Transformations in Literature: How Childhood Books Shaped an Adult Obsession
Is there a book you read in elementary or middle school that went on to shape you as an adult? For many, the answer might be a series or a single book that sparked an interest in a particular genre or concept that has stuck with them throughout their lives. For me, that book, and series, was Goosebumps. This iconic series of horror stories played a crucial role in shaping my love for transformations and horror, leading to a lifelong fascination with these themes in literature, media, and pop culture.
From Goosebumps to Transformations
Let's start with the Goosebumps series. Without Goosebumps, I wouldn't be the horror fanatic I am today. It wasn't just the main books but the Give Yourself Goosebumps books that really captivated me. These books allowed me to become a character in each story, taking different paths and experiencing various outcomes. My personal favorite was Trapped In Bat Wing. Imagine turning into a werewolf and a bat in the same story. If there was a club that could make me turn into a monster, I would have signed up immediately. Despite the books being designed to scare me, they had the opposite effect. My natural love for transformations and monsters meant that these stories resonated deeply with me.
The Impact of "Big Wolf on Campus"
The Big Wolf on Campus series was another significant influence on my fascination with transformations. This series depicted werewolves with superpowers and the ability to fight evil monsters on a regular basis. The idea of a werewolf with superpowers was so appealing that I couldn't resist. The franchise also introduced me to the concept of transforming into various creatures, which further fueled my interest in this theme.
The Evolution of Transformations
The DragonBall franchise, with its Saiyan transformations, was another pivotal factor in my journey. The idea of transforming into hulking were-monkeys on full moon nights fascinated me. Online transformation fics and websites only deepened my enthusiasm for these transformations. Classic shows like AWIL Teen Wolf (1985) also played a role. The Teen Wolf series and its sequel introduced me to characters with pointed ears, which became a significant influence on my love of humanoid transformations.
The Influence of Media and Pop Culture
Beyond books, my fascination with transformations was enhanced by various forms of media. Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video was a game-changer. Initially, I was scared, but soon I was fascinated by his transformation into a werecat. The fur growing on his hands, his fingernails lengthening, and the whiskers growing out still impresses me to this day. Similarly, the film Transformers made me a big fan of transformation in movies.
Transformation in Magazines and Comics
My love for transformations and were-creatures even influenced my taste in magazines. The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror comics, for example, featured several issues where characters transformed into various animal-people. Bart, for instance, becomes the son of Gene Simmons with supernatural powers, triggering transformations in other characters. The comics also included influences from classic horror movies like The Cat People (1982).
The Personal Connection to Transformations
Personal connections to transformations also played a role. In Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-rabbit, the protagonist Wallace is a were-rabbit, which was a significant departure from the usual werewolf trope. The movie's nods to classic horror added depth to the story, and it remains one of my favorites. This film's influence was further validated by its influence on my love for transformations.
Books like Animorphs also helped kick off my love for transformations, especially with the impressive covers. The series' concept of characters transforming into various creatures, including aliens, was a significant influence on my interest in transformations. The covers of the books, especially one of the character Ax turning into a cow, were particularly eye-catching. In fact, it was one of the first cow transformations I had seen, and the concept of a male transforming as well added a unique twist.
The Enduring Impact of Transformations
My love for transformations has endured through literature, media, and pop culture. Books, movies, comics, and even magazine articles continue to influence my interests. This enduring fascination is a testament to the power of reading and how it can shape our lives in profound ways. Whether it's a werewolf with superpowers or a character transforming into a mythical creature, the concept of transformation has left an indelible mark on my psyche.