History Main / OneWingedAngel

For those looking for actual winged people, see WingedHumanoid and OurAngelsAreDifferent.

Named in honor of Sephiroth, FinalBoss of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''completely awesome''). Usually accompanied by the stock phrases ''[[BadassBoast "No one who's witnessed this form has lived to tell the tale!"]]'', ''"I have only '''begun''' to fight!"'', or ''"This isn't even my '''final''' form!"''

Named in honor of Sephiroth, FinalBoss of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''completely awesome''). Usually accompanied by the stock phrases ''[[BadassBoast "No one whose witnessed this form has lived to tell the tale!"]]'', ''"I have only '''begun''' to fight!"'', or ''"This isn't even my '''final''' form!"''

[[caption-width-right:308:Maleficent [[ObligatoryJoke scales]] [[ScaledUp up]].]]

Sometimes you never even fight their human form at all and they immediately turn into a monster. Can count as TheUnfought if they showed fighting ability in their human form. This is more popular among minor video game villains who will often transform into [[UndergroundMonkey tougher]] [[PaletteSwap versions]] of earlier monsters like in the ''Franchise/BreathOfFire'' and early ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' games, as a unique battle sprite for them would take up extra development time and storage space on the UsefulNotes/{{cartridge}} (one unique boss could take the space of several mooks, more with PaletteSwapping).

Named in honor of Sephiroth, FinalBoss of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''completely awesome''). Usually accompanied by the stock phrases ''[[BadassBoast "No one whose witnessed this form has lived to tell the tale!"]]'', ''"I have only '''begun''' to fight!"'', or ''"This isn't even my'''final''' form!"''

Named in honor of Sephiroth, FinalBoss of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''completely awesome''). Usually accompanied by the stock phrases ''[[BadassBoast "No one who has seen me in this form has lived to tell about it!!!"]]'', ''"I have only '''begun''' to fight!"'', or ''"Now you'll face my '''true''' power!"''

** OneWingedAngel/BandaiNamco

Sometimes you never even fight their human form at all and they immediately turn into a monster. Can count as TheUnfought if they showed fighting ability in their human form. This is more popular among minor video game villains who will often transform into [[UndergroundMonkey tougher]] [[PaletteSwap versions]] of earlier monsters like in the ''BreathOfFire'' and early ''FinalFantasy'' games, as a unique battle sprite for them would take up extra development time and storage space on the {{cartridge}} (one unique boss could take the space of several mooks, more with PaletteSwapping).

Sometimes you never even fight their human form at all and they immediately turn into a monster. Can count as TheUnfought if they showed fighting ability in their human form. This is more popular among minor video game villains who will often transform into [[UndergroundMonkey tougher]] [[PaletteSwap versions]] of earlier monsters like in the ''BreathOfFire'' and early ''FinalFantasy'' games, as it takes time to create a unique battle sprite for them.

[[caption-width-right:308:Maleficent [[Pun scales]] [[ScaledUp up]].]]

[[caption-width-right:308:Maleficent [[ScaledUp scales]] [[ObligatoryPun up]].]]

[[caption-width-right:308:Maleficent [[ScaledUp scales up]].]]

Named in honor of Sephiroth, FinalBoss of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''completely awesome'').

Interestingly, heroes, particularly [[VoluntaryShapeshifting transforming characters]], have been known to occasionally use this "turn into a big scary monster" tactic for their {{Super Mode}}s as well. It's extremely rare for it not to cross into SuperpoweredEvilSide territory.

This shows the villain means business and it's time for the heroes to end it.

Classic {{Big Bad}}s have the tendency, when push comes to shove, to [[PowerMakeover turn into]] big honking monsters. A MadScientist in a fit of urgency might down his own [[PsychoSerum ,or a practitioner of BlackMagic might mutate himself into an EldritchAbomination, or ... you get the idea. Bets are good they'll become way more [[WhatMeasureIsANonCute bloated, ugly, or plain disfigured]].

Classic {{Big Bad}}s have the tendency, when push comes to shove, to [[PowerMakeover turn into]] big honking monsters. A MadScientist in a fit of urgency might [[PsychoSerum down his own mutagen]], or a [[ArtificialLimbs cyborg]] turns his body [[ExplosiveOverclocking into a living bomb,]] or a practitioner of BlackMagic mutates himself into an EldritchAbomination, or a [[KillerRabbit mild-mannered enemy]] reveals her terrifying [[ThisWasHisTrueForm true form]]. Bets are good they'll become way more [[WhatMeasureIsANonCute bloated, ugly, or plain disfigured]]. Sometimes this is [[GlamourFailure more subtle]], and the character will look perfectly normal (or even [[BishonenLine attractive]]) save for [[RedRightHand a few glaring monstrosities]] that [[SculptedPhysique give them]] a scary GameFace.

This shows the villain means business and it's time for the heroes to end it. And for those with firmer morals, this qualifies the villain as a monster, [[WhatMeasureIsANonHuman making it fine to kill him]]. (See also KarmicDeath.) This is probably why item 34 in the EvilOverlordList says "I will not [[ScaledUp turn into a snake]]. It never helps."

Usually accompanied by the stock phrases ''[[BadassBoast "No one who has seen me in this form has lived to tell about it!!!"]]'', ''"I have only '''begun''' to fight!"'', or ''"Now you'll face my '''true''' power!"''

If there's one ''final'' final form after the heroes beat the bad guy, and it loses handily, it was a ClippedWingAngel.

Sadly, this transformation can often be anti-climactic, as it telegraphs to the audience that the villain will most likely face his final defeat soon. Outside of video games, it is quite rare for a bad guy to invoke this trope and actually WIN. This might be because the less human a character looks, the more "acceptable" it is to kill them. That being said, you may notice that it is generally a cliche that, whenever the Big Bad undergoes this transformation, they will almost always turn into a huge, sky-scraping Goliath. Rarely is this inverted mainly on the grounds that the biggest enemy is usually the most powerful and, in Western Culture, this is reinforced due to the aforementioned David versus Goliath story, as well as other tales of the small hero defeating the huge villain. Of course, when creators really want to throw their audience for a loop, they may follow Dragon Ball's example= the most powerful character is the smallest, and a massive size is, in fact, a sign that they have yet to reach their maximum potential.

When the transformation is caused by the character's pain or anger it's HulkingOut.

ScaledUp and MakeMyMonsterGrow, LovecraftianSuperpower are major subtropes. SuperMode is a sister trope.

See also PowerUpgradingDeformation, IAmNotLeftHanded. Compare EmergencyTransformation, CameBackWrong, and NotEvenHuman. Some subversions are to make it a ClippedWingAngel or PowerUpLetdown.

Sometimes you never even fight their human form at all and they immediately turn into a monster. Can count as TheUnfought if they showed fighting ability in their human form. This is more popular among minor video game villains who will often transform into [[UndergroundMonkey tougher]] [[PaletteSwap versions]] of earlier monsters like in the ''BreathOfFire'' and ''FinalFantasy'' games, as it takes time to create a unique battle sprite for them.

Sadly, this transformation can often be anti-climactic, as it telegraphs to the audience that the villain will most likely face his final defeat soon. Outside of video games, it is quite rare for a bad guy to invoke this trope and actually WIN. This might be because the less human a character looks, the more "acceptable" it is to kill them. That being said, you may notice that it is generally a cliche that, whenever the Big Bad undergoes this transformation, they will almost always turn into a huge, sky-scraping Goliath. Rarely is this inverted mainly on the grounds that the biggest enemy is usually the most powerful and, in Western Culture, this is reinforced due to the aforementioned David versus Goliath story, as well as other tales of the small hero defeating the huge villain. Of course, when creators really want to throw their audience for a loop, they may follow Dragon Ball's example= the most powerful character is the smallest, and a massive size is, in fact, a sign that they have yet to reach their maximum potential.

One way to defeat a villain who became giant is to [[SummonBiggerFish create another giant to fight him with]]. A fight of giants can be even worse than a single giant, but it may be done anyway [[GodzillaThreshold if there are no other options left]].

ScaledUp and MakeMyMonsterGrow are major subtropes. See also LovecraftianSuperpower, PowerUpgradingDeformation, IAmNotLeftHanded, EvilMakesYouMonstrous and ShapeshifterShowdown. Compare EmergencyTransformation, CameBackWrong, SuperMode, and NotEvenHuman. One subversion is to make it a ClippedWingAngel.

ScaledUp and MakeMyMonsterGrow are major subtropes. See also LovecraftianSuperpower, PowerUpgradingDeformation, IAmNotLeftHanded, EvilMakesYouMonstrous and ShapeshifterShowdown. Compare EmergencyTransformation, CameBackWrong, and NotEvenHuman. One subversion is to make it a ClippedWingAngel.

Named in honor of Sephiroth, BigBad of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''completely awesome'').

Named in honor of Sephiroth, BigBad of the video game ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII.''[[note]]Okay, named in honor of his theme music, as he has in fact ''seven'' wings, but just one in place of an arm.[[/note]] Video games in general absolutely ''adore'' having their final boss do this, even when their original form is scary enough anyway. In fact, it's gotten to be somewhat of an arms race: thanks to the popularity of [[Manga/DragonBall Frieza]] in 1991, [[RuleOfThree three-form]] bosses are now somewhat common, and those games going for "epic" will sometimes go for even more. In [=JRPGs=], particularly, it is rather common to see two stages of OneWingedAngel: the "bizarro" form, that is huge and scary, and the "angel" form, that is winged, eerily beautiful and accompanied by OminousLatinChanting (the original One Winged Angel, Sephiroth, is the codifier of this subtrope). Once beaten, or on becoming even more powerful, the villain may cross the BishonenLine and into safer territory for an EvilMakeover to work its magic (though it's a huge case of TropesAreNotBad; as much as it's used, you'd be hard pressed to complain when they turn into something ''fucking awesome'').

** OneWingedAnge/SquareEnix

If you have time, please take time to put examples in alphabetical order. This page Administrivia/HowToAlphabetizeThings should help you with that.

For extra effect, try listening to [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYD1pHte9gc this]] while reading this page.

** OneWingedAngel/SquareEnix