Mr. Young is a Canadian childrens' sitcom about a 14 year old who teaches high school. In the (Season 3, #4) episode "Mr. Hyde," Mr. Young drinks a potion that turns him into hulking monster. The special effects are bargain-basement, but they have a sort of goofy/stupid charm. Any effort is always appreciated around these parts...
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Lobo (Werewolf/Wolfman Transformation)
Someone’s finally done the right thing—they hired a good-looking guy as a werewolf and actually showed him transforming into one!
I’m referring about the first episode of Lobo, an Argentinean telenovela that finished airing a year ago. It’s about a tall, dark, good-looking guy who turn into a real beast-man, thanks to a curse that kicks in when he turns 30. He's played by the already wolfishly handsome Gonzalo Heredia.
However, it should be said that what he transforms into is a wolfman-style werewolf. I know wolfman transformations are not everyone’s favorite, but when done well they can accentuate the idea of humanity gone feral. By keeping a more humanoid face, the wolfman shows humanity at the very brink of slipping away, but not yet fully bestial. And because the wolfman's face is still humanoid, with features like overgrown sideburns and eyebrows and excess facial hair, it heavily suggests the metaphor of lycanthropy as puberty gone haywire into adulthood. Anyway, enough blabbing from me, here's the clip:
The wolfman in Lobo reminds me of the one in the Tales From the Crypt episode “Werewolf Concerto.” Both monsters partake of the wolfman form, though with their hyper-masculine faces and torn open-shirts they look like more like debauched rockstars than Lon Chaney Jr. The wolfman in this episode is played by Timothy Dalton, and the transformation is short but features familiar, beloved standbys like claws tearing out of shoes (Lobo throws in two shots of this!) and the beast’s humped back ripping through his shirt. Personally, I'd rather see a younger actor doing the transforming--not that I have anything against Dalton's acting (he was the best James Bond since Sean Connery). He certainly acts with brio in this scene:
Getting back to Lobo… for those curious about behind-the-scenes details, the effects crew was instructed to design a werewolf that “should retain the physiognomic characteristics of the actor.” In the first stage a mold was taken to copy the features of the actor and his teeth. From the resulting sculpture came the werewolf suit, made of latex and imitation leather, with fur added “hair by hair.” Applying the costume and makeup to the actor took two and a half hours (for a video of the process, click here), The transformation itself was CGI, created with software like Maya and Mudbox. The press materials brag that the effects are on par with those of American TV, and I would agree. Though there should have been some shots of Heredia’s face shifting, the stretching fingers and ears and growing chest are smooth and lifelike and don't compare badly to the effects in the recent Wolfman remake.
Unfortunately, Lobo never surpassed its first episode, and the show was cancelled after a rather short run (by telenovela standards) of 53 episodes. Perhaps viewers were disappointed by the lack of werewolfishness—the remaining transformations are disappointing and grow progressively shorter, dribbling out after episode 21. They're also partial and repeat effects from the first transformation. I have links to three of the later TFs, but be warned that they're disappointing:
Partial Transformation 01
Partial Transformation 02
Partial Transformation 03
Lastly, here's a bonus scene. It has no TF content but gives a fuller view of the werewolf...and of Mr. Heredia's posterior, for those of you into beefcake...
Spirou et Fantasio (Werewolf Transformation)
Spirou et Fantasio is one of those massively popular European comics that never made it big in America. Spirou, as far as I can tell, is a dude in a bellhop outfit who has all sorts of crazy adventures. In book 52 of the series, La face cachée du Z, he ends up on the moon and is somehow turned into a wolfman (don't ask me, my French is rusty). This page is a badly edited-together panel compilation by yours truly.
Superman-Batman 66-67 (Bat Transformation)
Issues 66 to 67 of Superman-Batman contain a story arc featuring Bizarro, Solomon Grundy, Frankenstein, and Man-Bat. The latter is of course a classic Batman foe. Here he's seen struggling between his man and beast forms--we very much appreciate artist Scot Kolins' eye for detail.
Man-Bat had several memorable appearances in animation as well. He's in the classic first episode of Batman: The Animated Series, and his transformation can be seen here thanks to our friend Dutchbull. He also made several appearances in the later (and inferior) cartoon The Batman. Those TF scenes, also hosted by Dutchbull, are listed below:
01 02 03 04 05
Man-Bat had several memorable appearances in animation as well. He's in the classic first episode of Batman: The Animated Series, and his transformation can be seen here thanks to our friend Dutchbull. He also made several appearances in the later (and inferior) cartoon The Batman. Those TF scenes, also hosted by Dutchbull, are listed below:
01 02 03 04 05
Wolverine Annual '97 (Werewolf Transformation)
Wolverine Annual '97 pits everyone's favorite feisty Canuck against Ilya Dubromovich Skorzorski, code-named VOLK. An ex-KGB assasin, Volk was experimented on and got his DNA fused with that of a wolf. Violence makes him transform, and he gets into a scrap with his old enemy Wolvie.
As the comic progresses, Volk's werewolf form grows progressively more feral, until he permanently turns into an ordinary wolf (which was the battle-weary lycanthrope's goal all along). We commend the fine linework of artist Leonardo Manco for bringing the beast to life.
Now, since Volk's transformation from human to werewolf to wolf takes place gradually over many pages, I had to cut and combine several panels into composite pages. So story-wise what you're going to see is messy and a bit incoherent because of my edits. However, you're also getting the undiluted TF content, so enjoy!
In case you're curious, Wolverine himself has become a werewolf on several occasions. His comic transformation occurred off panel, but he got a decent TF scene in the old X-Men cartoon from the late 90s. Though seen mostly from the back, there's some good clothes and shoe ripping, and his monster-form is an intimidating wolf-hulk.
As the comic progresses, Volk's werewolf form grows progressively more feral, until he permanently turns into an ordinary wolf (which was the battle-weary lycanthrope's goal all along). We commend the fine linework of artist Leonardo Manco for bringing the beast to life.
Now, since Volk's transformation from human to werewolf to wolf takes place gradually over many pages, I had to cut and combine several panels into composite pages. So story-wise what you're going to see is messy and a bit incoherent because of my edits. However, you're also getting the undiluted TF content, so enjoy!
In case you're curious, Wolverine himself has become a werewolf on several occasions. His comic transformation occurred off panel, but he got a decent TF scene in the old X-Men cartoon from the late 90s. Though seen mostly from the back, there's some good clothes and shoe ripping, and his monster-form is an intimidating wolf-hulk.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Batman (Werewolf Transformation)
Here's yet another werewolf comic drawn by a great illustrator. The story is "Moon of the Wolf," from Batman #255. The art is by Neal Adams, the definitive Batman artist of the 70s. In these three (non-continuous) pages, athlete Anthony Lupus gets in touch with his inner beast...
Two decades later, "Moon of the Wolf" was closely adapted into an episode of Batman: The Animated Series...so closely that the three transformation scenes in the cartoon correspond to the comic's. You can compare them by watching the videos hosted by our friend Dutchbull:
01. The reversion scene.
02. The partial transformation.
03. The full transformation.
The only major difference between the cartoon and comic was that Lupus was renamed Romulus.
Which version do you prefer? I vote for the cartoon. Adams's art is fantastic, with its patented mix of realism and dynamism, but his werewolf design is underwhelming--a hairy dude with lynx ears. The cartoon version preserves the original's bulk but adds a genuine wolf snout and a full-on jagged fur coat. In a nice touch, human Romulus sports a unibrow in old werewolf tradition.
Though BTAS was one of the greatest cartoons of the 1990s, "Moon of the Wolf" is regarded as one of its worst episodes. But from a transformation point of view it's fantastic, with some of the most lovingly storyboarded werewolf TFs of its time.
In the reversion scene we get detailed close-ups of Romulus's paws shifting into feet, claws into hands, and even reverse muzzle growth as he gives a last howl to the moon. In the third transformation, we get epic clothes-bursting (though there's a notorious continuity error involving his shirt--or shirts), hands bulging into black-tipped claws, and muzzle-growth wittily timed with a lightning flash. The superimposition of cells that creates the transformation effects recalls the lap-dissolves used in Wolf Man, but animation allows a fuller and wilder transformation than anything in comics or live action.
All in all, a great TF rite of passage for those of us who were impressionable kids back in 1992.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Swamp Thing (Werewolf Transformation)
Continuing our theme of werewolf transformations from old comics by great artists, here's some lycanthropic goodness from Swamp Thing (Vol.1, #4), drawn by Berni Wrightson.
The TF is mostly shown via the face (alas), but the werewolf design is a neat blend of classic wolfman (no muzzle) and bestial modern werewolf (lupine hind legs and ears, hulking upper body). The only demerit goes to the colorist, who has inexplicably made the beast white.
Later tonight I'll have a final entry in our comics series, so keep those yellow eyes peeled!
The TF is mostly shown via the face (alas), but the werewolf design is a neat blend of classic wolfman (no muzzle) and bestial modern werewolf (lupine hind legs and ears, hulking upper body). The only demerit goes to the colorist, who has inexplicably made the beast white.
Later tonight I'll have a final entry in our comics series, so keep those yellow eyes peeled!
"House of Mystery," "Creepy," "Menace," "Horror From the Tomb," and "Secrets of Sinister House" (Werewolf Transformations)
This post is our second devoted to werewolf transformations from old horror comics. (The first, dating from 2011, can be read here.) This time around we have art from some of the best illustrators in the field.
First comes "The Way of the Werewolf," from House of Mystery #231, which features some fine facial transformations by Gerry Talaoc. It can be read here, at Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine.
Next is "Werewolf!," drawn by the great Frank Frazetta. Taken from Creepy #1, read it here at the blog Black 'N' White and Red All Over. The TF is on the last page.
Also hosted by the same blog, and from the same comic (issue 12), is a real gem--"Blood of the Werewolf!" -- with gorgeous art by none other than Steve Ditko. Go here to feast your eyes on Ditko's fine, strapping wolfman.
From Menace #3 comes "Werewolf!", drawn by Bill Everett. It can be seen here, at the blog The Horrors of it All. The TF is on the last page.
Horror From the Tomb #1 features "Werewolf of the Alps," with art by Jon D'Agostino. You can find it here, at the blog Four Color Shadows.
Our last item is "Castle Curse," from Secrets of Sinister House #10, beautifully rendered by the great Alfred P. Acala, though the only TF action is a face revert on the second-to-last page. See it here, at the blog Lounge of the Severed Head.
First comes "The Way of the Werewolf," from House of Mystery #231, which features some fine facial transformations by Gerry Talaoc. It can be read here, at Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine.
Next is "Werewolf!," drawn by the great Frank Frazetta. Taken from Creepy #1, read it here at the blog Black 'N' White and Red All Over. The TF is on the last page.
Also hosted by the same blog, and from the same comic (issue 12), is a real gem--"Blood of the Werewolf!" -- with gorgeous art by none other than Steve Ditko. Go here to feast your eyes on Ditko's fine, strapping wolfman.
From Menace #3 comes "Werewolf!", drawn by Bill Everett. It can be seen here, at the blog The Horrors of it All. The TF is on the last page.
Horror From the Tomb #1 features "Werewolf of the Alps," with art by Jon D'Agostino. You can find it here, at the blog Four Color Shadows.
Our last item is "Castle Curse," from Secrets of Sinister House #10, beautifully rendered by the great Alfred P. Acala, though the only TF action is a face revert on the second-to-last page. See it here, at the blog Lounge of the Severed Head.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A Werewolf Boy (Werewolf Transformation)
A Werewolf Boy is a Korean romantic drama about a girl who befriends a feral orphan boy. On one level, the movie is porn for 14 year old girls, but with sentiment instead of sex. On the other hand, it's filmed and acted with much greater grace and sensitivity than something like Twilight. And Joong-ki Song gives a fine performance as the beastly title character, who is tamed like a dog.
Anyway, the werewolf boy does in fact turn into a werewolf--or rather a wolfman, and even then he doesn't look have a snout or any especially wolfy attributes. But the transformation is worth excerpting (I quite like the foot-to-paw CGI). I've rather crudely edited it together with a much briefer second TF from later on in the film.
Many thanks to our friend Mike for letting us know of the source material for this clip!
Anyway, the werewolf boy does in fact turn into a werewolf--or rather a wolfman, and even then he doesn't look have a snout or any especially wolfy attributes. But the transformation is worth excerpting (I quite like the foot-to-paw CGI). I've rather crudely edited it together with a much briefer second TF from later on in the film.
Many thanks to our friend Mike for letting us know of the source material for this clip!
Harey Podder: Say the Magic Word (Rabbit Transformation)
No points on guessing what Harey Podder: Say the Magic Word is a parody of! This is another very funny short by the very talented animator Stodoe.
And once again, we have the treat of looking through still frames of the transformation! Viewable here.
And once again, we have the treat of looking through still frames of the transformation! Viewable here.
Everyday Hulk (Muscle Growth/Monster Transformation)
Our friend Makaio wrote in to recommend this very funny short film, which definitely deserves a post. It's a homemade, terrifically-rendered animation by a professional animator nicknamed Stodoe. Most of the animation made for the web is either Flash or 3-D, so kudos to someone so talented at creating traditional animation (which is the best kind!).
There's an additional treat in store for guys--still frames from Hulk's transformation! Take a look at them here.
There's an additional treat in store for guys--still frames from Hulk's transformation! Take a look at them here.
Manzanita Sol (Evolution Transformation)
Manzanita Sol is a fruit-flavored soft drink sold in Spain or Latin America, and this amusing commercial features a fish so desperate for a gulp that he evolves out of his tank and into human form, turning into a half-dozen species along the way. It's bad science, since hardly any of the creatures he evolves into are human ancestors, but I wouldn't mind seeing more commercials of animals turning into naked men.
Dutchbull updates (and so will I!)
Hello all,
Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be updating the blog with four or five new entries within the next couple of hours, so stay tuned. In the meantime, why not check out the recent update at Dutchbull's site? He's managed to find even more clips from Mission Odyssey, which you might fondly remember from my last update, along with TF scenes from 17 other shows and movies, ranging from Hanuman: The Last Monkey Warrior to We're Back. And stay tuned for his next update, on April 24th.
Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be updating the blog with four or five new entries within the next couple of hours, so stay tuned. In the meantime, why not check out the recent update at Dutchbull's site? He's managed to find even more clips from Mission Odyssey, which you might fondly remember from my last update, along with TF scenes from 17 other shows and movies, ranging from Hanuman: The Last Monkey Warrior to We're Back. And stay tuned for his next update, on April 24th.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Mission Odyssey (Animal Transformations)
Last month I discussed the fact that many European cartoons with decent transformation scenes never air in America, a very frustrating situation for the TF enthusiast. One example is Mission Odyssey, a cartoon based on Homer's masterwork. Of course, no retelling of the Odyssey is complete without Circe, and episode 5 features her and several animal transformations. Sadly, the pig TFs take place offscreen, but enjoy the following in their place.
Kappa Mikey (Monster Transformation)
Kappa Mikey was a cartoon spoof of several types of anime, though the title character was a generic American superhero. In "The Night of the Werepuff" (Season 02, Episode 15), Mikey is bitten by a "werepuff," and on the full moon turns into a very puffy, hair-covered weremonster who likes to eat people's clothes. I've edited together two of his transformations, along with some clothes-munching scenes. The second is better than the first, though everything is animated in cheap-looking flash.
P.S. In case you missed it, Dutchbull updated his wonderful site earlier this month. Among the many riches on display are the transformation scenes from the Spanish werewolf horror comedy Lobos De Arga, made with old-fashioned prosthetics and guys in suits. The throwback approach works far better than almost any CGI transformation you can think of.
P.S. In case you missed it, Dutchbull updated his wonderful site earlier this month. Among the many riches on display are the transformation scenes from the Spanish werewolf horror comedy Lobos De Arga, made with old-fashioned prosthetics and guys in suits. The throwback approach works far better than almost any CGI transformation you can think of.
Generator Rex (Werewolf Transformation)
Despite being about nanobytes changing characters' bodies, the transformations I've seen in the cartoon Generator Rex have mostly been disappointing. The episode "Night Falls" (Season 02, Ep.13) is no exception, despite being about a group of werewolf-like creatures in Mexico. EDIT: the defunct original video links have been replaced with links to TF Dimension's site.
There's a reversion scene, though it mostly consists of two close-ups. Later on a character starts to transform and grows a furry mane and pointed ears. The character eventually reverts, but in a long shot (and of course all his clothing magically reappears from nowhere). Slim pickings.
There's a reversion scene, though it mostly consists of two close-ups. Later on a character starts to transform and grows a furry mane and pointed ears. The character eventually reverts, but in a long shot (and of course all his clothing magically reappears from nowhere). Slim pickings.
Datarom (Dragon, Crow, Wolf Transformations)
The webcomic Datarom! dates from a few years ago, and featured a few transformation scenes rendered in cartoony style.
In the first, a weredragon is transformed into a more feral form, as seen here.
Second comes a werewolf TF, starting here and ending here.
Third, a bird-man turns into a monstrous crow TF, as seen here.
Note: the artist later went on to a comic called Furthia High. If anyone knows of any TF scenes in it, please let me know.
In the first, a weredragon is transformed into a more feral form, as seen here.
Second comes a werewolf TF, starting here and ending here.
Third, a bird-man turns into a monstrous crow TF, as seen here.
Note: the artist later went on to a comic called Furthia High. If anyone knows of any TF scenes in it, please let me know.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Transient Pulse (Werewolf Transformation)
(This is a re-run of a formerly deleted post.)
The strange webcomic Transient Pulse contains a sort of were-squirrel transformation, found here.
Note: the "previous" and "next" buttons on this comic are reversed in function.
P.S. On an unrelated note, the link for the webcomic Paranormal Mystery Squad has been fixed.
The strange webcomic Transient Pulse contains a sort of were-squirrel transformation, found here.
Note: the "previous" and "next" buttons on this comic are reversed in function.
P.S. On an unrelated note, the link for the webcomic Paranormal Mystery Squad has been fixed.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Office of the Cat (Lion Transformation)
In all honesty, I have no idea what the English-language name of this show is. The Japanese title is 猫の事務所, which google translates as "Office of the Cat." As for where I found the link, it's part of the massive list of anime with transformations I described in an earlier post.
I also have no idea what this show is about, aside from that fact that it stars a bunch of anthropomorphic house-cats who work in an office. One of these cats suddenly transforms into a big-ass lion. Once again, I have no idea why.
Off Topic Update: the link for Adventure Time has been updated with a working video. Yay Hugwolf!
I also have no idea what this show is about, aside from that fact that it stars a bunch of anthropomorphic house-cats who work in an office. One of these cats suddenly transforms into a big-ass lion. Once again, I have no idea why.
Off Topic Update: the link for Adventure Time has been updated with a working video. Yay Hugwolf!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Gawayn (Werewolf Transformation)
Welcome to the Halloween update! In the spirit of the holiday, this entry and the four below it are all about werewolves.
One thing I've discovered while working on this blog is that a lot of European cartoons are never aired in America, despite the low cost of dubbing. This is doubly frustrating because some of these shows have decent transformation scenes.
Gawayn, a comedic medieval fantasy cartoon, is a good example. In episode 20, a character is turned into a pig, while his friends are turned into pork-hungry wolves. Comments after the clip.
The scene is a nice surprise, since comedic cartoons usually feature instant transformations. But here they're played for mock horror and a bit more drawn out, especially in the lovingly storyboarded shots of the Asian character's feet, tail, and chest bursting through his clothes.
One thing I've discovered while working on this blog is that a lot of European cartoons are never aired in America, despite the low cost of dubbing. This is doubly frustrating because some of these shows have decent transformation scenes.
Gawayn, a comedic medieval fantasy cartoon, is a good example. In episode 20, a character is turned into a pig, while his friends are turned into pork-hungry wolves. Comments after the clip.
The scene is a nice surprise, since comedic cartoons usually feature instant transformations. But here they're played for mock horror and a bit more drawn out, especially in the lovingly storyboarded shots of the Asian character's feet, tail, and chest bursting through his clothes.
MercWorks (Werewolf Transformation)
Mercworks is a humorous webcomic, and it happened to recently feature a werewolf transformation. I won't spoil the joke for you, so click here and enjoy!
Space Cadets Halloween Howl (Werewolf Transformation)
Space Cadets is a decidedly adult-themed webcomic for a gay audience. A Halloween special involves one of the characters turning into a very excited werewolf. This is definitely not work safe, so don't say I didn't warn you! Those who like naughty lycanthropes can click here....
Dracula Meets the Wolfman (Werewolf Transformation)
Dracula Meets the Wolfman is a horror comic drawn (quite nicely) by Francisco Francavilla. A Brazilian werewolf fan-group has posted some pages here, and if you scroll down five images you'll see a transformation scene.
Dense Fear: Bloodline (Werewolf Transformation)
Dense Fear (how can an emotion be dense?) is a low-budget independent werewolf film, and it happens to feature a good and lengthy transformation scene. It's an obvious labor of love and shows the results an amateur filmmaker can get on no-budget production.
I'd love to embed the video here, but the assholes who run youtube have decided to make it impossible to embed a video that starts at a set time, so here's a cued link. An earlier version of the scene, shot a few years before, can be watched here.
I'd love to embed the video here, but the assholes who run youtube have decided to make it impossible to embed a video that starts at a set time, so here's a cued link. An earlier version of the scene, shot a few years before, can be watched here.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Kutsal Damacana 2: Itmen (Werewolf Transformation)
Kutsal Damacana 2: Itmen is a Turkish comedy. Turkey is infamous for making films that are unintentionally hilarious, so be warned... I have no idea what the film's about, but it does feature a werewolf who gradually transforms. I've badly edited together the transformation scenes and have also included a long scene of the werewolf slow-dancing, because--well, how often do you see that happen? For those who don't enjoy dances with werewolves, watch up to 3:10 and then skip to 8:25 for the reversion scene. And remember, if you want to know what's going on, I can't help you. I suspect the filmmakers can't either...
Werewolf Transformation (plus dancing!)
Werewolf Transformation (plus dancing!)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Art of Lobo Leo
Here's some big news--Lobo Leo has updated his website! He doesn't update often, but when he does he gives you a treasure trove. And those of you who only know Leo through his webcomic Alpha Luna, about a female werewolf, might be glad to know that Leo gives equal time to male werewolves on his site.
Leo's art style has some anime influence, but it's very much his own and lovingly detailed down to the last strand of fur. He is an artist who's plainly fascinated with werewolves and deeply intent on capturing the process of transformation in all its sensual glory and excitement. This means that some of his art is not safe for work. His site is split up into four sections, all worth a visit:
* Drawings and Sketches is a rich storehouse, including several sequences of writhing lycanthropes.
* Comics contains Leo's latest work, "Two Howls," a 21 page comic about a couple discovering each other's inner beasts on vacation. You need to pay $12 to see it, but it's definitely worth the money. The remaining comics are free and worth perusing.
* Photomorphs contains several impressively realistic sequences--maybe the best of their kind on the web.
* Lastly, in Movies there's the "Downloadable Videos" section featuring animated versions of several photomorphs and drawn sequences.
Leo's art style has some anime influence, but it's very much his own and lovingly detailed down to the last strand of fur. He is an artist who's plainly fascinated with werewolves and deeply intent on capturing the process of transformation in all its sensual glory and excitement. This means that some of his art is not safe for work. His site is split up into four sections, all worth a visit:
* Drawings and Sketches is a rich storehouse, including several sequences of writhing lycanthropes.
* Comics contains Leo's latest work, "Two Howls," a 21 page comic about a couple discovering each other's inner beasts on vacation. You need to pay $12 to see it, but it's definitely worth the money. The remaining comics are free and worth perusing.
* Photomorphs contains several impressively realistic sequences--maybe the best of their kind on the web.
* Lastly, in Movies there's the "Downloadable Videos" section featuring animated versions of several photomorphs and drawn sequences.
News Update: Dutchbull Updates,Teen Wolf Season 2, and a fixed link
I have a video update planned for later this week, but first some news:
* Dutchbull has updated his terrific Transformation video website! Of special interest are a wolf TF from Full Metal Alchemist and the werewolf transformation and reversion scenes from the direct-to-video Werewolf: The Beast Among Us. The movie isn't quite as bad as I thought it would be--the werewolf hunters are stupidly anachronistic and the ending is cynically happy to make room for sequels, but the central character fits into the Wolfman tradition (and is played by a rather hunky young actor).The werewolf is CGI of course, but the technology seems to have improved.
* The finale of Teen Wolf season two aired while I was on vacation. Before I discuss it (spoilers ahoy!), allow me to continue being smug about how I predicted the show would be better than everyone else on the internet thought. And in season two the storytelling, direction, lighting, and acting have improved even further. So let's tip our hat to Producer/Showrunner Jeff Davis and his crew.
That said, I wonder if the storyline was worth all that effort. I don't think the Kanima (or however the hell it's spelled) merited a season-long story-arc. Davis has said this storyline was one of redemption for Jackson, but surely Jackson's appeal was in being an attractive bastard whose humanity showed only briefly and teasingly. Furthermore, having Jackson redeemed by his love for Lydia depends on the dubious idea that he actually loved her in the first place, when it's clear that the only person Jackson loves is himself.
Nor was the Kanima convincingly explained--why would a human on the path to transforming into another mammal be detoured into reptile form? Worse, the kanima seems to have eaten up the special effects budget and left none for the lycanthropes--not a good thing in a show called Teen Wolf. (And frankly, if we have to have other werecreatures on this show, why not weretigers? Or weredonkeys for comic relief?)
Though we got to see Jackson transform into beta werewolf form, we were denied seeing Derek turn into an alpha werewolf--by which I mean a real werewolf, not a human with pointy ears and sideburns. (The make-up for the beta werewolf is fine, but it's even less animalistic than that of the original Wolfman from 1941.)
Why was this? On his twitter, Jeff Davis was asked why Derek didn't turn into "that big bad Alpha like Peter did?" Davis answered "To be honest, the CGI is way too expensive and I prefer live actors." But unless MTV shrank the show's budget (highly unlikely, it was a hit!), then the special effects money must have been spent on that damn Kanima. In any case, it didn't make sense for Derek to not transform into a bigger, badder monster when fighting something so deadly.
Someone later asked "why did Peter turn into a full on wolf type creature when he was alpha but Derek didn't?" Davis replied "That will be explained in Season 3." I certainly hope so, just as I hope the new season, which will feature more alphas, will also feature some alpha transformations.
With that in mind, I have a suggestion for those of you who use twitter. If you could, why not ask Jeff (in the most respectful and positive manner that you can) whether we'll see any alpha werewolf transformation scenes in season 3? After all, a werewolf show without a good transformation is like a vampire film without any blood-sucking. Just remember to be polite and gracious with Jeff--he's already given us a great werewolf show.
* Having to often replace dead video links is a recurring annoyance, but I'll gladly do so to make sure you get your TF fix. Today I fixed the link for the werewolf transformation in Zombie Loan episode 7. If you haven't yet seen it, take a gander. And just to remind everyone, new posts are coming soon.
* Dutchbull has updated his terrific Transformation video website! Of special interest are a wolf TF from Full Metal Alchemist and the werewolf transformation and reversion scenes from the direct-to-video Werewolf: The Beast Among Us. The movie isn't quite as bad as I thought it would be--the werewolf hunters are stupidly anachronistic and the ending is cynically happy to make room for sequels, but the central character fits into the Wolfman tradition (and is played by a rather hunky young actor).The werewolf is CGI of course, but the technology seems to have improved.
* The finale of Teen Wolf season two aired while I was on vacation. Before I discuss it (spoilers ahoy!), allow me to continue being smug about how I predicted the show would be better than everyone else on the internet thought. And in season two the storytelling, direction, lighting, and acting have improved even further. So let's tip our hat to Producer/Showrunner Jeff Davis and his crew.
That said, I wonder if the storyline was worth all that effort. I don't think the Kanima (or however the hell it's spelled) merited a season-long story-arc. Davis has said this storyline was one of redemption for Jackson, but surely Jackson's appeal was in being an attractive bastard whose humanity showed only briefly and teasingly. Furthermore, having Jackson redeemed by his love for Lydia depends on the dubious idea that he actually loved her in the first place, when it's clear that the only person Jackson loves is himself.
Nor was the Kanima convincingly explained--why would a human on the path to transforming into another mammal be detoured into reptile form? Worse, the kanima seems to have eaten up the special effects budget and left none for the lycanthropes--not a good thing in a show called Teen Wolf. (And frankly, if we have to have other werecreatures on this show, why not weretigers? Or weredonkeys for comic relief?)
Though we got to see Jackson transform into beta werewolf form, we were denied seeing Derek turn into an alpha werewolf--by which I mean a real werewolf, not a human with pointy ears and sideburns. (The make-up for the beta werewolf is fine, but it's even less animalistic than that of the original Wolfman from 1941.)
Why was this? On his twitter, Jeff Davis was asked why Derek didn't turn into "that big bad Alpha like Peter did?" Davis answered "To be honest, the CGI is way too expensive and I prefer live actors." But unless MTV shrank the show's budget (highly unlikely, it was a hit!), then the special effects money must have been spent on that damn Kanima. In any case, it didn't make sense for Derek to not transform into a bigger, badder monster when fighting something so deadly.
Someone later asked "why did Peter turn into a full on wolf type creature when he was alpha but Derek didn't?" Davis replied "That will be explained in Season 3." I certainly hope so, just as I hope the new season, which will feature more alphas, will also feature some alpha transformations.
With that in mind, I have a suggestion for those of you who use twitter. If you could, why not ask Jeff (in the most respectful and positive manner that you can) whether we'll see any alpha werewolf transformation scenes in season 3? After all, a werewolf show without a good transformation is like a vampire film without any blood-sucking. Just remember to be polite and gracious with Jeff--he's already given us a great werewolf show.
* Having to often replace dead video links is a recurring annoyance, but I'll gladly do so to make sure you get your TF fix. Today I fixed the link for the werewolf transformation in Zombie Loan episode 7. If you haven't yet seen it, take a gander. And just to remind everyone, new posts are coming soon.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
My Lupine Life (Werewolf Transformation)
(I saw this excellent video before I went on vacation; after I got back I received three requests to post it. And so I shall!)
My Lupine Life is a Canadian webseries about Louis Pine (geddit?), a 14 year old boy convinced he's a "genetic werewolf" who inherited the condition from his Dad. Believing he's due to transform, Louis spends the rest of the series driving his friends and family crazy. But in episode 12 the comic tone shifts and we discover he just might be right after all...
I've cued the clip to start with the onset of the transformation, but you might enjoy watching from earlier on, or from the first episode.
First, let's give some well-deserved praise--the filmmakers were obviously working on a limited budget but their imagination puts most Hollywood productions to shame. This is a lesson on how to do a good low-budget werewolf transformation. There's just the right amount of cgi (Louis's stretching hands and feet), combined with high-quality prosthetics (dig that scary wolf head!) and creative touches like Louis's fangs popping his braces. And let's not forget the terrific sound work, ranging from bone-crunching TF sounds to that ear-cracking crazed wolf roar, though those shouldn't distract us from Aron Tomori's performance as the unlucky Louis. Though I wish we could have seen more of the muzzle-growth than a silhouette, this is one time I'm more than prepared to make the budget excuse.
What I most appreciate is that the filmmakers went the extra mile. Since Louis transforms into a full wolf, the filmmakers could have just used the quick-and-easy CGI of shows like True Blood. Instead they chose to emphasize prolonged body-horror, and for that we are grateful. Now let's see if enough of you watch to inspire a sequel!
My Lupine Life is a Canadian webseries about Louis Pine (geddit?), a 14 year old boy convinced he's a "genetic werewolf" who inherited the condition from his Dad. Believing he's due to transform, Louis spends the rest of the series driving his friends and family crazy. But in episode 12 the comic tone shifts and we discover he just might be right after all...
I've cued the clip to start with the onset of the transformation, but you might enjoy watching from earlier on, or from the first episode.
First, let's give some well-deserved praise--the filmmakers were obviously working on a limited budget but their imagination puts most Hollywood productions to shame. This is a lesson on how to do a good low-budget werewolf transformation. There's just the right amount of cgi (Louis's stretching hands and feet), combined with high-quality prosthetics (dig that scary wolf head!) and creative touches like Louis's fangs popping his braces. And let's not forget the terrific sound work, ranging from bone-crunching TF sounds to that ear-cracking crazed wolf roar, though those shouldn't distract us from Aron Tomori's performance as the unlucky Louis. Though I wish we could have seen more of the muzzle-growth than a silhouette, this is one time I'm more than prepared to make the budget excuse.
What I most appreciate is that the filmmakers went the extra mile. Since Louis transforms into a full wolf, the filmmakers could have just used the quick-and-easy CGI of shows like True Blood. Instead they chose to emphasize prolonged body-horror, and for that we are grateful. Now let's see if enough of you watch to inspire a sequel!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Blind Pilots (Satyr/Goat Transformation)
Today's video is a transformation classic...which is why I was reluctant to post it, since I assume lots of TF fans are already familiar with the music video of "Blind Pilots," a song by the band Cooper Temple Clause. And so they are, but they've made multiple requests to re-see it, so I've decided to post "Blind Pilots."
This gloriously idiosyncratic video starts with a bloke stepping out for his bachelor party. Before he does, his fiancee places a necklace (with a bell talisman) on him. The bachelor party devolves into a drunken mess, and the talisman turns the would-be groom into a real satyr. Reveling in booze and girls, this latter-day Pan doesn't notice the continuing effects of the talisman until it's too late and he turns into a complete party animal...
It's a terrific concept joined with fluid special effects (an excellent melding of CGI and prosthetics), a good-looking guy, and classical mythology. The guy happens to be none other than a pre-fame Michael Fassbender, which unfortunately means a bimbo-load of fangirls have left heaps of idiotic comments displaying their ignorance of even basic mythology. "Blind Pilots" is hardly difficult to understand or even that strange; it's a moralistic allegory. The groom acts like a self-centered boor, breaks the trust of his friends and future wife, and becomes a party god. And while that might look cool for a while, acting like an animal has its consequences...
P.S. The making-of video for "Blind Pilots" is also online, though the video quality is bad. If you're interested, here are parts one, two, and three.
This gloriously idiosyncratic video starts with a bloke stepping out for his bachelor party. Before he does, his fiancee places a necklace (with a bell talisman) on him. The bachelor party devolves into a drunken mess, and the talisman turns the would-be groom into a real satyr. Reveling in booze and girls, this latter-day Pan doesn't notice the continuing effects of the talisman until it's too late and he turns into a complete party animal...
It's a terrific concept joined with fluid special effects (an excellent melding of CGI and prosthetics), a good-looking guy, and classical mythology. The guy happens to be none other than a pre-fame Michael Fassbender, which unfortunately means a bimbo-load of fangirls have left heaps of idiotic comments displaying their ignorance of even basic mythology. "Blind Pilots" is hardly difficult to understand or even that strange; it's a moralistic allegory. The groom acts like a self-centered boor, breaks the trust of his friends and future wife, and becomes a party god. And while that might look cool for a while, acting like an animal has its consequences...
P.S. The making-of video for "Blind Pilots" is also online, though the video quality is bad. If you're interested, here are parts one, two, and three.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Campione! (Werewolf Transformation)
The anime Campione! features a werewolf transformation from the villain of episode 6. He's elderly and vampiric-looking, and thus not my ideal transformee, but the TF is quite fine. I've cued the video.
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Kid Hulk (Age-Progression/Growth Transformation)
This cute short features a bullied tyke showing his tormentors why they won't like him when he's angry. Since the actor playing the Hulk is at the very least a teenager, the transformation also counts as age progression...
Reader Contributions VIII: The Art of Whiteflamek
Before I went on vacation, I received a message on TF-Spot from the artist Whiteflamek, asking if I could mention his artwork. Though late, I'm happy to do so--his Furaffinity page can be found here. His most extensive work is a many-paged horse photomanipulation TF, viewable here. Like most of the stallion transformations featured on this blog, it's NSFW. Thanks again for contributing Whiteflamek!
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