangerVsKeisatsuSentaiPatranger'' continues with the weapon morphers with the VS Changers, which function by inserting the ranger's shrunken personal mecha, known as Dial Fighters and Trigger Machines) onto the changer (the Lupinrangers have to turn the dial on theirs) before twisting them around to a certain side (Patrangers twist them to the bottom side, Lupinrangers twist the morpher to the top side) and firing the blaster. It can also summon weapons from other Dial Fighters and Trigger Machines by repeating the process. |
| 280 | *** The Sixth Ranger's works a little differently, as it only consists of the blaster (which also acts as his shrunken personal mecha, being trains), and functions by turning the top twice before firing. The form he takes depends on what color was facing the direction of the barrel (Lupin X = Silver train, Patren X = Gold train). |
| 281 | ** ''Series/KishiryuSentaiRyusoulger''/''Series/PowerRangersDinoFury'' goes back to the traditional wrist-worn morpher, using the powers of the Ryusouls/Dino Fury Keys, dinosaur heads that unfold into miniature knights with different functions, though aside from transformation they are mostly activated through the swords instead. The sixth ranger uses the same system but with a gun instead. |
| 282 | ** ''Series/MashinSentaiKiramager'' has the entire team use wrist-worn devices, the main team uses the smartwatch-like Kiramai Changer, while the sixth ranger uses the older analogue prototype Shiny Kiramai Changer. |
| 283 | ** ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger'', being a MilestoneCelebration series, has the main team use the gatling gun Geartlinger, along with the Sentai Gears, gears that allows its users to replicate abilities or weapons used by previous teams. However this technology is noted to be easily replicable itself, allowing the villains to create the EvilKnockoff Geartozinger, which their own [[ThePsychoRangers evil warrior]] uses to transform and [[EnemySummoner summon controlled copies of past teams]]. |
| 284 | *** The sixth ranger also stole and replicated this tech to make his own trinket, the Geardalinger, a hybrid gun-sword-tambourine named for the giant pirate ship steering wheel on its side, which he uses for transformation and to use the abilities of other extra rangers. |
| 285 | ** ''Series/AvataroSentaiDonbrothers'' has the [=DonBlaster=] gun, which is also a semi-auto CallToAdventure that force-transforms and teleports the team to a fight when they are needed. Also unique is that it is cross-compatible with the previous season's Sentai Gears, due to it being a semi-direct sequel, although they also become ''Avataro Gears'' in the team's hands. The sixth ranger, being themed after ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest'', uses a Chinese ''guandao'' that also has an axe mode to change between forms. |
| 286 | ** Fitting with the theme of kings and royalty, ''Series/OhsamaSentaiKingOhger'' has the [=OhgerCalibur=] sword, activated by triggering the multiple different switches on it much like a ''TabletopGame/BopIt''. The sixth ranger's is a slightly shorter dagger-like sword that runs on a key gimmick unique to himself. |
| 287 | * In the ''Series/StargateSG1'' episode "Foothold", the aliens use a device to appear as members of the SGC. Later in the episode, Sam Carter gets ahold of one of these devices and uses it to turn into her teammate Daniel Jackson. |
| 288 | * In season 5 of ''Series/Supergirl2015'', Brainy makes Kara a new nanotech suit (with pants this time) that is activated by her whipping off her glasses in a specific way. |
| 289 | * In ''Series/SuperhumanSamuraiSyberSquad,'' the procedure was more involved than most cases: Sam had to bring up the Servo program on his computer, and then play a certain chord on his guitar. The process was automated in a wrist-worn device, so he ''can'' just push a button if he wants, but only seems to do this when he can't do the normal procedure from home. |
| 290 | ** For the others, each says a code and does a pose. For Tanker, he tends to clap his drumsticks together, giving a jolt of electricity nobody but the viewer seems to see, when saying his phrase. This seems to be RuleOfCool or RuleOfFunny, because there is really ''no'' reason a totally-non-electronic pair of wooden drumsticks would (or could) have anything to do with the program. |
| 291 | ** The Japanese source for the series, ''DenkouChoujinGridman'', the device Sam wore was the Axceptor and his counterpart Naoto would bond with Gridman by having the program boot up on Junk and striking the button on the Axceptor, crying out "ACCESS FLASH!" This would be the same over in ''Anime/SSSSGridman'' |
| 292 | * ''Series/TomicaHeroRescueFire'' combines this with CallingYourAttacks the device in this case is a ''megaphone'' they have to yell ''"Chakusou!"'' into. Fire-4 and Fire-5 use their weapons (swords with microphpones in the hilt) to transform. |
| 293 | ** Subverted in ''Series/TomicaHeroRescueForce'', its predecessor. While they indeed use a device to transform (specifically, the Nintendo DS-shaped Rescue Commander and an activation card), they have to enter transformation tubes similar to the aforementioned JAKQ, which gives them their suits. The exception is the movie-exclusive R0, whose suit comes from his vehicle. |
| 294 | * The ''Franchise/UltraSeries'' typically has the human host or form of each title character use a different activator device (given to them by the Ultra if host and self-made if form) to initiate the change. Usually, it's a small handheld wand-thing. For example in the original ''Series/{{Ultraman}}'', it was the Beta Capsule. |
| 295 | ** Interestingly despite the Beta Capsule being the TropeCodifier for the TransformationTrinket, [[UnbuiltTrope the series often shows it]] as a major AchillesHeel for Hayata. Either being stolen or being knocked away in an intense moment. |
| 296 | ** Interestingly, some hosts and human forms don't require a transformation item to change form; [[Series/ReturnOfUltraman Ultraman Jack]] is the first example, as Hideki Goh transformed into Jack simply through his willpower, and should Jack or Goh be hesitant to fight, the transformation process might be slower or even cancel out altogether. |
| 297 | ** Ultras have been shown to be able to forbid their host from transforming at times, usually if they want to make a point to the humans or refuse to face the MonsterOfTheWeek for whatever reasons. For example, with Jack above, he once refused to let Goh transform when he learned the monster he would battle was a resurrected [[HeroKiller Zetton]]. |
| 298 | ** ''Series/UltramanLeo'' brings an interesting idea to the table when Series/UltraSeven is crippled and forced to remain in his human form Dan Moroboshi, as after the battered and wounded Seven assumes his human form, his Ultra Eye is damaged beyond repair, leaving him stuck as Dan for the remainder of the series. Jack actually shows up later on to take the Ultra Eye to M78 for repairs, and AllThereInTheManual material says Seven finally got it back, along with his his usual form, after returning to M78. |
| 299 | ** There have also been variations: |
| 300 | *** Series/UltramanAce had two hosts, Seiji Hokuto and Yuuko Minami, who transformed putting their Ultra Rings together. |
| 301 | *** Series/UltramanGaia's host Gamu Takayama actually had to make his Esplender himself (also implied for [[AntiHero Agul and Hiroya Fujimiya]]) to contain Gaia's light. |
| 302 | *** Series/UltramanMebius' Mebium Brace was attached to his left arm rather than a separate item, since he took a [[AliensAmongUs human form]] instead of having a host. |
| 303 | ** ''Series/UltramanGinga'' took an interesting spin on the idea. The transformation trinket is an item called a Spark Doll, which resembles a toy version of an Ultraman or a monster, and using the Spark Doll with a device called a Spark lets one transform into the being, since Spark Dolls are literally the heroes and villains of the franchise turned into toys by the BigBad. |
| 304 | *** Spark Dolls also appear in ''Series/UltramanX'', but only the Ultraman X Spark Doll is capable of transforming while it's treated as a pseudo-stasis form for the monsters. However, monsters could be converted into a Cyber Card by Xio that could either summon a cybernetic version of them as allies or create a unique cooperation-based armour for Ultraman X based on their abilities. |
| 305 | ** In ''Series/UltramanOrb'', Gai Kurenai uses cards of Ultramen that he combines in pairs to give himself various forms with their own sets of powers. BigBad Jugglus Juggler also owned cards, but of monsters, which he naturally uses to summon opponents for Orb. Both characters relied on a ring-like device to awaken the card's power. |
| 306 | *** ''Series/UltramanGeed'' followed a similar trend with the Ultra and Monster Capsules, with the latter being used to create HybridMonster opponents for Geed. |
| 307 | *** ''Series/UltramanZ'' follows the example of ''Geed'' and has the titular Z employ a special device called the Z-Riser, after himself since he was the test subject along with Ultra Medals which work similarly to the Capsules of ''Geed''. |
| 308 | *** ''Series/UltramanTriggerNewGenerationTiga'' has the GUTS Sparklens, which is a combination of Tiga's Sparklens and GUTS Hyper Gun, however only Kengo (the main protagonist and Trigger's host) can actually use the Sparklens form of his weapon, since that one was made specifically for the purpose of hosting Trigger's power. |
| 309 | [[/folder]] |
| 310 | |
| 311 | [[folder:Podcasts]] |
| 312 | * The ''Podcast/{{Sequinox}}'' team has the phone charms that they received from Tellie as one part. It lets the girls' phones access the magical app through which they can transform. Vivaldi has a charm that works the same as well. |
| 313 | [[/folder]] |
| 314 | |
| 315 | [[folder:Tabletop Games]] |
| 316 | * ''TabletopGame/PrincessTheHopeful:'' Each Princess has a Phylactery, a physical item which symbolizes her title as one of the Hopeful and which she must activate, open, touch, or otherwise interact with in order to assume her Transformed state. Fortunately, if a Princess's Phylactery is lost or destroyed she can summon or recreate it with a little concentration. |
| 317 | [[/folder]] |
| 318 | |
| 319 | [[folder:Video Games]] |
| 320 | * In ''VideoGame/{{Amagon}}'', Amagon only becomes able to transform into Megagon once the Mega-key is found. |
| 321 | * The bosses you fight in ''VideoGame/AzureStrikerGunvolt'' games use transformation trinkets to access their battle forms. The trinkets differ depending on the games: The trinket in the first game looks like a sword (thus the bosses are collectivelly called the Swordsmen), in [[VideoGame/AzureStrikerGunvolt2 the second game]] it's a book (due to its FairyTaleMotif), and in ''VideoGame/LuminousAvengerIX'' it's a shirt pin shaped like a feather (thus the bosses are called Winged Warriors, or Falcons). In addition, the trinkets in the first two games are also explicitly stated as PowerLimiter, as the adepts cannot use the full extent of their powers without activating the trinkets. |
| 322 | * ''VideoGame/{{Cassette Beasts}}'' features tape recorders that are capable of playing back the recorded cassette of a monster, allowing the listener to take on its form, most commonly for the purpose of battling other monsters on an even playing field. |
| 323 | * In ''VideoGame/{{Elona}}+'', Shift Cores are extremely rare items (you can only obtain one by [[MakeAWish wishing for it]]) that temporarily change your appearance on top of granting a major boost to some stats, but you need to have a full gauge to use them. |
| 324 | * ''Franchise/FireEmblem'': |
| 325 | ** The [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Manaketes]] in the series generally require an item called a dragonstone to transform into their true forms. As dragons, they tend to have little trouble destroying the opposition, but once the stone runs out of uses and breaks, they're helpless [[TooAwesomeToUse unless you can somehow manage to find a new one]]. Story wise, Bantu, Fa, and Myrrh all get their stones stolen from them; the former simply requesting that you catch the thief responsible so he can help you (This happens on two occasions in two different games, no less), and the latter two needing to be rescued from the enemy. |
| 326 | ** Remedied in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'', where dragonstones are apparently common enough to be purchased from shops, despite the fact that manaketes have become a race of the legends. The same game introduces the [[HairRaisingHare Taguel]] race, who require beaststones to transform (Which likewise, can be purchased from shops). Both races can simply opt to rely on the strength of their human forms by taking up a normal class, as well. |
| 327 | ** While not a Manakete, the Avatar in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'', along with any of their potential children, can also use a Dragonstone to transform. [[spoiler: In their case, it's needed to retain their sanity and avoid going on a rampage like when their power first awakened.]] Beaststones also make a return, being used by [[AsianFoxSpirit kitsune]] and [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent wolfskin]] races to transform. |
| 328 | * ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'': |
| 329 | ** The series outright states that Sora's newer, black clothes in ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'' are the Transformation Trinket for his Drive-Forms and the only thing that actually changes when he "drives" in most worlds. It is also implied during the visit to [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994 the Pride Lands]] that these clothes also chance Sora's appearance in FisherKingdom worlds. |
| 330 | *** For [[Manga/KingdomHeartsII the same game's manga adaptation]], it is implied that Riku's blindfold serves as one, as when he takes it off, he's already wearing his new clothing. The game had him remove his BlackCloak manually upon [[EleventhHourRanger joining the party]]. |
| 331 | ** In ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'' the pieces of armor that Terra, Aqua and Ven wear in their traveling clothes are used to activate the transformation into their full armor. |
| 332 | * ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'': |
| 333 | ** In addition to the usual PowerCopying, some games have Copy Essences lying around that grant an ability when touched. In ''[[VideoGame/KirbySuperStar Milky Way Wishes]],'' this is the only way to use special abilities (they're permanent and can be switched at will though). |
| 334 | ** Later games give Kirby a [[InfinityPlusOneSword souped-up special ability]], usually in the form of a wand or sword. The item bounces around the screen in place of an Ability Star when you let go of it, implying that it's the source of the ability instead of Kirby's copying power. |
| 335 | * In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfDragoon'', the main cast members possess colored crystal orbs called Dragoon Spirits that allow them to change into winged, armored warriors, complete with TransformationSequence. |
| 336 | * The 3-D ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' games are known for these. |
| 337 | ** Inverted in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast Link to the Past]]''. Attempting to visit the DarkWorld without a Moon Pearl will turn Link into [[ForcedTransformation a helpless rabbit-man.]] This happens when Link is briefly transported to the Dark World version of DeathMountain. He cannot use items or defend himself in this form, so he's unable to trek outside the mountain as of yet. Luckily, once he has the Pearl, he can travel wherever he pleases. |
| 338 | ** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'', several masks are used to transform Link into other races, and the Fierce Deity Mask transforms him into... guess what. |
| 339 | ** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'', Zant curses Link into permanent Wolf form using a shadow crystal. After the curse is broken, Midna is able to use it to transform Link at any given time. Also, the first set of PlotCoupons essentially act like this for Midna. |
| 340 | * ''Franchise/MegaMan'': |
| 341 | ** The biometals in ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' and Geo's Transer/Star Carrier (With Omega-xis) in ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce''. Most morphing adversaries in ''Star Force 2'' use Ancient Star Carriers, which are exactly the same only built directly with Murian technology. |
| 342 | ** The anime version of ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'' had Synchro Chips combined with the already existing [=PETs=]. The transformation only works in areas that has enabled Net Navis to manifest in the real world. |
| 343 | * In ''VideoGame/MuppetMonsterAdventure'' , the main character Robin the Frog can channel the powers of the monsters that his uncle Kermit and his friends have been transformed into with the help of special amulets. The Werebear amulet turns him into a werebear with the power to climb any climbable surface, the Muck Monster one turns him into a swamp creature with the power to swim underwater, the Nose-feratu one gives him flight and turns him into a bat, the [=KerMonster=] one turns him into a frankenstein-like creature with super strength, and the Bride of [=KerMonster=] one turns him into a Bride Of Frankenstein-like character with a superpowerful karate chop that can smash down doors. |
| 344 | * The sequel for ''VideoGame/NightsIntoDreams'' features persona masks that transform the Nightmaren in a Dolphin, Rocket and finally a Dragon. |
| 345 | * ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'': |
| 346 | ** ''[[VideoGame/PokemonDiamondAndPearl Pokémon Platinum]]'' has two items for the purposes of transforming two Pokémon between their alternate forms. The Griseous Orb allows Giratina take on its Origin Forme in the real world, and the Gracidea flower allows Shaymin to take on its [[{{Flight}} Sky Forme]]. For the latter though, the transformation does not work at night and it can be canceled by Shaymin getting [[StatusEffects frozen]]. |
| 347 | ** ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'' introduces "Mega Evolutions", which allow a small selection of Pokémon to take on their SuperMode forms during battle. The Transformation Trinket required to make it work comes in two parts: a Mega Stone to be held by the Pokémon, with every Pokémon that is able to Mega Evolve needing a specific stone, and a Key Stone to be held by the trainer (usually in the form of an accessory such as a ring or bracelet), which is used to actually trigger the evolution. |
| 348 | ** Other items that trigger some specific Pokémon's forme changes include: the Red and Blue Orbs (triggers Primal Reversion on Kyogre and Groudon, in the Gen III remakes at least), the DNA Splicers (allowing Kyurem to [[FusionDance merge]] with either Reshiram or Zekrom to become White Kyurem and Black Kyurem, respectively), the Reveal Glass (Tornadus, Thundurus and Landorus into their Therian Formes) the Prison Bottle (Hoopa Confined into Hoopa Unbound), and Ultranecrozium Z (Dawn Wings/Dusk Mane Necrozma into Ultra Necrozma). The Zygarde Cube, aside from storing Zygarde Cells and Cores, technically functions as another one, since the player can use the Cube to switch a Zygarde (with all 100 of its pieces) between its 10% and 50% Formes. |
| 349 | * ''VideoGame/SilentHill3'' has the Princess Heart Transform Costume, which is activated by a key-shaped trinket. |
| 350 | * ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'': |
| 351 | ** ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', once you collected the required GreenRocks. The most famous being the seven [[MineralMacGuffin Chaos Emeralds]] to become [[SuperMode Super]], on in [[ActionGirl Blaze's]] case, the seven Sol Emeralds. |
| 352 | ** The ''VideoGame/SonicStorybookSeries'' also bring us two new forms thanks to the seven [[VideoGame/SonicAndTheSecretRings World Rings]], and four [[VideoGame/SonicAndTheBlackKnight Sacred Swords]]. |
| 353 | ** ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' (and the ''Sonic Colors'' stages of ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations''[[note]]as well as ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'' and ''VideoGame/SonicForces'' [[AssPull for some reason]][[/note]]) had them in the form of the Wisps, small aliens who would allow Sonic to change into different forms for a brief period of time. |
| 354 | * Seems like in every ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' game, there's a [[PowerUp new item]] that gives Mario and Luigi a new form in addition to new abilities: |
| 355 | ** In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'', it began with the famous Super Mushroom (doubles Mario's size and grants an extra HitPoint), the Fire Flower (shoot fireballs) and Super Star ([[InvincibilityPowerUp invincibility]]). |
| 356 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosTheLostLevels'' (the Japanese sequel) introduced the infamous PoisonMushroom, which inflicted damage instead of powering up Mario. |
| 357 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3'' introduced the Super Leaf that turned Mario into Raccoon Mario (raccoon ears and a tail, limited flying/gliding abilities). Later in the game there's the Frog Suit (precision swimming), Tanooki Suit (Raccoon abilities plus transformation into a Tanooki statue that can crush virtually any enemy), and even the rare Hammer Suit (throw incredibly lethal hammers, the shell itself is impervious to fireballs). The GBA version of this added a "Feather" granting ''Cape Mario'', like in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld''. |
| 358 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' retained the original three powerups, replacing the Leaf with the Feather for Cape Mario. A rare balloon powerup inflates Mario, allowing him to float in the air for a limited time. |
| 359 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioLand'' was like a handheld ''expy'' of the NES classic, with the orignal power ups, only the Fire Flower is replace by a flower that turns Mario to Superball Mario. |
| 360 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioLand2SixGoldenCoins'' continues the tradition with the original three power-ups and a new flying ability, this time a carrot that gives Mario bunny ears that make him fly for a bit. Also, because of the graphics for the black-white gameboy, Fire Mario had a feather on his head here. [[spoiler: Also during the final battle with Wario, the villain goes through the three power ups (no star) in the fight.]] |
| 361 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMario64'': Ditch all the powerups for three hats: The blue cap make Mario invisible (and thus, invulnerable) and able to pass through certain walls; the Metal Cap turns Mario into an invincible heap of walking metal (complete with a remix of the Super Star music), and the red Wing Cap allows limited flight. ''Super Mario 64 DS'' however made invisibility exclusive to Luigi, metal exclusive to Wario, Yoshi gets to spit fireballs, and Mario can blow-up like in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'' or gets a feather and become Wing Mario. |
| 362 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine'' didn't have Mario change forms, but his talking-weapon of choice, FLUDD can switch modes with the right power up, to have Mario hover, jet up in the sky or to run with SuperSpeed. |
| 363 | ** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'' retains the Super Mushroom and the Fire Flower. There was also a temporary transformation with a Mega Mushroom, turning the user (even a boss used one!) into a giant unstoppable machine! There's also a new power-up, a blue shell that turns Mario or Luigi into Shell Mario (slide along the ground just like a turtle shell, knocking out everything in your path). There's also the Tiny Mushroom, turning Mario into a ''tiny'' OneHitPointWonder that can float through the air, fit into incredibly small pipes, and and [[WalkOnWater run across water]]. |
| 364 | ** There are seven forms this time in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'' (it even brought the Fire Flower to 3-D, if only temporarily). There's also an opposite called the Ice Flower that grants Ice Powers. The ''Super Star'' was replaced by a Rainbow Star wih an added speed boost, and this game has two flying abilities: a Red Star (exclusive to the HubLevel, sorry) turns Mario into Flying Mario, and a Bee Mushroom that gives him the hovering Bee Suit. There's even a Boo Mushroom that turns him into, (yep, you guessed it) Boo Mario who can float in the air and pass through certain walls. And finally there's the Spring Mushroom which turns Mario into Spring Mario and grants him super-jumps. |
| 365 | ** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosWii'' has an Ice Flower which grants different ice powers from the ''Galaxy'' version, a Propellor Mushroom for the new flying form (a jumpsuit with a propellor on the top), and a Penguin Suit (ice powers, slide into enemies, ''and'' improved swimming). There's also the Mini Mushroom from the DS version and the usual Super Mushroom, Fire Flower and Super Star. |
| 366 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy2'' continues the tradition, bringing over almost all of the powerups from the first game, and introducing some new powerups: the Drill, which lets Mario burrow through dirt, the Cloud Flower, which allows Mario to create his own cloud platforms, and the Rock Mushroom, which turns Mario into a rolling rock to plow through enemies and smash into things. Yoshi also has his own powerups: a Dash Pepper that makes him run really fast for a time, a Blimp Fruit which allows Yoshi to float into the air for some time, and a Bulb Berry that lets Yoshi unveil hidden platforms (similar to the Matter Splatter levels of the first game, only Yoshi provides his own spotlight). |
| 367 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DLand'' saw the return of Tanooki Mario minus the flight and statue capabilities ([[spoiler:in the normal world version anyway]]), the power-up based hit point system (thankfully Mario's default form is super this time) and the first ever appearance of an unlimited fire flower in a 3D Mario game. It also introduced the boomerang flower, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin which allows Mario to throw boomerangs]]. |
| 368 | ** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros2'' also brings back the Super Leaf from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'', this time granting the flight capabilities (and the return of the P-meter). There's even a Invincibility Leaf that turns Mario into the near invincible White Raccoon Mario if the player loses 5 lives in one world. |
| 369 | *** Speaking of new, the Gold Flower is introduced in this game, granting Mario and Luigi a more powerful fireball attack that creates shockwaves and can take out many enemies, giving the player more coins. This power lasts till you complete the level or get hit (demoting you to Fire Mario/Luigi in both cases). |
| 370 | ** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU'' sees the return of the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Mini Mushroom, [[spoiler: [[VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosWii Propeller Mushroom, and Penguin Suit]]]]. It also sees the introduction of the Super Acorn (which turns the recipient into a Flying Squirrel form, effectively a modified Raccoon Suit that looks like a circus costume) and the P-Acorn (which turns the recipient into P-<recipient>, a powered-up Flying Squirrel form capable of infinite flight). |
| 371 | *** The ''UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch'' port Deluxe has the MagicalGirl-themed Super Crown meant only for Toadette...that didn't stop a lot of men. |
| 372 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld'' sees the return of the ''3D Land''-style Tanooki form. It also is shown to feature a Cat Bell that gives the recipient a Cat Suit (no, not [[SpyCatsuit that kind]]) that allows them to run up walls and tackle enemies, among other things. [[spoiler: And the final battle shows Bowser [[OneWingedAngel deciding to use a Cat Bell power-up of his own]] to fight the player on equal footing.]] |
| 373 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioMaker'' introduces three new transformation items exclusive to the ''Super Mario Bros.'' game style. The Weird Mushroom turns Mario tall and thin, enabling him to jump slightly higher. Meanhwile, the Big Mushroom increases Mario's mass in addition to his size, enabling him to break more kinds of destructable blocks. Finally, the Mystery Mushroom changes his appearance to a random character or object, but otherwise functions similarly to the Super Mushroom (minus the size increase). |
| 374 | ** ''VideoGame/PrincessPeachShowtime'' has the ribbon the Sparkle Theater's guardian Stella creates to secure Peach's hair into a ponytail which allows her to attack enemies in her regular outfit and transform into different roles in accordance to the various plays Peach journeys through. |
| 375 | * ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe'' has the V-Watches. Henshin a go-go, baby! |
| 376 | [[/folder]] |
| 377 | |
| 378 | [[folder:Visual Novels]] |
| 379 | * In ''VisualNovel/LongLiveTheQueen'' you will need to go through quests to obtain your mother's magic crystal in order to officially become a magical girl and get the sparkly transformation sequence. After doing it once, though, the crystal becomes part of you, so you can't lose it. |
| 380 | * The Crystal Warriors of ''VisualNovel/MagicalWarriorDiamondHeart'' use smartphones called Miracle Links (which are created from their conviction to fight against the Nightmare Agents) to change into their magical forms. They become wristwatches when transfformed. |
| 381 | * The accessories in ''VisualNovel/PrincessDebut'' let your main character don one of 20 different ballroom-ready costumes. |
| 382 | [[/folder]] |
| 383 | |
| 384 | [[folder:Webcomics]] |
| 385 | * In ''Webcomic/AgentsOfTheRealm'', each Agent has an amulet made from part of the Provenance which enables transformation into FrillsOfJustice. |
| 386 | * ''Webcomic/AliceAndTheNightmare'': Rougina's horns used to be this, enabling her {{shapeshifting}}, but she lost them before the start of the story, and the ability with them. |
| 387 | * [[spoiler:Apricot]] from ''Webcomic/ApricotCookies'' has a skull necklace that triggers her transformation. |
| 388 | * Myan's collar in ''Webcomic/CatNine'' allows her to transform into a {{cat girl}} or various animals. Removing it turns her back to normal and removes other powers (like human speech) in the process. |
| 389 | * ''Webcomic/DameDaffodil'' has the flower jewels which enable its' five main characters to become magical heroes. |
| 390 | * ''Webcomic/{{Darkbolt}}'' has the Demon Orbs which transforms the 'soul merged' humans into their demon armors. In one case the Phoenix Samurai changes due to an angel. |
| 391 | * In ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'', the Transformation Gun derived Cat Belt which has two buttons "Feline" and "Human". |
| 392 | * ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' has the rings and scepters of the Prospitian and Dersite monarchs, which apply the powers granted by the players' prototypings to the user. They don't work for humans though. |
| 393 | * In ''Webcomic/KakikomiMagicalGirls'', magical stationary items from Anshin Design Lab act as trinkets for {{Magical Girl}}s. They turn into weapons as well. |
| 394 | * Mages in ''Webcomic/LeifAndThorn'' use brooches, apparently all brightly-colored crystals in metallic settings. |
| 395 | * ''Webcomic/MagicalTwelfthGraders'': The pin, a magical artifact that can transform anyone into a magical girl (including boys, though their outfits are suitably masculine). The cubics, little pieces of the pin that broke off, can be used for the same purpose, though they're less powerful. |
| 396 | * Each member of the ''Webcomic/{{Panthera}}'' team has an amulet on a necklace "that contain[s] minerals that ease the transformation and help focus [their] elemental power" [[http://www.pantheracomic.com/?p=664]]. |
| 397 | * In ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'', Zoë's transformations into a camel are tied to a necklace given to her by Torg. She ''wishes'' she could conveniently lose the necklace somewhere, but after her first transformation it changed into a seemingly unremovable tattoo. Zoë doesn't mind the tattoo itself too much, but desperately wants to get rid of it so her friends can't turn her into a camel whenever they're feeling mischievous. |
| 398 | * Yuuki in ''Webcomic/SparklingGenerationValkyrieYuuki'' (a parody of MagicalGirl shows) transforms by use of a brooch. The brooch turns its user into a magical girl (technically, a Valkyrie) which is unfortunate for Yuuki, who was [[GenderBender originally a guy]]. |
| 399 | ** It's not so much a brooch as a magical jewel ''embedded in her chest''. Which does deal with the whole "broken, lost or stolen" thing - if any of those happened, Yuuki would be much more worried about bleeding to death than not having access to Valkyrie powers. |
| 400 | * Magical girls and their adult equivalents; sorcerers in ''Webcomic/SweetDreams'' all use one. They take the form of a gemstone in the girl's signature colour and will sometimes be shaped to match a particular motif her magical girl costume has. Whilst transformed, each one is also a {{Magical Accessory}}. |
| 401 | * In ''Webcomic/ToPreventWorldPeace'', every MagicalGirl has one. Focus items can be summoned at will (sorta like Sora's keyblade) and are necessary for transforming. If they ever break . . . it's not good. |
| 402 | [[/folder]] |
| 403 | |
| 404 | [[folder:Web Original]] |
| 405 | * The ''Literature/ArcanaMagiUniverse'' features Transformation Trinkets in the form of jewelry; bracelets, rings, brooch, lockets, pendants. They all turn into weapons. |
| 406 | * The Dimensional Guardians from the web fiction serial ''Literature/DimensionHeroes'' use bands called Guardian Bands to transform into their battle armor. Before the protagonists discovered their powers, they were often thought of as pieces of jewelry. |
| 407 | * In ''Literature/TheImpossibleMan'', Yuki has a Transformation Trinket in the form of a brooch that turns into her staff Tsubasa. |
| 408 | * The Spirit Sticks in ''Literature/MagicalGirlPolicy''. |
| 409 | * Subverted in ''Literature/SailorNothing'', where Himei's Transformation Trinket is an enchanted version of a cheap plastic pendant she bought as a MagicalGirl fangirl. She then proceeds to muse: |
| 410 | -->Was the Holy Grail a 7-11 Big Gulp cup that someone spiffied up? The magic of it all was very dazzling, but I should have KNOWN something was wrong from the start. This wasn't how it [[YouWatchTooMuchX happened on TV]]. It wasn't this much of a hack job. |
| 411 | * ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'': Murphy has a devise that does this as seen in [[http://whateleyacademy.net/index.php/original-timeline/765-murphy-s-laws-of-whateley Murphy's Laws of Whateley]]: |
| 412 | -->[I] whipped out the devise and clapped it between my hands, activating it.\ |
| 413 | "SHIMMERING ... PRINCESS!" ... I was engulfed by ... energy ... as [it] congealed into ... armor. |
| 414 | [[/folder]] |
| 415 | |
| 416 | [[folder:Web Videos]] |
| 417 | * In ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'', Linkara has a Power Morpher, a Zeonizer and a Gosei Morpher in his possession. The Power Morpher turns him into the Green Ranger, the Zeonizer turns him into Zeokara, which has him in a white Zeo Ranger uniform with his jacket and fedora instead of a helmet, and the Gosei Morpher functions like the Legendary Morpher and allows him to take up other identities. He also makes it quite clear they are actually toys fueled by his magic and when he uses one, they need to be charged up as they aren’t connected to the Morphin Grid. |
| 418 | * ''WebVideo/TheRemarkableJourneyOfHigginsVonHiggings'': Higgins von Higgings' AmuletOfConcentratedAwesome. |
| 419 | -->''"The medallion!?"''\ |
| 420 | '''''"HOOOOOO!"''''' |
| 421 | * Oingo uses a belt buckle for his disguises in ''WebVideo/VaguelyRecallingJoJo'', but it still has the flaw of giving him a shirt labelled Oingo. |
| 422 | [[/folder]] |
| 423 | |
| 424 | [[folder:Western Animation]] |
| 425 | * In the ''WesternAnimation/AceVenturaPetDetective'' episode "Howl of The Weremoose", Drew Talbit uses a moose talisman to change into his weremoose form. It is also revealed that smashing the talisman will break the curse and turn all the weremoose ghouls back to normal. Unfortunately, Ace doesn't read the fine print which says he who destroys the talisman gets the antlers of the grand high moose himself. |
| 426 | * The Omnitrix from ''WesternAnimation/Ben10'' is a ClingyMacGuffin that lets Ben turn into (initially) ten different aliens. The watch tends to not turn him into the alien he wants hinting that the device ''might'' be sentient.[[note]]WordOfGod has stated that this is because Ben tends to stick with Fourarms, the alien with mega-strength, and solve every problem with brute force while the Omnitrix has a more suitable one in mind.[[/note]] Eventually gets an upgrade in the form of a recalibration, followed by being replaced by the Ultimatrix. This was eventually replaced with the true Omnitrix. |
| 427 | * One episode of ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom'' involved an amulet necklace that would turn the wearer into a dragon whenever they get angry. |
| 428 | * In order for the titular hero of ''WesternAnimation/DragonBooster'' to transform, he needs an Amulet (which holds a "key" of sorts) and Gauntlet. If he loses either one, he is stuck in his civilian form. It also requires that he shout a [[ByThePowerOfGreyskull Catchphrase]], but that's another trope entirely. |
| 429 | * ''WesternAnimation/ElTigreTheAdventuresOfMannyRivera'': The titular character spins his belt buckle to transform. It's been used by other people too. |
| 430 | * ''WesternAnimation/FourEyes'': Emma's glasses can turn her into a human in a blink of an eye. |
| 431 | * In ''WesternAnimation/FredAndBarneyMeetTheThing'', The Thing from ''ComicBook/FantasticFour,'' instead of being permanently changed into a rocklike form, could transform back and forth from his superhero form to a wimpy teenage form using a pair of rings. |
| 432 | * ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983'': He-Man had the Sword of Power. However, ''WesternAnimation/MastersOfTheUniverseRevelation'' reveals that [[spoiler:The sword is just a focus - Prince Adam can summon the Power of Greyskull by himself just fine, only that it turns him into a raging berserker on the level of the Savage Hulk.]] |
| 433 | * In ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse2021'', the guardian of Castle Grayskull explains that a "totem" is required to channel cosmic energy like the Power of Grayskull. Adam uses the Sword of Power to become He-Man, but when he shared the Power with his allies, each of them had an item on their person turned into totems so they could transform into Masters of the Universe. [[spoiler:Using [[{{Unobtanium}} kirbinite]], Skeletor converts his minions' equipment into totems to harness the power of Havoc and transform into his Dark Masters. But later we learn he only needed the kirbinite to ''control them'' so they wouldn't rebel against him.]] |
| 434 | * Jerrica Benton's Jem Star Earrings from ''WesternAnimation/{{Jem}}'' were created by her father prior to his death. The earrings allow Synergy, a supercomputer also created by her father, to give the illusion that Jerrica is a singer named "Jem" using holograms. |
| 435 | * Each of the three main characters of ''WesternAnimation/{{Lolirock}}'' has one of these, and it glows as soon as the transformation starts. In one episode, Iris loses hers, and she doesn't realize it until when she wanted to transform (it is hanging from her neck, after all). |
| 436 | * Parodied in ''WesternAnimation/MagicalGirlFriendshipSquad'' with Alex using a birth control pill container and Daisy using a bong to transform into magical girls. |
| 437 | * In the Creator/HannaBarbera cartoon ''WesternAnimation/MightyMightor'', Tor had a magical club that he used to transform into the title character. |
| 438 | * ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'' has the titular Miraculouses, magical accessories that allow their wearer to transform into an AnimalThemedSuperbeing. [[TheHero Marinette]] has a pair of earrings that turn her into Ladybug, while [[TheLancer Adrien]] uses a ring to become Chat Noir ("Black Cat"). Other known Miraculouses include a turtle bracelet, a bee comb, a fox necklace, a butterfly brooch and a peacock pin, as well as a set of twelve based on the animals of the Chinese zodiac. |
| 439 | * ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'': |
| 440 | ** The six {{Plot Coupon}}s obtained over the course of Season 4 become the keys for the Chest of Harmony, which transforms the Mane Six into [[SuperMode Rainbow Power mode]]. |
| 441 | ** Starting in Season 8, the hippogryphs all started wearing pieces of the Pearl of Transformation from [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyTheMovie2017 the movie]], allowing them to change between their hippogryph form and seapony form at will. |
| 442 | * ''WesternAnimation/PopPixie'' has the Magic Pops, which let the pixies transform into Pop Pixie form and get a major power boost. |
| 443 | * ''WesternAnimation/PrincessGwenevereAndTheJewelRiders'': The Enchanted Jewels wielded by the Jewel Riders (Gwen's Sun Stone, Fallon's Moon Stone and Tamara's [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway Heart Stone]]) and the Pack (the Forest Stone) and Lady Kale's Dark Stone, for their respective [[InstantArmor Jewel Armors]] (Kale's wearing hers most of the time, though), and Ian's jewel too. |
| 444 | * The Ninja Mask in ''WesternAnimation/RandyCunninghamNinthGradeNinja'' is this as it grants its wearer the mystical ninja suit which provides an abundance of ninja weapons, tools, and supernatural abilities. |
| 445 | * She-Ra from ''WesternAnimation/SheRaPrincessOfPower'' had the Sword of Protection, which was basically the Sword of Power with a few extra tricks and a jewel. |
| 446 | * ''WesternAnimation/SheZow'': [[TheEponymousShow SheZow]]'s Glamazon Power Ring, probably also the source of all of Guy's powers. Also counts as a ClingyMacGuffin. |
| 447 | * The Skysurfers from ''WesternAnimation/SkysurferStrikeForce'' use watches called Digitrans to transform themselves into their hero identities and their cars into flying surfboards. |
| 448 | * The ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' guest appearance in ''WesternAnimation/SpiderManTheAnimatedSeries'' saw him being given this ability by Doctor Doom, but, of course, [[StatusQuoIsGod he doesn't get to keep it for good]]. |
| 449 | * In ''WesternAnimation/SumoMouse'', Yama uses a magical topknot in order to transform into the titular hero. |
| 450 | * Lance and Ilana have watches that allow them to put on/transform into their Manus and Corus armor, respectively. Octus, already being a robot, doesn't need one of these, as he's able to merge all three of them into the ''WesternAnimation/SymBionicTitan''. |
| 451 | * ''WesternAnimation/TenkoAndTheGuardiansOfTheMagic'' featured the Starfire Gems. In a somewhat uncommon usage, the gems are not tied to any one particular person and each contains unique powers. While in the series, the characters have their own gems that they use almost exclusively, there's nothing to stop them from using another if the situation arose where it would be beneficial. Likewise, the gems each contained powers that could be used outside the transformed state, so it was more common for the characters, both hero and villain, to use their preferred gem to transform and others for their own utility. |
| 452 | * 1950s cartoon ''WesternAnimation/TomTerrific'' was able to morph into anything thanks to his magic funnel. |
| 453 | * In ''WesternAnimation/WildKratts'', Chris and Martin have the Creature Power Suits, which are powered via animal DNA and discs containing programming for that particular animal's physical traits and abilities. |
| 454 | * ''WesternAnimation/{{WITCH}}'' had the Heart of Kandrakar/Candracar. The funny thing about it is that ''all five girls'' used the same trinket. Anyone not around when Will used it wouldn't transform and couldn't until they met up with Will. |
| 455 | * In ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub'', the Mythix wands are required to unlock the Mythix transformation and are seen in the TransformationSequence. |
| 456 | * Downplayed with the Monkey Staff in ''WesternAnimation/XiaolinShowdown''. While its main purpose is to merely grant the powers and tail of a monkey, the staff will slowly transform whoever holds it into a monkey. Jack plays it straight every time, as he consistently wields it long enough to change him into a monkey almost completely and usually someone else has to take it away. |
| 457 | [[/folder]] |
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