History Main / CollapsibleHelmet

** A memorable case goes to the ''[[NinpuuSentaiHurricaneger Hurricanger]]''/''[[Series/PowerRangersNinjaStorm Ninja Storm]]'' helmets, which only does it halfway to only show the faces as opposed to completely collapse.
** Another Toku example goes to ''RescueSentaiGoGoFive''/''Series/PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'', in which it's also halfway as only the visors retract, showing only part of their faces and a breathing mask.

* In the ''Series/StargateSG1'' series, no doubt for budgetary reason, the intricate helmets of the original movie are very rarely shown. The {{pilot}}, "Children of the Gods", however, gives the Serpent Guards (and Apophis) more low-key Collapsible Snakeface Helmets that just sorta awkwardly stick up in the air when open. (One episode ''implies'' that they collapse like the Horuses; Teal'c is helmeted, we hear the helmet-open noise when he's offscreen, and he's then shown with no helmet at all instead of an open one. This, however, never happens again.) The classic Horus helmets from the movie, even when they are seen, again due to budget reason, either do not open at all, or just aren't shown to onscreen like the serpent ones -- with the exception of a disguised Teal'c on two occasions, with a fully-functioning Horus helmet. Also implied to exist, but never seen, are Seth-headed helmets.
** Interestingly, and awesomely, the second occasion shows us the helmet ''closing,'' which we didn't see in the movie, ''or'' on that first occasion.

** A memorable case goes to the ''[[NinpuuSentaiHurricaneger Hurricanger]]''/''[[Series/PowerRangersNinjaStorm Ninja Storm]]'' helmets, which only does it half way to only show the faces as opposed to completely collapse.

* In the ''Series/StargateSG1'' series, no doubt for budgetary reason, the intricate helmets of the original movie are very rarely shown. The {{pilot}} "Children of the Gods", however, gives the Serpent Guards (and Apophis) more low-key (but still efficient) Collapsible Snakeface Helmets. The classic Horus helmets from the movie, even when they are seen, again due to budget reason, either do not open at all, or open in a limited manner like the serpent ones -- with the exception of a disguised Teal'c in one time-travelling episode, with a fully-functioning Horus helmet. Also implied to exist, but never seen, are Seth-headed helmets.

* In ''Film/{{Spider-Man|Trilogy}} 3'', New Goblin wears this type of helmet.

* In ''RatchetDeadlocked'' the helmet on Ratchet's suit will collapse during cutscenes when he's not actively shooting something. When the shooting is about to begin again, it goes right back on.

* [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Vanitas']] doesn't so much collapse as it does melt away. Subverted, since a previous scene showed him putting the helmet on normally.

A subtrope of CoolHelmet and CoolMask. Also a minor form of InstantArmor and TechnologyPorn.

* ''WesternAnimation/StarshipTroopersInvasion''. The Troopers' PowerArmor comes complete with helmets that collapse into their clams-hell torso armor. This mostly seems to serve the purpose of allowing the [[NominalImportance named characters]] to not be FacelessMooks. [[spoiler:[[AnyoneCanDie It has no effect on how long any of them live]].]]

* Guts' Berserker Armor from ''{{Manga/Berserk}}''. And that helmet? Looks like the head of a stylized hellhound, symbolic of Guts' inner beast. ([[ShapeshifterWeapon It didn't use to]].)

* {{ComicBook/Spawn}}'s Necroplasm suit includes this.
* {{ComicBook/Nova}} has a collapsible helmet. While it doesn't exactly fold into the armor, the usually hard Nova Corps helmet becomes fabric, for easy storage when removed. With a simple *flik* a Corpsman can turn it back into a hard helmet, which can keep them breathing in space, among other things.

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
* ''Film/StarshipTroopersInvasion: The Troopers' PowerArmor comes complete with helmets that collapse into their clams-hell torso armor. This mostly seems to serve the purpose of allowing the [[NominalImportance named characters]] to not be FacelessMooks.[[spoiler: [[AnyoneCanDie It has no affect on how long any of them live.]]]]

* The most iconic example is probably the ''{{Film/Stargate}}'' movie, where the intricate helmets, inspired by Egyptian Mythology, of the alien Horus Guards, [[TheDragon Anubis]], and [[BigBad Ra]] fold unto themselves in an impressive display of digital effects.

* In ''{{Film/Spider-Man}} 3'', New Goblin wears this type of helmet.

* ''{{Film/Outlander}}'': Kainen wears one in the opening scene. It never shows up again.
* Dark Helmet has one in ''{{Film/Spaceballs}}'', with a [[Franchise/StarWars Vader]]-esque faceplate that slides up and down (often at the worst possible moment).

* In the ''{{Series/Stargate SG-1}}'' series, no doubt for budgetary reason, the intricate helmets of the original movie are very rarely shown. The {{pilot}} "Children of the Gods", however, gives the Serpent Guards (and Apophis) more low-key (but still efficient) Collapsible Snakeface Helmets. The classic Horus helmets from the movie, even when they are seen, again due to budget reason, either do not open at all, or open in a limited manner like the serpent ones -- with the exception of a disguised Teal'c in one time-travelling episode, with a fully-functioning Horus helmet. Also implied to exist, but never seen, are Seth-headed helmets.
* Most {{Toku}}satsu shows have this form, though a memorable goes to the ''[[NinpuuSentaiHurricaneger Hurricanger]]''/''[[PowerRangersNinjaStorm Ninja Storm]]'' helmets, which only does it half way to only show the faces as opposed to completely collapse.
* Another Toku example goes to ''RescueSentaiGoGoFive''/''PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'', in which it's also halfway as only the visors retract, showing only part of their faces and a breathing mask.
* Commander Kaagh of the Tenth Sontaran Battle Fleet, from ''Series/TheSarahJaneAdventures'' story "The Last Sontaran". Strangely, there don't seem to be any other Sontarans in the {{Whoniverse}} who do this.

* ''DinoCrisis3'', features collapsing helmets for the protagonists, in addition to other collapsing doo-dads on their high-tech space suits, such as jet packs.

* Traditional medieval helmets are often depicted with visors that can be held up, allowing you to see the knight's face.

* ''VideoGame/DinoCrisis 3'', features collapsing helmets for the protagonists, in addition to other collapsing doo-dads on their high-tech space suits, such as jet packs.

* Guts' Berserker Armor from ''{{Manga/Berserk}}''. And that helmet? Looks like the head of a stylized hellhound, symbolic of Guts' inner beast.
** [[ShapeshifterWeapon It didn't use to]].

* Zero's helmet in ''Anime/CodeGeass''. Unusual in that the actual faceplate has to be removed by hand after the rest of the helmet retracts into it.

* Zero's helmet in ''CodeGeass''. Unusual in that the actual faceplate has to be removed by hand after the rest of the helmet retracts into it.

* {{Spawn}}'s Necroplasm suit includes this.

* In the movie version of ''LostInSpace'', Major Don West (Matt [=LeBlanc=]) acquires a full-covering facemask when about to enter the fight against the alien spiders.

* Dark Helmet has one in ''{{Spaceballs}}'', with a [[StarWars Vader]]-esque faceplate that slides up and down (often at the worst possible moment).

* Another Toku example goes to ''KyuuKyuuSentaiGoGoV''/''PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'', in which it's also halfway as only the visors retract, showing only part of their faces and a breathing mask.
* Commander Kaagh of the Tenth Sontaran Battle Fleet, from ''Series/TheSarahJaneAdventures'' story ''The Last Sontaran''. Strangely, there don't seem to be any other Sontarans in the {{Whoniverse}} who do this.

* In ''TheDreamlandChronicles'', Alexander's blue armor has one.

* A number of newer Super Robots have collapsible helmets that deploy to cap off a TransformationSequence.

* Zero's helmet in ''CodeGeass''

* In the ''{{Stargate SG-1}}'' series, no doubt for budgetary reason, the intricate helmets of the original movie are very rarely shown. The {{pilot}} "Children of the Gods", however, gives the Serpent Guards (and Apophis) more low-key (but still efficient) Collapsible Snakeface Helmets. The classic Horus helmets from the movie, even when they are seen, again due to budget reason, either do not open at all, or open in a limited manner like the serpent ones -- with the exception of a disguised Teal'c in one time-travelling episode, with a fully-functioning Horus helmet. Also implied to exist, but never seen, are Seth-headed helmets.

* Another Toku example goes to KyuuKyuuSentaiGoGoV/''PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'', in which it's also halfway as only the visors retract, showing only part of their faces and a breathing mask.

* ''DinoCrisis 3'', features collapsing helmets for the protagonists, in addition to other collapsing doo-dads on their high-tech space suits, such as jet packs.

* Some motorcycle helmets incorporate secondary hinges so they can either flip up at the visor like normal or the entire front faceplate can slide back like in the film version of IronMan. They're especially popular with long-distance bikers because it allows them to eat or drink without having to remove their helmet and doesn't muffle their speech.

* Another Toku example goes to ''PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'', in which it's also halfway as only the visors retract, showing only part of their faces and a breathing mask.

* ''DinoCrisis'' (the third one, which took place in outer space with [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot teleporting zombie dinosaurs]]), features collapsing helmets for the protagonists, in addition to other collapsing doo-dads on their high-tech space suits, such as jet packs.

[[quoteright:300:[[TronLegacy http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Clu_Unmasking_8854.jpg]]]]

Even if it could be done in RealLife, this would probably still be a bad idea. The multiple moving parts would certainly weaken the helmet and compromise its protective value in a fight or a crash. Not to mention you wouldn't want to accidentally hit the switch at the wrong time. Or that some stray hair get caught between two pieces. Thus, this trope falls fully under RuleOfCool.

* Guts' Berserker Armor from ''{{Berserk}}''. And that helmet? Looks like the head of a stylized hellhound, symbolic of Guts' inner beast.

* In ''TronLegacy'', the helmets worn by [[BigBad Clu]] (page picture) and [[LoveInterest Quorra]] fold back at proper times for a DramaticUnmask. [[TheHero Sam Flynn]]'s costume also automatically generate the appropriate helmet for the Disc Wars or the [[CoolBike Light Cycle]] match. Justified in this case, as cyberspace can do whatever it wants, and screw physics for rule of cool and not having to keep track extraneous objects.

* Most {{Toku}}satsu shows have this form, though a memorable goes to the ''[[NinpuuSentaiHurricanger Hurricanger]]''/''[[PowerRangersNinjaStorm Ninja Storm]]'' helmets, which only does it half way to only show the faces as opposed to completely collapse.

* Isaac Clarke of ''DeadSpace2'' has various versions of his Resource Integration Gear, all of which have one of these helmets that can fold away and be stored in his suit. Often however, the helmet appears to unfold at points where it would not necessarily be a good idea, for example, when Stross attacks Isaac. It's left ambiguous as to whether this is the result of a design flaw, [[DeathSeeker Isaac's own suicidal urges]], or a little bit of both.

* A Fantasy example: Zant from ''TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess''. In one of the final scenes before you fight him to the death, he finally reveals his face underneath the foreboding, evil helmet... among other things.

[[folder:Web comics]]

* While a full head helmet is still beyond RealLife, folding bike helmets are beginning to hit the market (mostly in Europe). These are mostly three piece designs with sides that fold or slid into the larger center piece making up the Front, top, and back of the helmet. A four piece design can be found here http://www.dahon.com/accessories/2010/pango-folding-helmet.

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While a full head helmet is still beyond RealLife, folding bike helmets are beginning to hit the market (mostly in Europe.)These are mostly three piece designs with sides that fold or slid into the larger center piece making up the Front, top, and back of the helmet. A four piece design can be found here http://www.dahon.com/accessories/2010/pango-folding-helmet.

* A number of newer Super Robots have collapsible helmets that deploy to cap off a TransformationSequence.

* In ''TronLegacy'', the helmets worn by [[BigBad Clu]] (page picture) and [[LoveInterest Quorra]] fold back at proper times for a DramaticUnmask. [[TheHero Sam Flynn]]'s costume also automatically generate the appropriate helmet for the Disc Wars or the [[CoolBike Light Cycle]] match. Justified in this case, as cyberspace can do whatever it wants, and screw physics for rule of cool and not having to keep track of extraneous objects (why should the computer keep track of every little bit of the helmet when it can despawn it when not in use, and respawn it when needed).

* In the ''{{Stargate SG-1}}'' series, no doubt for budgetary reason, the intricate helmets of the original movie are very rarely shown. The {{pilot}} "Children of the Gods", however, gives the Serpent Guards (and Apophis) more low-key (but still efficient) Collapsible Snakeface Helmets. And there is a disguised Teal'c in one time-travelling episode, with a fully-functioning Horus helmet.
** The classic eagle helmets from the movies, even when they are seen, again due to budget reason, either do not open at all, or open in a limited manner like the serpent ones. Also implied to exist but never seen are Seth-headed helmets.

* In ''DinoCrisis'' (the third one, which took place in outer space with [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot teleporting zombie dinosaurs]]), featured collapsing helmets for the protagonists, in addition to other collapsing doo-dads on their high-tech space suits, such as jet packs.

* In ''RatchetDeadlocked'' the helmet on Ratchet's suit will collapse during cutscenes when he's not actively shooting something. When the shooting is about to begin again it goes right back on.

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* In ''Film/IronMan'', Tony Stark has a very simple version of this, where his face plate just slides up or down as necessary.

* Isaac Clarke of ''DeadSpace2'' has various versions of his Resource Integration Gear, all of which have one of these helmets that can fold away and be stored in his suit. Often however, the helmet appears to unfold at points where it would not necessarily be a good idea, for example, when Stross attacks Isaac.

Even if it could be done in RealLife, this would probably still be a bad idea. The multiple moving parts would certainly weaken the helmet and compromise its protective value in a fight or a crash. Not to mention you wouldn't want to accidentally hit the switch at the wrong time. Or that some stray hair get caught between two pieces. Thus, this trope falls fully under RuleOfCool.