Wikipedia

Optimus Prime

For the comic book series featuring the character, see Optimus Prime (comics).
For the Tesla prototype, see Optimus (robot).

Optimus Prime, also known in Japan as Convoy,[a] is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Transformers franchise. Generally depicted as a brave and noble leader, Optimus Prime is the supreme commander of the Autobots in their fight against the Decepticons. The Transformers characters were developed for the American market after Hasbro representatives visited the 1983 Tokyo Toy Show.[3] The characters were modified and the coloring was changed; notably, Optimus Prime was colored red, chrome, and dark blue. The popularity of the Transformers toys resulted in comics, movies, and a TV series.

Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime box art showing his original G1 toy design
Voiced byEnglish:

Japanese:

In-universe information
AffiliationAutobot/Maximal
Japanese nameConvoy
Sub-groupAction Masters, Autorollers, Combat Heroes, Deluxe Vehicles, Go-Bots, Masterpiece, Primes, Powermasters, Voyagers
FunctionAutobot Leader, Supreme Commander, Chief Commander
Rank10
PartnerRoller, Hi-Q
Motto
  • "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." (Generation 1)
  • "No sacrifice is too great in the service of freedom." (Classics)
Alternate modesFreightliner Cab-over-engine Class 8 truck, Cybertronian truck, COBRA Sentry & Missile System tank, 1920s style truck, Peterbilt Truck, Mid-90s Peterbilt 4964EX Tanker Truck, Lamborghini Diablo, Dump truck, Dodge Ram SRT-10, Nissan GT-R, Bat

In the Transformers mythology, Optimus Prime is a Cybertronian, a member of an extraterrestrial species of sentient self-configuring modular robotic lifeforms (e.g., cars and other objects), a blend of biological evolution and technological engineering. He is the primary hero of the story, opposing the Decepticon leader Megatron.

Due to the popularity of the Transformers franchise, Optimus Prime has remained one of the franchise's most iconic characters, and one of the greatest and most recognizable fictional characters of all time.[4] As an established pop culture icon, his voice has been portrayed by a variety of actors, with the most common being his first, Peter Cullen. Other actors include Garry Chalk, Neil Kaplan, David Kaye, Alan Tudyk and Chris Hemsworth.

Animated character biography

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In the Transformer's story, Optimus Prime, also known as Orion Pax, embodies strong moral values, exceptional leadership, and strategic prowess. Equipped with advanced weaponry and martial arts skills, he champions justice and peaceful coexistence with humans. As the bearer of the Matrix of Leadership, he leads the Autobots, engaged in an eternal conflict against the Decepticons. Originating from the ancient Dynasty of Primes, Optimus Prime's selfless sacrifice and rallying cry of "Till All are One" were pivotal in defeating Unicron. Reborn as Orion Pax, he embraced his new identity, only to reclaim his role as Optimus Prime to confront the Decepticons led by his former friend, Megatron, igniting the Great War on Cybertron. While his origins and persona may vary across different storylines, this depiction remains consistent throughout iterations of the Transformers universe.

Generation 1

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The first-generation Optimus Prime transforms into a Freightliner FL86 cab over semi truck.[5] Within his chest is a mystic talisman, known as the Autobot Matrix of Leadership or the "Creation Matrix", carried by all Autobot leaders.[6] When Optimus transforms, his tractor cab disconnects to become a sentient robot, and his trailer opens to reveal an ion blaster, forming a combat deck.[7] The combat deck supports a mobile battle- station and command headquarters armed with assorted artillery and beam weapons that fire automatically. The combat deck can also serve as a radio antenna for battlefield communications between the Autobots. The combat deck also included "Roller", a mobile scout buggy meant to scout behind enemy lines. When Roller is deployed, Optimus can see and hear what Roller sees and hears.[8] Injury to one component is felt by each of the others. If the combat deck or Roller were to be destroyed, Prime could survive. However, despite the slight degree of autonomy they possess, the combat deck and Roller would not be able to survive without Optimus.

The original specification of the Generation 1 Optimus Prime specifies that Optimus Prime consists of three components: the humanoid "Brain Center" (which transforms into the truck cab), the "Combat Deck" (which transforms into the truck trailer), and the "Scout Car", a non-transforming six-wheeled buggy called Roller, which can ride inside the truck trailer. All three components can function independently, but injury to one is felt by the other two. However, in by far most of the fiction, the humanoid robot actually is Optimus Prime, with the other two components treated as mere accessories that disappear off the scene when Optimus Prime transforms from truck to robot mode.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

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Optimus Prime is the fictional protagonist of the Transformers: Robots in Disguise (Fire Convoy in the original Japanese version) branch of the Transformers universe.[9] Based on the character of the same name, Prime once again leads the autobots against the Decepticons. His voice actor, Neil Kaplan, does his voice in a style reminiscent of that of Peter Cullen, the voice of the original Optimus Prime. Wired Magazine nominated Fire Convoy as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers ideas of all time.[10]

Hidden on Earth as common, everyday vehicles, the Autobots are forced to emerge when Megatron and his Predacons arrive and wreak havoc in their attempts to attain the power of Earth's various energy sources. In this universe, Optimus Prime transforms into a fire engine. This is also the first incarnation of Optimus Prime to transform into a fire engine.[citation needed]

Unicron trilogy

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The "Unicron Trilogy" version of Optimus Prime is a fictional character in this branch of Transformers lore. Appearing in Transformers: Armada, Transformers: Energon and Transformers: Cybertron, Optimus is the leader of the heroic autobots. He often converted to his super combat mode. In all three series, Optimus' English voice actor is Garry Chalk, who previously voiced Optimus Primal in Beast Wars: Transformers and Beast Machines.[citation needed]

During the events of Armada, Optimus looks similar to the original G1 Optimus Prime until he copies himself with a semi-truck, and his design in robot mode changes.[11] He is shown to be a well-respected leader who treats those under his command with respect and is partnered with the Minicon Sparkplug.[citation needed]

During the events of Cybertron, Optimus Prime is the main protagonist and shows a near-xenophobic reluctance to interact with other cultures, believing that such interaction would cause more harm than good. Consequently, he prohibits his team from mingling with the locals of Earth, Velocitron, and the Jungle Planet during their search for the Cyber Planet Keys. This attitude was drastically changed when Prime realized that the only way to acquire the Cyber Planet Keys from Velocitron and Animatros was to play by their laws.[citation needed]

Transformers Animated

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Optimus Prime appears in the Transformers Animated series in 2008 as a red semi-trailer truck, able to be fitted with many "trailer" attachments, most notably one that effectively makes him a fire truck. Unlike the other Optimus Primes, this one is much younger.[12]

Optimus can change any part of his robotic body into a tool or gadget. He has swing lines on his wrists. His wrists can also capture bolas. His arsenal includes a grappler, a fire extinguisher, and a negative friction spray. Unlike in all the previous series, his face can almost always be seen because his mouthplate is retractable like in the 2007 live-action film.

Animated Optimus Prime, in an Earth-based fire truck mode, appears as a hidden character in the Transformers Netjet video game by Hasbro. Instead of being the leader of the Autobots, Prime was actually a washout from the Elite Guard. Despite no longer being a member, he maintains his military ranking of "Prime". The scale chart released for the series indicates Optimus Prime stands about 22 feet tall.[13]

In the animated series, Optimus Prime was originally in the Autobot Academy and friends with Sentinel Prime and Elita One. When Elita is lost on a planet dominated by a giant spider-like aliens, he blames himself for leaving her behind, where she supposedly dies in the explosion of a wrecked Decepticon warship loaded with Energon. Sentinel doesn't forgive him for losing her, and Optimus takes full responsibility for Elita's demise. This caused Optimus Prime to wash out of the Autobot Academy. However, Ultra Magnus pulls some strings so that Optimus Prime can be captain of a strange Space Bridge repair crew composed of a war vet named Ratchet, a fledgling cadet named Bumblebee, and his fellow cadet Bulkhead. Optimus is given command of the starship, the vehicle mode of Omega Supreme.

Optimus Prime appears among the characters in Re-Unification, the 2010 TFCon voice actor play prelude comic.[14]

Aligned Continuity

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Optimus Prime is the leader of the main group of Autobots in the iteration of the Transformers franchise primarily marked by the 2010 animated series Transformers: Prime on The Hub.[15] Optimus Prime was created as the last of the Thirteen Primes, the first generation of Transformers, each created directly by Primus as a band of unique warriors to combat and defeat Unicron. Upon his creation, Optimus united the Thirteen by his greeting All are one. While all of the other members of the Thirteen each possessed unique abilities and artifacts, Optimus wielded no special powers or weapons. It was only his vision and courage that allowed the Thirteen to finally defeat Unicron. Reborn through the Well of All Sparks, Orion Pax became Optimus Prime, a veteran military commander and second in command who wields an ion blaster and a double-bladed Energon axe. He became the leader of the Autobots after Sentinel Zeta Prime fell in battle, but he is not certain he wants the responsibility.

In the Transformers: Prime series, he can form bladed weapons or blasters from his hands. He has a telescopic vision and turns into a long-nose semi-trailer truck. Before the Great War, Optimus Prime was originally known as Orion Pax; a young data clerk who worked in Iacon, under the wing of Alpha Trion. Orion was chosen by the High Council and became Optimus Prime, upon being entrusted with the Matrix of Leadership by Primus himself.

Transformers: EarthSpark

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Main article: Transformers: EarthSpark

In this new show, Optimus Prime serves as an agent of the organization G.H.O.S.T. (Global Hazard and Ordinance Strike Team) a government organization based in Witwicky, Pennsylvania, a union between humanity and his own kind while eliminating the straggling Decepticons with the help of Elita-1 and the repentant Megatron. With the arrival of a new generation of Earth-born Transformers called "Terrans", created by brothers Robby and Mo Malto, it could be the first step on the road to permanent peace.

Transformers film series

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Optimus Prime
Transformers character
 
Optimus Prime live-action design from Age of Extinction and The Last Knight.
Voiced byEnglish:

Japanese:

In-universe information
AffiliationAutobot, Decepticon (as Nemesis Prime)
Sub-groupPrimes, Leaders, Voyagers, Legends, Cyberverse Commanders, Thirteen Primes, Legendary Knight, Transformer Knights
FunctionAutobot leader
Rank10
PartnerSam Witwicky, Quintessa (as Nemesis Prime), Arcee, Elita-One, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Mirage, Jazz, Sideswipe, Jetfire, Comettor, Ironhide, Sentinel Prime, Optimus Primal, Grimlock, Sideswipe, Hound, Drift, Cade Yeager, Crosshairs, Noah Diaz
Motto
  • "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."
  • "Those who threaten peace, will fall into pieces"
  • "All hands to Combat, I will lead you all to Freedom with my intelligence"
  • "Until that day, Till all are One"
  • "Heroes never die. I, Optimus Prime, can never be conquered"
  • "I will fight anyone who stands in my way." (as Nemesis Prime)
Alternate modesCybertronian Entry Mode Protoform, 1987 Freightliner FLA-8664T cab-over semi-truck, 1997 Peterbilt 379 semi-truck, 1973 Marmon cab-over semi-Truck, 2014 Western Star 5700 Phantom Custom semi-truck[16]

Optimus Prime appears in the Transformers live-action film series as the leader of the Autobots and one of the main protagonists. In the first three films, he is able to transform into a long-nosed conventional Peterbilt 379 semi-truck rather than the cab over design of his original Generation 1 body. In Transformers: Age of Extinction, he gains a first generation-style trailer form before changing into 2014 Western Star 5700 Concept.[16] Also straying from the G1 design, Prime's vehicle mode is now decorated with red flames painted onto a blue body à la Rodimus Prime, his Generation 1 successor. The reason for the change was due to Director Michael Bay's decree that mass displacement does not occur when they transform, requiring Optimus's vehicle form to have more mass to achieve the desired size in his robot form.

Although the character was redesigned to some extent, like the other characters in the film, many classic design elements remain in his robot mode including a predominantly red torso, primarily blue legs, the presence of windows in his chest, smoke stacks on his shoulders, and a head design influenced by the original, featuring the iconic faceplate and ear finials. The faceplate is able to retract to reveal a mouth. His weapons include his iconic ion blaster, a Barrage cannon, two retractable energon blades that extend from his forearms, which is a homage to Prime's energy axe in the Generation 1 animated series, and two retractable energon hooks that extend from his wrists. The trailer contains an energy axe, a shield, and flight gear. In the later IDW comics, he displays the ability to produce a holographic driver.

At San Diego Comic-Con 06, it was announced that original Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen would reprise his role for the third film. Cullen has commented that Prime is basically the same in the third film as the previous two, and retains the same basic personality.

Reception

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The 2000s film series incarnation of Optimus Prime was met with a warm reception. It was named the 30th greatest movie superhero of all time by "Total Film Magazine".[17]

Involvement in the films

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See also: Transformers (film), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Transformers: The Last Knight, Bumblebee (film), and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Appearances in the films
Movie name Year
Transformers 2007
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 2009
Transformers: Dark of the Moon 2011
Transformers: Age of Extinction 2014
Transformers: The Last Knight 2017
Bumblebee 2018
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 2023
 
A Peterbilt 379 used in Transformers to portray Optimus Prime's alternate mode
 
A Western Star 5700XE used in Transformers to portray Optimus Prime's alternate mode

In animated film

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In Transformers One (2024), Optimus Prime's origin story as Orion Pax is covered, voiced by Chris Hemsworth. Orion is a mining robot without a Transformation Cog, and along with his best friend D-16, they work in the Energon mines. They secretly enter a race organized by Cybertron's leader, Sentinel Prime, but lose. While Sentinel is impressed by their stunt, a jealous racer drags them to garbage incineration, where they meet the eccentric B-127. The three discover a chip among the junk containing a distress message from Alpha Trion, one of the Primes, revealing coordinates to his location on the surface.

Accidentally taking Elita, their supervisor, with them, they find Alpha Trion in a cave alongside the corpses of the other Primes. Trion shows them the truth that Sentinel betrayed the Primes and has been secretly working for the Quintessons, giving them regular supplies of Energon in exchange for letting him rule Cybertron while removing the miners' cogs to keep them subservient. Orion receives his cog to transform into a truck and a chip containing evidence of Sentinel's betrayal. Orion and his group manage to escape from Sentinel's guards, but they are captured by the High Guard, the Primes' loyal soldiers in rebellion against Sentinel. While D-16 takes command of them by defeating their leader, Starscream, Orion grows concerned by his friend's increasing aggression since learning the truth. Following an attack by Sentinel's guards and capturing D-16, B-127 and half of the High Guard, Orion and Elita fall unconscious after being buried under some rubble and, in the process, the chip is destroyed. Orion, encouraged by Elita, rallies the remaining High Guard members and returns to Iacon to rescue their comrades. They display evidence of Sentinel's actions all over the city, exposing the truth and inciting the citizens to rebel, but after defeating Sentinel, Orion and D-16 argue over whether to execute him, resulting in the latter accidentally shooting the former. While initially horrified, D-16 ultimately lets Orion fall to his death, before he kills Sentinel and then, calling himself "Megatron", commands the High Guard to destroy Iacon.

The spirit of Primus, the planet, and the Primes bestow Orion with the Matrix of Leadership, reviving him as "Optimus Prime". Optimus then defeats Megatron before exiling him and the High Guard, who become the Decepticons. As Cybertron's new leader, Optimus, holding the Matrix in his hands, restores Cybertron's dried-up Energon rivers and givs the miners transformation cogs. Optimus christens his followers as Autobots and sends a message warning the Quintessons to stay away.

Transformers film series

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In the online CGI cartoon Cyber Missions produced by TG Studios for Hasbro's website, Optimus is once again seen fighting Megatron, this time with some help from Sideswipe. Optimus also helps Ironhide against Mindwipe.

Film incarnation

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During the promotion of the Transformers films, Optimus Prime appears in several commercials. Optimus Prime, along with other Transformers, were featured in several commercials for General Motors. Scenes with Optimus Prime were used in several General Motors commercials.[18] A commercial for the Discovery Channel featured Optimus Prime singing part of a promotional song.[19]

Optimus also appears on the Late Show with David Letterman, giving "The Top Ten Things That Sound Cool When Spoken by a Giant Robot".[20]

Voice actors

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Optimus Prime is primarily voiced by Peter Cullen in most of his incarnations, who voiced him in the original series. Following the production of the 2007 film, Cullen reprised his role for the sequels and supporting media and would even voice Optimus in later series such as Transformers: Prime. Optimus has been voiced by several other voice actors in other series such as Neil Kaplan, Garry Chalk, David Kaye, Jake Foushee and Chris Hemsworth in the series Transformers: Robots in Disguise, the Unicron Trilogy, Transformers Animated, Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy and Transformers One respectively.

Comics

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Appearances of Optimus Prime in Comics
Name Appearance
Marvel Comics
  • Marvel Comics' Transformers series
  • Transformers: Generation 2 comic book series
Dreamwave Productions
  • Dreamwave's Transformers series (reimagining the original continuity)
  • Transformers: Armada comic series (making a surprise appearance)
IDW Publishing
  • IDW's Transformers series (reimagining the Generation 1 continuity)
  • New Avengers/Transformers crossover (co-published by Marvel Comics and IDW Publishing)
  • Transformers: Infiltration miniseries
  • Transformers: Escalation miniseries

Video games

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Appearances of Optimus Prime
Name Appearance
Generation 1 Optimus Prime:
  • Transformers (1985) [C64, ZX Spectrum]
  • Beast Wars Transmetals (1999)
  • Japan-only Transformers game (2003)
  • Transformers: War for Cybertron (2010)
  • Transformers Battle Universe (Hasbro Net Jet game)
  • DreamMix TV World Fighters (2003)
  • Flash-based game on Hasbro website
  • Fortnite: Battle Royale (as Tier 100 outfit)
  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (downloadable content)
Unicron Trilogy Optimus Prime: Transformers (2004)
Transformers: Autobots: Optimus Prime appears in the Autobot Campaign
Transformers: Decepticons: Optimus Prime appears in the Decepticon Campaign
Transformers Animated: Animated Optimus Prime appears in the 2008 Nintendo DS game
Transformers: War for Cybertron: A younger version of Prime Optimus Prime is playable in the Autobot campaign

Honors

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At BotCon 2010, Hasbro named Optimus Prime as one of the first five robot inductees in the Transformers Hall of Fame.[21]

In March 2023, Optimus Prime received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.[22]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Japanese: コンボイ

References

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  1. ^ "Exclusive: Peter Cullen Interview". IGN. Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  2. ^ "Narration – Belgrade Music". belgrademusic.com. Retrieved 2019-07-11.
  3. ^ McEniry, Matthew J.; Peaslee, Robert Moses; Weiner, Robert G. (2016-04-05). Marvel Comics into Film: Essays on Adaptations Since the 1940s. McFarland. ISBN 978-1-4766-2411-2.
  4. ^ Pruitt, Cenate (2024-01-01). "A TRANSFORMATIONAL FIGURE: OPTIMUS PRIME IN POPULAR CULTURE 2006-2018". REDEN. Revista Española De Estudios Norteamericanos.
  5. ^ Lee, Chris (Spring 2014). Hero Complex, Los Angeles Times. p. 22
  6. ^ Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc. pp. 18–19. ISBN 978-1-4053-0461-0.
  7. ^ "G1 Optimus Prime". Unicron.com Transformers Collector Site. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  8. ^ "Transformers: The Many Looks of Optimus Prime". IGN. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  9. ^ "TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE Returns! Hasbro Launches Product Line Based on Original '80s Theme; Fox Kids Series to Debut September 8th". Business Wire. 2001-09-05. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
  10. ^ "Less Than Meets the Eye: The 12 Most Ridiculous Transformers of All Time". Wired Magazine. 2008-08-21. Retrieved 2010-10-03.
  11. ^ Rennie, Jonathan (2003-04-18). "That's not all folks; CARTOON CLASSICS: 1970s CULT HEROES RETURN". Evening Times.
  12. ^ Character bios for Transformers Animated characters Archived September 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ "Share some TF Design Spoiler". Tfw2005.com. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  14. ^ "TFCon". Tfcon.ca. Archived from the original on 2010-07-18. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  15. ^ "BotCon 2010 "Transformers: Prime" Panel Coverage". TFW2005.com. 2010-06-26. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  16. ^ a b "Western Star Trucks Trucking Shows & Events". Western Star Trucks. Archived from the original on 2014-06-26. Retrieved 2014-06-26.
  17. ^ "Top heroes and villains named in movie list". News.com.au. 2007-11-26. Archived from the original on 2011-08-04. Retrieved 2011-09-23.
  18. ^ "Transformers GM Commercial 2". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2007-07-12. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  19. ^ "Movie Optimus Prime in Discovery Channel Commercial". Seibertron. 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  20. ^ Weintraub, Steve "Frosty" (2009-07-07). "Optimus Prime Presents the Top Ten Things That Sound Cool When Spoken By A Giant Robot on David Letterman". Collider. Archived from the original on 2011-08-29. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  21. ^ "Transformers Hall of Fame Robots". Hasbro.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-05. Retrieved 2011-04-04.
  22. ^ Blanchet, Ben (5 March 2023). "Optimus Prime Rolls Out To Praise With Unusual Honor At Kids' Choice Awards 2023". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2023-03-05.

Bibliography

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