Take a look at this little example.
Example 1
It's a transition that changes one object into another via heavy waves - like a graphic gong.
She would substitute the generated media with the head of the person in question and fade it to white. I've done it with the wave FX and keyframes. It can be done more aggressively, more soft, longer, shorter. Quite nice with sound.
Another example is to be seen at the start of this video at Chienworks site:
Example 2
That's where I actually used the transition.

I know these are not explosions as such, but they do shake things up. And with a pink plastic gun in your mouth you could probably get away with it. Use it as a basis for further experiment.
Tor

I just remembered I have uploaded the .veg file for the gong transition to Sundance. You may have to register to get it.
Sundance .veg files
Look for Tor Salomonsen on the author scroll list.
Tor