How to write a Transformation Sequence

I wanted to do an ascension (Magical Girl styled/Evil Costume Switch) transformation-sequence for my Henshin Hero, as in hir getting stronger with every chaos magic rune infused into hir... Problem is I'm not very good at writing scenes like this, any tips for the transformation scenes in general?

In this case, the transformation is triggered like a 11th-Hour Superpower and allows hir to ascend to a much more powerful state triggered by Chaos magic. Hir clothes and costume changes as well.

edited 7th Jun '15 1:26:12 AM by sabrina_diamond

Unless you need something else, one paragraph about how the transformation (which I presume to be nigh-instant) is seen from the perspective of those watching it and then one paragraph about what changed about the character who underwent the transformation, are generally enough.

If the transformation is still ongoing even after the so-called transformation sequence had ended then you only call attention to it if it's of any significance, i.e. if the character from whose perspective we see it notices the continuous change.

It's essentially the same as describing someone switch their clothing in an instant in the middle of a scene (because most of the attributes gained in the transformation are visual, and fairly similar in that to clothing). You don't describe everything but only the relevant details, and only that which is seen by other characters and/or readers.

Most stories that have to deal with this treat it as either instant from an outside perspective, or otherwise invisible. I myself have described it (in a toned-down case) as having it simply snap into existence, without transition.

Kazeto's got it: keep it short unless the fact that it's not short is relevant to the story.

As for what should be included, focus on what the biggest changes are. Leave the reader in their safest state, where they assume everything has stayed the same except for things you've specifically listed.

If you have other characters around to witness the change, you get a little more leeway in describing things. Someone could shout, "So and so got taller," and if they do, then you don't have to fit the fact that your character got taller in that paragraph. But remember that as nice as your final image is, if you insist on including every single detail, you'll overload your readers, who'll start just skipping the description.

edited 7th Jun '15 8:48:23 AM by Tartra

In Olapen's transformation state, shi changes her hairstyle from a single ponytail to Girlish Pigtails and also her height changes from average-sized to towering over everyone else.

Since writing is not a visual medium, I have no idea how anime do the transformation-sequence in order, but if the transformation is step-by-step it would be helpful.

edited 7th Jun '15 6:57:18 PM by sabrina_diamond

Just write it in a way that makes it flow well in writing, really. The exact order in which animated series show transformation sequences taking place is not at all relevant unless you can't do anything outside of mimicking their results, so don't take what they did as some sort of rule and instead take and use what works well for you.

Also, it is the noticed and relevant change that is noted. So if she changes her hairstyle and her height, then do write about it if it is at all relevant and if anyone actually cares about it. Otherwise it can and probably should be skipped.

I also recommend starting with the biggest details first, so that if I, as a reader, start drifting off from any overloads of information, you'll at least get the biggest changes across to me.

Think of it as describing someone totally new. If I see her, what's the first thing I notice? Blue hair, for example? Okay, is the blue hair new or has she had that before? If she had it before, that's one you can skip. If it's new, throw it in.