History Main / SuperhumanTransfusion

[[caption-width-right:270:[[FridgeLogic Wait]], Spider-Man's webs are [[GeniusBruiser a gadget he made]]. How did a tranfusion give Gabe webshooting?]]

--> -- ''WebComic/DarthsAndDroids'', episode [[http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0086.html 86]]

* Done deliberately in ''Webcomic/DarthsAndDroids''; [[http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0086.html Jim had Qui-Gon give Anakin a blood transfusion]] so the mini-chlorines [[{{Malaproper}} [sic]]] would make him Force-sensitive for the podrace. [[http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0142.html A later strip]] says that the Jedi tried it a few centuries ago, but the results were unpredictable, and it is stated that this [[CreateYourOwnVillain creates mental instability]].
** This idea was subverted in the Star Wars expanded universe. General Grievous received blood transfusions from a Force-sensitive individual during his transformation into a cyborg but it failed to transfer any Force sensitivity.

It bears mentioning that in RealLife blood transfusions in no way transfer the donor's genes into the recipient's DNA. The red and white blood cells last only a few months before dying without leaving a trace. If John's powers are biological/genetic/chemical in nature, and/or {{Phlebotinum}} is involved, Jack getting these powers is often justified by TheProfessor explaining that the donation triggered dormant super-genes in Jack, or actually ''did'' somehow [[ViralTransformation overwrite parts of his genome]]. If John's powers are magical in nature, then the reason Jack gets similar powers may have to do with BloodMagic. In these cases "John" might not even be the same species as Jack, such as dragon or vampire blood [[note]]of the mystical, non [[ViralTransformation viral based types]][[/note]], endowing the imbiber with power. If John's powers are from a [[TheSymbiote (symbiotic) virus]] then it reasonably would be able to transfer via blood transfusion, though you can probably count characters with these powers on one hand (See the example in the Literature folder).

* In ''Literature/TheSagaOfDarrenShan'' the vampires/vampaneze are recruiting new members to their clans this way. This is usually achieved by both donor and recipient cutting their fingertips on both hands, and keeping their wounds pressed to one another's until the transfused blood has run a full circle between their bodies. While this is the traditional method, injection with syringes also works. A few days later the recipient will turn into a {{dhampyr}} or a full vampire depending on the amount of blood transfused.

* In ''VideoGame/IronTwilight'', you get closer to the end of the game and you find out Felipe's past. Felipe got a blood transfusion from a monster guitar player that got killed in a car accident. Felipe accidently fell in the puddle of the musical artist's blood, leaving some of the blood to get drained into Felipe's wounds. It was then, Felipe got excellent guitar playing skills and used them to dramatically rank up in the charts. However, he ranked down to the lowest level after Jack killed him in the game's climax (if you make Jack choose to).

* Late into ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia'', Zelos Wilder claims that he has received a transfusion of elven blood, thus solving a cinch in their endgame plan [[spoiler:that only a descendent of elves can wield the Eternal Sword. Although he later pulls a FakeDefector gambit (or a proper FaceHeelTurn, depending on the player's choice) and the party acquires a means to let a ''human'' wield the Eternal Sword, [[MultipleEndings one of the possible conversations]] the night before reveals that ''some'' elven blood is required for any kind of magic; given that Zelos has a MagicKnight moveset, it's likely he's telling the truth]].

* Done deliberately in ''Webcomic/DarthsAndDroids''; [[http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0086.html Jim had Qui-Gon give Anakin a blood transfusion]] so the mini-chlorines [[{{Malaproper}} [sic] ]] would make him Force-sensitive for the podrace. [[http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0142.html A later strip]] says that the Jedi tried it a few centuries ago, but the results were unpredictable, and it is stated that this [[CreateYourOwnVillain creates mental instability]].

[[caption-width-right:270:That's only because Tycho hasn't tried to use his amazing proportional strength of a monkey!]]

* There's a ''Webcomic/PennyArcade'' comic where, after a car-crash, Gabe and Tycho end up in the hospital and get blood-transfusions. Gabe ends up getting blood donated by SpiderMan, and immediately develops web-shooting abilities, much to his joy. Tycho got [[ButtMonkey monkey-blood]].

** This idea was subverted in the Star Wars expanded universe. General Grievous received blood transfusions from a force sensitive individual during his transformation into a cyborg but it failed to transfer any force sensitivity.

* In ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'', this is apparently how they're handling [[spoiler:Beast Boy's]] origin, instead of the SuperSerum from the comics. He had a life-saving blood transfusion from [[spoiler:Miss Martian]].

* In an episode ''Series/{{Charmed}}'', a doctor is experimenting with the Charmed Ones' blood (long story, but he believes it could be the key to a "universal antibody") and unintentionally gives himself and his test subjects (three monkeys) their collective powers (he injected the monkeys with a mix of their blood, and they injected him). Unfortunately, mortals can't properly handle that kind of power, and it starts warping his body and mind; he "does good and saves innocents" by killing criminals and harvesting their organs for those that need them.

* In ''Manga/RosarioToVampire'', Tsukune receives a temporary EmergencyTransformation from Moka by injecting her blood into him whenever he injures himself while [[TakingTheBullet protecting his friends]]. Eventually, it becomes permanent... [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity with consequences]].

* ''Series/TheOuterLimits1995'': In the episode "Last Supper", a MadScientist is pursuing an immortal woman so he can collect her unique blood and inject it into himself to both heal his own wounds and reverse his aging. [[spoiler:He does manage to get hold of it but miscalculates the stuff's potency, eventually shriveling up into a pool of cells.]]

* This is ComicBook/SheHulk's origin. She needed a blood transfusion and [[Comicbook/TheHulk Bruce]] was on hand, afterwards she was permanently changed into a hulk, albeit she retained her personality and intellect. It later [[{{Retcon}} turned out]] that the Hulk's drastic change in personality is caused by a multiple personality disorder which is exacerbated by his transformation. She-Hulk's personality ''does'' change, but instead of [[UnstoppableRage HULK SMASH]]!, she just gets sassier and more confident. She also doesn't have the insane number of alternate transformations that Bruce does.

* ''Comicbook/XMen'' character Jonothan "Jono" Starsmore aka Chamber lost his powers during M-day. This was very bad for him since the first manifestation of his powers destroyed part of his body including some vital organs, and his power was what kept him alive. However, Jono's family the Starsmores were also a part of Clan Akkaba, descendants and followers of Comicbook/Apocalypse. Clan Akkaba, hoping to convince Jono to join them, gave him a transfusion of Apocalypse's blood. This healed his body and gave him some of Apocalypse's features such as gray skin, red eyes, and blue lips.

* There is an episode of ''WesternAnimation/KryptoTheSuperdog'' where the cat gets his powers this way.

** In ''ComicBook/Superman'' #6 1940 Clark Kent opens his own vein to transfuse an injured Lois Lane; not only is she healed of injuries, but Siegel has the Doctor remark "incredible his blood conforms to all four types".

A subtrope of SuperEmpowering. See also HowToGiveACharacterSuperPowers.

* This is what the 1969-71 series ''Series/TheImmortal'' was all about. The hero (Chris George)'s is a race car driver whose blood makes him immune to all diseases. An ailing bazillionaire wants him for transfusions. This quickly turned into a replay of ''TheFugitive'', but did have its moments.

* Inverted early on in ''ComicBook/{{Spider-Man}}'' when Peter gave blood to save Aunt May. Neither of them got much out of it - Peter was too woozy to fight for much of the issue, and his radioactive blood nearly killed Aunt May later on, sparking another "race to find a cure" story.

* In ''DarkAngel'', when Max gives an emergency transfusion to Logan, her stem-cell-laden blood starts to repair his spine. Unfortunately, it doesn't last, but he eventually gets a hold of a mechanical exoskeleton that lets him walk again. Later, a transfusion from another transgenic has longer-lasting effects, which when added to the support from the exoskeleton let him be stronger and faster.

It bears mentioning that in RealLife blood transfusions in no way transfer the donor's genes into the recipient's DNA. The red and white blood cells last only a few months before dying without leaving a trace. If John's powers are biological/genetic/chemical in nature, and/or {{Phlebotinum}} is involved, Jack getting these powers is often justified by TheProfessor explaining that the donation triggered dormant super-genes in Jack, or actually ''did'' somehow [[ViralTransformation overwrite parts of his genome]]. If John's powers are magical in nature, then the reason Jack gets similar powers may have to do with BloodMagic. In these cases "John" might not even be the same species as Jack, such as dragon or vampire blood, [[note]]of the mystical, non [[ViralTransformation viral based types,]][[/note]], endowing the imbiber with power. If John's powers are from a [[TheSymbiote (symbiotic) virus]] then it reasonably would be able to transfer via blood transfusion, though you can probably count characters with these powers on one hand (See the example in the Literature folder).

* When WesternAnimation/{{Megamind}} finally succeeds at removing his WorthyOpponent Metro Man and is left with nothing to do, he ends up [[CreateYourOwnVillain creating a new hero]] to fight by injecting [[{{Everyman}} some random joe off the street]] with Metro Man's DNA. [[spoiler:That really [[BewareTheSuperman didn't work out]], though.]]

* During the first arc of ''ComicBook/YoungAvengers'', Patriot claims that this is how he got his powers: his grandfather, CaptainAmerica's supersoldier prototype, gave him a blood transfusion. It turns out be a lie (Patriot was addicted to a drug that gave super-powers), but then he [[TakingTheBullet takes a shot from a Kree blaster]] for Cap. When he gets to the hospital after the battle, Cap is all set for this, except "the ''other'' super-soldier beat you to it."

* In the manga ''Manga/WolfGuyWolfenCrest'', Akira gives blood to Chiba after Hadou nearly kills him, and Chiba is healed by it and becomes a werewolf--and crazy, with the ability to change at will into some mutated-looking wolf-beast, unlike Akira's transformation. So, not a completely identical transference of abilities, but Akira didn't realize his powers would transfer at all.