Radical Change or Radical Improvement?

[Yachirobi]

Something I've been thinking about lately is the tendancy for many muscle stories, as well as other types of transformation or mind control stories, to feature a total transformation of characters from one person to another. I am not fond of these stories in general although I can think of a few authors who are very good at what they do. Texzilla, for example (Hi, Tex) features ethnic transformations which is way too far of a transformation for my tastes but, at least, he does his stories well. I've seen others do similar tales which are not only badly written but are downright racist.

My ideal muscle story lets the transformed men become bigger, better versions of themselves. They don't become completely different people, although others might see them differently, but instead become more muscular, taller, hairier (yes!), more handsome, and more sexually charged individuals. Were I to ever have the power to transform people (Yeah, I think about it that much. What's it to you?) I would happily make many a man bigger and stronger and hotter but I would be reluctant to make them different people. Even some of the more unfortunate looking people around me would stay unfortunate, not just because I'm used to them looking the way they do, but because I wouldn't want to violate who they are, even if it was for the best.

That said, I can see the value of 180 degree transformations as revenge tales, such as in ONYX's tales. If someone is a jerk they need to be transformed. Becoming a horny muscleman in the process isn't so bad either. It also adds conflict so that the story isn't just porn material, especially when the transforming man is aware of the change and is either actively trying to resist or comes into conflict with the enjoyment of his new body.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this...