But I Started Out As A Chicken

Following the pygmy shrew's revelation that he intends to write solely for himself, starting with a novella about a man who turns into a tree (yay! more trees in pulp books instead of being pulped into books, that's what I say) I list here my top five stories about transformation:

God Emperor Of Dune by Frank Herbert. Leto started out as a little boy. Now he's decided to become a God Tyrant Worm Thingie. It's all very strange and sounds extremely messy. I wouldn't want to do his laundry.

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. The Tooth Fairy is on his way to a mystical transformation. Too bad this involves killing people and eating watercolours by William Blake - these are both anti-social activities, I think you'll agree.

The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller. This is my favourite Batman story, and contains the most affecting transformations. An old man becomes a vigilante once more, and a young girl becomes a sidekick. Mentally ill people, upon hearing of the return of the batman and robin, become supervillains again. Poignant and disturbing.

Cinderella by Charles Perrault. Things turn into other things: mice, footmen, pumpkins, coaches, commoners, princesses. All a bit daft and brilliant.

Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Gregor Samsa becomes a giant bug. Yes, you're right, I did run out of inspiration. Still, a good story though.

Whoops. It's eight thirty am. Time to turn into a responsible parent once more - now that's a transformation.