Theory:Shape shifting

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The following fan theories are about Shape shifting.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
Supercharged shape shifting would not cause pain to its possessor.	None.	+ Supercharged powers work faster, if shape shifting takes less than five seconds, it probably would not cause pain. - Or maybe supercharging will increase this pain. - Sylar can shape shift painlessly already. + Sylar has an ability which lessens his pain. - His first usage of the ability was painful by appearance, after a few days of use he became quicker at it, with absolutely no expression of pain.
Shape shifting allows to morph into any living being.	None.	+ This ability seems to require physical contact with a person shape shifter is going to morph into. A shape shifter can possibly transform into an animal after touching it, since this ability doesn't seem to alter shape shifter's DNA. - But surely a shape shifter couldn't transform themselves into an ant or elephant—too much matter would have to be lost/created. And what about their consciousness? Will they retain their human intelligence if they shift into animal form? • Shape shifters retain their memories. If they can transform into animals, they still will be able to.
Supercharged shape shifting would result in appearance alteration.	None.	+ It is one of few ways it could be extended. - A shape shifter alters only their own appearance. • The theory is referring to a supercharge of the ability, which could lead to extension of the power. - Daphne was able to run through time because her speed increased. Matt heard all thoughts in the New York city because his telepathic range increased too. The functions of their abilities were amplified, but they were still the same. If a shape shifter can change only their own appearance, they won't be able to change that of others no matter what. + Expanding the shape shifting resulting in ability extension would be a logical effect. - Supercharged shape shifting may result in the ability to mimic clothes and other none-body-parts, such as glasses. This is something Sylar cannot do currently and would be the most logical extension of the ability. + Other characters have been able to expand their abilities onto other people and objects. Daphne super speed with Matt and Ando; Peter brought a piece of paper back from the future with him; Hiro teleports himself and others through time and space repeatedly; and they've all kept their clothing and personal effects with them while using their powers. - However, Meredith and Flint never made anyone immune to fire; Claire never made anyone heal themselves; Peter and Sylar never made anyone absorb abilities etc. Which means there are examples when evolved humans can extend their abilities on others, and there are examples when they cannot. Nothing suggests that shape shifting can be extended. • As there's only one supercharger, the writers won't have him run around the world and supercharge every ability, especially when the effect is uncertain. We might never discover what happens if shape shifting is supercharged.
Supercharged shape shifting will cause rapid cell regeneration.	None.	+ As far as we can tell, when shape shifting, the cells are manipulated and so it happens with cell regeneration, at least wound healing. - By that logic, this may be possible even without supercharging. - Also, if that were the case then why would it not work the other way around?
It is possible to shift into any humanoid form.	Changing eye color in Into Asylum. Sylar's smile on Sandra's face in Turn and Face the Strange.	+ Sylar has demonstrated the change of eye color without the complete change of body. He has also demonstrated a 'slow' change from Sandra Bennet. With this logic, he could possibly change any bodily feature he wishes, without having to change into a specific person. - Sylar was changing back from the female coroner, the shifting was "catching up".