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Target: 2006

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TotoFett22: Spelling fixes

{{featured}}
{{comicstory
|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #78–88
|prev=In the National Interest
|title="Target: 2006"
|next=Aerialbots over America!
|image=MarvelUK-088.jpg
|caption=They have better things to do tonight than die!
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|coverdate=[[September 13|13th September]] – [[November 22|22nd November]] [[1986]]
|script=[[Simon Furman]]
|art=[[Jeff Anderson]] (78-79, 81, 87), [[Ron Smith]] (82), [[Geoff Senior]] (83-84, 86)
|pencils=[[Will Simpson]] (80, 85, 88)
|inks=[[Tim Perkins]] (80, 85, 88)
|colours=[[Tony Jozwiak]] (78-81, 85, 87), [[John Burns]] (82), [[Gina Hart]] (84,86,88)
|letters=[[Richard Starkings]] (78,82-85,88), [[Annie Halfacree]] (79-81,86-87)
|editor=[[Ian Rimmer]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}
'''Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge travel back in time with a plan to destroy Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
===''Prologue''===
[[Image:Primewoods.jpg|thumb|left|150px|PRIME '''''SMASH!''''']]
Optimus Prime is hunting the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s and is growing frustrated. So frustrated, in fact, that he is indiscriminately knocking over trees and wrecking woodland habitats. Prowl manages to get through to Prime about the damage he is causing, and also questions whether the Dinobots are worth the trouble they cause. Optimus wonders if Prowl might be right, but doesn't want the [[Autobot]] forces on [[Earth]] to be any more depleted than they have to be.

Meanwhile, below the surface of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Emirate Xaaron is running late for a briefing with Impactor about the forthcoming [[Operation: Volcano]] and whether Ultra Magnus will be a part of it.

[[Image:Traitor Autobot.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sic semper proditor]]
On the surface city of [[Polyhex]], phase one of Operation Volcano is going into effect as Shrapnel tortures a treacherous Autobot into revealing Emirate Xaaron's whereabouts, before killing said traitor. Unknown to the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] the information is false, having been ''deliberately'' leaked by Roadbuster.

Back on Earth, Optimus Prime is briefing the Autobots on the reasons they fight and the importance of protecting the [[human]] race from the [[Decepticon]] menace when he, Ratchet and Prowl are wracked by pain and suddenly disappear. The remaining Earthbound Autobots are distraught.

[[Image:Matrixflame.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Fire (doo, doo do), I want you to burn]]
On Cybertron, an Autobot "priest" is tending the chamber of the [[Matrix Flame]], which, with its connection to Optimus Prime severed, gutters and dies. The priest does not take this well.

[[Image:Target 2006 Prologue Galvatron, Scourge & Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|right|150px|It took 1.21 jiggawatts to get this image]]
At a cereal farm in [[Oregon]], the weather takes a turn for the worse as three shadowy figures arrive, trying to figure out where, and more importantly, [[Time travel|when]] they are. Soon, the locals are investigating the noise made by the figures arrival. After one of the figures discovers that it's [[1986]], he is revealed as Galvatron!

===''Apocalypse Then...Now!''===
[[Image:Target 2006 Part 1 Scourge & Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Catch that pigeon NOW]]
Scourge & Cyclonus (who has Galvatron on board) are flying over [[Wyoming]] and testing out the destructive capabilities of their [[New body|new forms]] by destroying first a locomotive and then a [[Joe's Garage|gas station]]. The Decepticons discuss how easy it would be to conquer the planet with their upgraded weaponry until Galvatron reminds them that their purpose in the past is to prepare for the future. Galvatron orders them to seek out Megatron.

[[image:Target 2006 Part 1 Smokescreen's smart.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Smokescreen has an [[Omega Supreme (G1)|excellent idea]]]]
Down at ground level, Jazz is leading a team of Autobots in a reconnaissance mission, hoping to discover what happened to Optimus, Prowl & Ratchet by spying on Megatron, who is accompanied by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s. As the Autobots continue to watch, Galvatron, Scourge & Cyclonus arrive at the [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base]], transforming to robot mode and introducing themselves to Megatron as fellow Decepticons. Ever suspicious, Megatron has Soundwave scan the new arrivals and confirm that they are, indeed, Decepticons but something seems to be blocking any deeper scan.

[[Image:Target 2006 Megatron fusions Galvatron.jpg|thumb|left|150px|I don't think so]]
A wary Megatron asks if Galvatron works for [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], and is surprised when Galvatron claims to be the [[Decepticon leader]] of [[2006]]. Galvatron asks Megatron to put aside his considerable doubts, and surrender command of the Constructicons (temporarily) to him. Galvatron asks Megatron to trust in him, and Megatron replies in traditional style by blasting Galvatron in the face with his [[fusion cannon]]. The future Decepticon shrugs off the shot and his lieutenants aim their weaponry at Megatron. Galvatron orders Scourge and Cyclonus ''not'' to fire as Megatron can not be allowed to die.

Instead, Scourge & Cyclonus bull-rush Megatron & Soundwave respectively rendering them unconscious before Galvatron uses his [[particle cannon]] to bury the prone Decepticons under a rock pile. At that point, Galvatron's leadership is confirmed when Laserbeak perches on his shoulder. Galvatron orders the Constructicons to accompany him.

[[Image:Target 2006 Ultra Magnus splash.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Deal with ''this''.]]
Witnessing all this, the Autobots split up, with Jazz & Hound following Galvatron's party, Ironhide observing Megatron's group and Smokescreen reporting back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]].

On Cybertron, Impactor is furious that Ultra Magnus is no longer part of Operation: Volcano, and pleads his case to Emirate Xaaron. Xaaron states that the extinguished Matrix flame has priority over Volcano, and informs Impactor to take it up with Ultra Magnus himself. Magnus declares that he must travel to Earth.

===''Construction Time Again!''===
[[Image:Target 2006 Galvagun.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Anything [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|you]] can do, I can do better]]
On Earth, specifically in Northern Oregon, Jazz and Hound are spying on the Constructicons. Galvatron is leading the Constructicons as they build a massive and presumably powerful device of some sort, utilising enough solar panels to "level a small planet." This leads the Autobots to speculate that it might be some sort of power source for future Cybertron, but if so, why build it in the past?

One thing the Autobots ''are'' sure of is that if they don't find out more about the structure, it'll be the death of all of them. As Hound and Jazz turn and head back to the Ark, Cyclonus attacks, seriously wounding Jazz, and gloating over an obviously upset Hound.

Elsewhere, Ultra Magnus arrives on Earth, somewhat disorientated after travelling via [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]]'s unstable prototype [[space bridge]]. As Magnus fights off the after-effects of travel, he recalls Impactor's fury at the disruption of Volcano and notes that he only has 5 [[units of time|solar cycles]] to get to the bottom of the matrix flame mystery and set things right on Earth.

[[Image:Target 2006 Hound vs wood.jpg|thumb|right|150px|For when lumberjacks are just too slow]]
For Hound, it seems that time has already run out as Cyclonus tosses him around like a rag doll. Cyclonus gloats then when [[Life Spark]] was as injured as Hound currently is, Unicron sculpted him into the powerful form of Cyclonus but for the Autobot, no such opportunity will arise. As Cyclonus brings his oxidating laser to bear for the coup de grace, it is shot out of his hand by the imposing Ultra Magnus.

[[Image:Target 2006 Creepy Galvatron Prone Jazz.jpg|thumb|left|80px|Ooh 'eck!]]
Magnus is surprised that Cyclonus appears to recognise him, leading the Decepticon to realise that this must be the Ultra Magnus of 1986, and that the Autobot's presence on Earth needs to be reported to Galvatron. Magnus believes that it will take some time for that report to reach Galvatron, but Cyclonus disagrees, tossing Hound into Magnus to punctuate the point before flying off.

Understanding that Hound is too gravely injured to report to the Ark under his own power, Ultra Magnus transforms to his car carrier mode and transports the stricken Autobot back to base. Upon hearing Cyclonus' report that Ultra Magnus is unexpectedly present on Earth, Galvatron realises that his Decepticons are going to have to improvise. The future Decepticon decides that the best course of action would be to goad the Autobots into a hasty, ill-planned attack so that defeat will demoralise them. Furthermore, Jazz will be used as bait.

Back at the Ark, Grapple is repairing Hound, who is briefing the Autobots on the threat of Galvatron. Jetfire wants to investigate immediately but is stopped by Ultra Magnus, who insists that Jetfire and the other Autobots need to assist in the quest to find out what's happened to Optimus Prime before concerning themselves about Galvatron. Jetfire is skeptical, and points out that much of Magnus' story doesn't quite add up.

The bickering Autobots are interrupted by Smokescreen who displays a communication from Galvatron on the view screen. The future Decepticon gloats mockingly at the Autobots as he displays his brutally tortured prisoner, Jazz.

===''Defeat!''===
[[Image: Target 2006 Ironhide digs.jpg|100px|right|thumb|Ironhide gets his rocks off]]
Ironhide is digging through rubble, pondering the nature of defeat. He notes that some defeats can be overcome easily, but some cannot. Ironhide thinks back to the Autobots recent battle with Galvatron

[[Image:Target 2006 Doubting Magnus.jpg|thumb|left|150px|He really can't deal with it right now]]
''On the Ark, a distracted Ironhide's reverie is interrupted by Jetfire who, together with Smokescreen, are preparing to go kick Galvatron's butt back to 2006 in order to rescue Jazz. Hound disagrees, saying that without extra 'bot-power and as Galvatron is clearly out of their league.''

''A less-than-trusting Jetfire realises that they are referring to Ultra Magnus and tells Hound and Ironhide to ask the newly-arrived Autobot to accompany them. Ultra Magnus backs up that lack of trust by refusing, stating that his priority'' has ''to be finding Optimus Prime and the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]]. Magnus begs for forgiveness from the remaining Autobots, who for their part would rather be Earth-bound if Magnus' lack of compassion is standard Cybertronian issue.''

''The remaining Autobots go to attack anyway, and are almost immediately ambushed by Scourge & Cyclonus. Mirage is the first casualty to the airborne Decepticons, and the Autobots scatter to avoid being blasted by Scourge & Cyclonus' weaponry. Jetfire takes to the skies, colliding with Cyclonus and forcing the Decepticon to the ground, trailing smoke.''

''The other Autobots are blasting Scourge, but the future Decepticon's skiff form proves to be too manoeuvrable and they are unable to hit him. Scourge indulges the Autobots by landing and transforming into robot mode, punching out Brawn and Wheeljack as he comes into land. The Autobots respond by surrounding Scourge and clobbering him into unconsciousness.''

[[Image:2006-1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Galvatron indulges in his passion for S&M.]]
''Jetfire pulls Ironhide, Smokescreen and Tracks away from the melee and go after Galvatron. The future Decepticon leader seems completely unbothered by their arrival, and is happy that some Autobots got past his lieutenants. Galvatron reveals that the defeats of Scourge & Cyclonus were a mere ruse and that the future Decepticons are unharmed, as are the Constructicons. None of the Decepticons lift a finger to defend Galvatron, who is unperturbed by the Autobot fire-power arrayed against him. The Autobots blast Galvatron, but, unharmed, he merely laughs at their efforts before savagely beating the Autobots down himself.''

''Galvatron leaves the helpless Autobots alive, deeming them not even worth killing.''

Ironhide finishes digging through the rubble, revealing Soundwave & Megatron. Back at the Ark, somebody punches their way out of a stasis pod whilst Grapple is distracted.

===''Wreck and Rule!''===
[[Image:Impactorfearless.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Dance into the fire]]
On Cybertron, Impactor's Autobot group, now dubbed "The [[Wrecker]]s" attack Decepticons. Shrapnel is taken out by Impactor's harpoon gun and subsequently used as a weapon to take care of Octane. Rack'n'Ruin deal with Thrust while the [[Jumpstarter]]s , together with Roadbuster finish off Bombshell, Blitzwing, Dirge & Ramjet.

As Impactor notes, the attack is a success, except without Ultra Magnus' presence to guard their flank, the Wreckers would be quickly overwhelmed by Decepticon reinforcements were this the actual Operation: Volcano instead of a practice run with [[facsimile construct]]s standing in for the Decepticons.

[[Image:Jukebot.jpg|thumb|right|150px|FREEBIRD!]]
Impactor once again goes over the painstaking preparations for their mission, and how Emirate Xaaron's sending of Ultra Magnus to Earth has put the mission in jeopardy. Without Magnus' presence, Operation: Volcano is as good as dead, a fact which Twin Twist affirms, stating that it's "not their fight anymore." Impactor goes to report the abortion of the operation to Xaaron and tells the rest of the Wreckers to relax.

Twin Twist, Whirl and Roadbuster follow their instructions, stopping off at [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]], a black market fuel source that doesn't concern itself with petty details like the customer's faction. The Wrecker's aren't in good spirits, as while they realise that calling off Volcano was the logical course of action, they still feel bad about backing out. The depressing mood is broken when an angry Decepticon, Fang, bursts into the Oil House and brutally attacks the entertainment as Fang didn't like the music being played. Twin Twist's mech fluid is boiling and he wants to do something about Fang, but Roadbuster cautions that this "isn't their fight."

[[Image:Target 2006 Whirl Roadbuster Do It.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Let's fall in love.]]
In the meantime, Impactor is explaining the decision to call off Volcano to Xaaron. Xaaron agrees that if Magnus is unable to return on time, then withdrawing would be the right thing to do, and might lead to an Autobot victory later on. The Emiraate muses about what might happen if Volcano is aborted and Ultra Magnus does return to Cybertron on time. Impactor grudgingly takes the hint.

Back at Maccadam's, Fang beats the fluid out of the Piano Transformer guy and asks if anybody else wants to disagree with him. Twin Twist takes Fang up on his offer, quickly rendering Fang an ex-Decepticon. Defending an innocent Transformer from unprovoked Decepticon attacks acts as an epiphany for the Wreckers, who agree that they must continue to fight, no matter what.

Once the Wreckers re-assemble at their base, Impactor announces a change in their plans. Operation: Volcano is a 'go' once more then Impactor asks for volunteers to participate. The Wreckers unanimously vote to re-join the Operation, and begin another combat rehearsal.

===''The Devil You Know...''===
[[Image:Target 2006 Starscream breaks free.jpg|thumb|150px|lright|The Birdbot of Arkatraz]]
Starscream has awoken aboard the Ark, and has also freed Frenzy and Thundercracker. Starscream cannot accept the site he is seeing, that of Megatron commanding the Autobots.

Megatron tells the Autobots that they need to follow his instructions as closely as possible. Jetfire is in disagreement, claiming that Megatron was rescued by Ironhide merely to advise, not to command. Megatron treats this statement with contempt, pointing out how ''spectacularly'' unsuccessful Jetfire's last attempt at commanding an assault on Galvatron was. Ironhide interjects that Megatron wasn't exactly a resounding success against Galvatron either, and would still be lying under a rock pile if not for the Autobot.

Ironhide concedes that a mutual alliance with Megatron's forces is the Autobot's best bet against Galvatron, and calls for a vote on whether they should follow Megaton's instructions, at least in the short term. The vote carries.

Starscream can't help but smirk as he learns of these events, particularly at the prospect of allying with a being powerful enough to force the Autobot's and Decepticons together. Overcome with the idea of power, Starscream leaves to seek out Galvatron.

[[Image:Target 2006 Magnus Big head.jpg|thumb|left|150px|It's like an orange on a toothpick]]
At the Ark, Ultra Magnus cannot believe the Autobots are willingly going to follow the orders of a monster such as Megatron and berates Hound rather fiercely about committing to rescuing Jazz over seeking out Optimus Prime. Hound comments that they have plenty of time to carry out both objectives. Magnus strenuously disagrees, showing him the countdown to Operation: Volcano and explaining how Magnus' time on Earth is strictly limited by by his mission on Cybertron. Hound wonders if that mission can be postponed, and Ultra Magnus flatly states that it can't, as the bait has already been set. Hound understands, but knows he still has to accompany the others to rescue Jazz. Magnus agrees but cautions to watch out for Megatron, who is just as insidiously evil as Galvatron.

Over at the [[Portland]] Iron & Steel Foundry's central storehouse, Scourge is struggling with ennui, reduced to carrying the raw materials for Galvatron's weapon and with the [[human]]s not being a match for his considerable fighting prowess, Galvatron's lieutenant is itching to fight. He detects something and brings his weapon to bear, blasting Trailbreaker who is trying to sneak in alongside Brawn and Tracks.

[[Image:Scourge marvel uk 83.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Even Scourge cannot stop the metal]]
The sneak attack surprises Scourge, who thought that once the Autobots were beaten, they wouldn't recover. The future Decepticon is nonplussed though, as a mere three Autobots are no match for his fire-power. Unfortunately for Scourge, five more Autobots arrive from another part of the building and pen him in amongst the maze-like storage areas.

Things get worse for Scourge as his weapon is blasted out of his hand. A second blast hits Scourge, enraging him to the point that he smashes into a pile of steel, burying Smokescreen and Ironhide. Realising that discretion is the better part of valour, Scourge tries to contact Galvatron and escape, but his signal is jammed.

Scourge's mood is momentarily improved when he catches Hoist unaware and impales the Autobot with a thrown steel plate. With the need to transform into his jet mode becoming more and more pressing, Scourge smashes through an exterior wall. Before he can transform, though, Megatron blasts Scourge with the ol' fusion cannon, temporarily incapacitating the future Decepticon.

Elsewhere, Jazz is struggling with the pain of his torture, but fights through it enough to claim that Galvatron is just as bad as Megatron. Galvatron is amused by Jazz's claim, but makes one small correction. Galvatron is not "as bad as Megatron," Galvatron IS Megatron!

===''Trios!''===
[[Image:Triplechangerstarget2006.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Oh, ''bugger''.]]
On Cybertron, Impactor is trapped in an [[inhibitor claw]] and is getting his aft handed to him by the [[Triple Changer]] team of Springer, Broadside and Sandstorm. Unable to transform, Impactor has to rely on his close combat skills to defeat the trio, but it is found wanting. Down but not out, Impactor knows that the stakes are higher than just his life, and if Operation: Volcano has any chance of succeeding, it will be because he fights back. Impactor charges Springer, knocking him to the ground. Reacting instantaneously, Sandstorm draws a bead on Impactor with his sandblaster gun. Springer chides Sandstorm, stating that they don't need to use their guns. Instead, Springer uses his rocket pack to leap over Impactor and backhands the Wrecker to the ground.

Impactor refuses to beg for his life. Springer doesn't seem to care, dismissing Sandstorm and Broadside who transform to their aerial forms and fly off. Springer also transforms to his helicopter mode and tells his fellow Triple Changers that they'll meet at [[Debris]] before flying away. This shocks Impactor as only the Wreckers are supposed to know about the Debris base. The departing Springer tosses a [[communicube]] to Impactor, much to the Wrecker's confusion. The communication turns out to be from Emirate Xaaron who reveals that the Triple Changers are Autobots who Xaaron has drafted in to replace Ultra Magnus on Operation: Volcano. He admits they're not up to Magnus standard but points out that the beating they just handed out to Impactor proves their worth. A frustrated but convinced Impactor crushes the communicube.

Back on Earth, Galvatron is dispelling Jazz's disbelief about Galvatron being a future version of Megatron. Jazz goads Galvatron into explaining further. [[The Transformers: The Movie|Twenty years from now]] Megatron and Optimus Prime will fight at the very spot Galvatron is occupying now. Megatron will ultimately fall. Though wounded, the Slag-Maker would have continued to function if the ever-treacherous Starscream hadn't booted him out into space.

[[Image:Target 2006 Unicron.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A sinister plot device looms]]
In space, Megatron's broken body is discovered by Unicron, a planet-sized living being. Unicron offers Megatron a simple choice: Serve him or die. Being pragmatic, Megatron opts for the first option. Unicron repairs and upgrades Megatron into his new form: that of Galvatron. Still being a Decepticon leader at heart, Galvatron tries to rebel from Unicron's enslavement. Galvatron is instantly (and painfully) punished. Understanding that he needs to be free of Unicron's influence, Galvatron time travelled to 1986 where the Chaos Bringer can not follow and sets about building a weapon powerful enough to destroy Unicron which Galvatron plans to fire the moment he returns to 2006.

Cyclonus returns from the steel foundry and reports that there was no sign of Scourge, so he assumes that Scourge is either dead or captive. Cyclonus did come across Starscream, who claimed to have information to share with the winning side in return for their alliance. Having no patience for the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]'s schemes, Cyclonus instead beat the information out of him. Megatron is currently leading the Autobots. Jazz is amused by the irony of Megatron fighting Megatron and begins to laugh before an upset Galvatron knocks the Autobot unconscious.

[[Image:Target2006-BlurrHotRodKup.jpg|thumb|200px|left|It's just a jump to the left...]]
In the Wyoming desert, Shockwave, Frenzy and Thundercracker are confused about why Megatron, Soundwave and the Constructicons are absent. Fenzy and Thundercracker don't recall anything after their earlier beating from Omega Supreme, which Shockwave despairs at. Meanwhile, in the far-flung future of 2006, Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr prepare to travel back to 1986. As the Autobot trio use the mass displacement time travel machine to arrive in 1986, Frenzy, Shockwave and Thundercracker are spirited away in a manner similar to what happened to Optimus Prime, Prowl and Ratchet.

As the future Autobots arrive in the 80s, a malevolent subconscious laughter is heard. The laughter echoes across the coal mine, the surface of Cybertron and even reaches Galvatron, who is suddenly afraid...

===''Prisoners of War!''===
[[Image:Target 2006 Nemesis.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Nemesis'' no mo']]
In, the inky void of space, the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' floats above the Earth, protected from detection from highly sophisticated shielding systems. A lance of energy shoots from the Earth and utterly obliterates the Decepticon starship.

Watching the orbital destruction on a monitor, Galvatron is very pleased with himself. The test firing of his new super weapon was a complete success. Now all the future Decepticon leader has to do is wait for the weapon to recharge, return to the 2006 from whence he came and use the weapon against Unicron and Galvatron will be his own master.

The self-congratulating is interrupted by Cyclonus, reporting that it is time for the prisoner-exchange meeting.with the Autobots. A meeting which the new recruit, Starscream is to play a pivotal role. Starscream agrees, but wants to know the reasoning behind destroying a perfectly good starship like the ''Nemesis''. What if the Decepticons wish to leave Earth some day? Galvatron scoffs that there are far better methods of transportation now available.

Noting that Starscream seems rather ill-at-ease in their presence, Galvatron reassures the Seeker not to be too concerned about violence-first approach to problems now that Galvatron is in full control of the situation. Starscream transforms and flies off to perform his duties. This gives Cyclonus an opportunity to ask Galvatron why they need Starscream at all. The future Decepticon leader explains that Cyclonus is missing the delicious irony in Starscream using Galvatron to ensure his future when Galvatron is the reason Starscream has ''no'' future. The Decepticons allow themselves some healthy maniacal laughter.

At the Ark, Ultra Magnus is contemplating his failure. With a mere twenty-two hours before the launch of Operation: Volcano, he is no closer to locating Optimus Prime than he was when he was first sent to Earth. Magnus' reverie is interrupted by the arrival of Kup, Blurr and a genuflecting Hot Rod, who introduce themselves, and then go to leave, explaining that they have to talk to Optimus Prime about Galvatron. Ultra Magnus stops them right there and insists that they compare notes.

[[Image:Target 2006 fatally slow.jpg|thumb|left|150px|This is bad comedy]]
In Northern Oregon, it is time for the prisoner exchange. Galvatron insists that the Autobots turn Scourge back over to him before he releases Jazz. Jetfire agrees but reminds Galvatron that the [[anti-grav manacles]] restraining Scourge are programmed to fry the Decepticon should Galvatron break his pledge and bring harm to Jazz.

Jetfire claims that it could easily have been Galvatron in the manacles, as they beat Scourge easily. The future Decepticon leader disagrees about the ease of his lieutenant's capture. The prisoners are exchanged, and the Autobots now have a badly-wounded but still living Jazz back in their hands. Galvatron asks after Megatron.

At the site of Galvatron's weapon, Megatron is being choked by Cyclonus, who points out that Megatron was foolish to come snooping around unprotected. Megatron claims it is Cyclonus who is the foolish one and that he is not unprotected just as Soundwave sneaks up on Cyclonus, allowing Megatron to incapacitate the future Decepticon. Knowing that it won't take long for Galvatron to deal with the Autobots, and orders to Soundwave to round up the Constructicons. Before he can acknowledge the order, Soundwave is blasted into unconsciousness. Megatron is slow to react and is also rendered unconscious thanks to Starscream and his null ray.

[[Image:MagnusVGalv2006.jpg|thumb|right|140px|Come and 'ave a go if you think you're 'ard enough.]]
At the Ark, Kup is explaining the principles of time travel using [[mass substitution]] to Ultra Magnus. After realising that Optimus Prime's disappearance must be due to to Galvatron's time travel, Magnus berates himself for his idiocy in avoiding the future Decepticons when they were the key to his Prime hunt and charges off to rectify his mistake, ignoring the remainder of Kup's explanation.

Back at the prisoner exchange rendezvous, the Autobots are confused. If Galvatron knew about Megatron, why bother with the exchange at all. Galvatron explains that he has need of Scourge, and feels that the Autobots are in need of a lesson. Using a remote control, the future Decepticon activates Jazz and sends him to attack against his Autobot comrades. Unwilling to attack their cohort, the Autobot group are soon rendered unconscious and Jazz is deactivated once more.

Shortly thereafter, Galvatron visits the site of his weapon, where Starscream is poised to fatally shoot Megatron. Galvatron prevents Starscream from committing the act, and punishes the Seeker for disobeying a direct order to leave Megatron alive in true Decepticon style. Starscream gets punched out. Gloating at the ease in which all his foes are falling to him, Galvatron asks who can truly stand against him. Enter Ultra Magnus...

===''You Haveta Ask?!''===
[[Image:Target 2006 Galvatron catapult.jpg|thumb|left|Like a [[Furmanism|vast, predatory bird]]]]
Galvatron is perched on top of Ultra Magnus' car carrier mode, and is trying to destroy the powerful Autobot. Ultra Magnus is trying to shake off the enraged Decepticon and finally has to resort to the drastic measure of speeding over an incomplete highway overpass and slamming on the brakes ''hard.'' Galvatron's momentum sends the future Decepticon leader tumbling off the edge of the over pass and into the ground below, temporarily knocking the fight out of him. Ultra Magnus wonders how the fight got this complex.

[[Image:Target 2006 Part Eight Galvatron.jpg|thumb|right|Superman!]]
''Earlier, Magnus had confronted Galvatron and offered the Decepticon a simple choice: immediately return to his own time by choice, or Ultra Magnus would force him to, in pieces of necessary. Galvatron reacted in his typical manner, by firing his particle beam cannon. However the shot missed and grazed the edge of Galvatron's super weapon, prompting Galvatron to have to fight Magnus using only his bare hands.''

''Ultra Magnus is able to fend off the initial furious assault from Galvatron, and is able to weather most of the subsequent attacks although the powerful Autobot is taking a lot of damage. Magnus tries to keep Galvatron enraged and not thinking clearly with [[Spider-Man|incessant quips]]. As Galvatron rants and raves about his Unicron-given indestructibility, Ultra Magnus picks up a message from Kup on his internal communications sensors. ''[[Image:Galvatrong1.jpg|thumb|left|The scariest knee in the solar system]]''Apparently Kup, Blurr and Hot Rod have a plan that will send Galvatron back to 2006, and all Magnus has to do is keep the near-indestructible warmonger busy for an hour or two. After a few more blows are exchanged, Ultra Magnus dazzles and disorientates Galvatron using his powerful headlights and drives off. Galvatron scrabbles for a handhold and climbs to the roof of Magnus' trailer.''

Back to the present, Ultra Magnus is happy that he's been able to occupy Galvatron's attention for the length of time that he has, and hopes it's been enough for Kup and company to enact their plan. Before Magnus can check on Kup et al, the overpass he is standing on is blasted away by Galvatron, sending the Autobot hurtling to the ground. Once landed, Ultra Magnus is met by Galvatron's laser cannon mode, which proceeds to blast the Autobot all over the place. In a last, desperate gambit, Ultra Magnus tosses a fuel tanker in the firing line of Galvatron's barrel, causing a massive fire to erupt. The two Transformers continue to fight until a victor steps out of the conflagration - Galvatron!


===''Back to the Future!''===
[[Image:Target 2006 repaint.jpg|thumb|right|They stole the idea from [[Hasbro]].]]
Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr are laying the groundwork to their plan. First they [[repaint|paint]] Skywarp to look like Starscream, then they set up explosives all around Galvatron's super weapon. After that, the future Autobots hide the real Starscream and render both Scourge and Cyclonus as unconscious. The preparation complete, the Autobts go to their observation area.

Galvatron is dragging Ultra Magnus by the neck to his weapon site so that the Autobot can witness Galvatron's final triumph. When Galvatron discovers that his lieutenants have been recently damaged to ensure unconsciousness he at first suspects Megatron and Soundwave, but finds them just as deactivated as before. Galvatron then, understandably, assumes that this was some treachery on the part of Starscream, just as the Autobot trio had intended. The Autobots prepare to attack Galvatron, but are unable to get a clear shot as Ultra Magnus has stepped into the firing line. Magnus is determined to do what he can to get Optimus Prime back and still participate in Operation: Volcano, which is kicking off in under an hour.

[[Image:Galvatron V Magnus UK87.jpg|thumb|left|Don't stop til you get enough!]]Not too far away, the Autobots are recovery from their attack at the hands of a remote-controlled Jazz. Smokescreen is determined to take the fight to Galvatron one more time, despite the results from the last few such assaults, as unchecked Galvatron could arrive at any point in time and use his weaponry to stand as an unchallenged ruler.

Ultra Magnus continues to battle Galvatron, simply ''refusing'' to give up. Eventually, Magnus is thrown by Galvatron, giving Hot Rod's group a clear bead on Galvatron, which is instantly disrupted by the arrival of Smokescreen, Jetfire and their group, who are defending Magnus by forcing Galvatron to go through them first. Kup, being practical, realises that going up against Galvatron is likely to mean death for these Autobots, so he goes ahead and detonates the explosives anyway, hoping that the Autobots will have the sense to get clear. The chain reaction of the explosives cause the power source of Galavtron's weapon to detonate, obliterating the weapon completely. As he is being buried by falling shrapnel, Galvatron howls with rage at being denied his victory this late in the game.

[[Image:Target 2006 fake Starscream dies.jpg|thumb|right|He done blowed up real good]]
Minutes later, Galvatron bursts from the wreckage, demanding to know who has the nerve to dare attack him. Skywarp-as-Starscream claims the credit, thanks to some remote control manipulation from the future Autobots. Overcome with rage, Galvatron fires at "Starscream," killing him. Once the red mist clears, Galvatron realises that he will not kill Starscream until 2006, and so, he must be in a parallel dimension to the one he time jumped from initially and thus his actions here will have no bearing on the future, or on his enslavement to Unicron. Taking the setback in his stride, Galvatron transports himself, Scourge and Cyclonus back to 2006 whilst the future Autobots consider what to do with Starscream.

===''Aftermath!''===
Unicron is surveying the remain of Galvatron's weapon, and is happy to see that his puppet, Galvatron couldn't escape the Chaos Bringer's control so easily, though the ingenuity Galvatron's trip to the past did surprise Unicron. Unicron's influence is such that he was able to subtly guide Hot Rod, Blurr and Kup in their succesful plan to thwart Galvatron. Unicron also plants the suggestion to one day build [[Autobot City]] on the site of Galvatron's weapon complex. The future Autobots return to the future.

[[Image:Target 2006 Magnus too late for Volcano.jpg|thumb|200px|left|I trust I am not too early]]
After Starscream is stuffed back into cold storage, Jetfire and Smokescreen are thanking a magnanimous Ultra Magnus on his role in saving both Earth and Cybertron. At the mention of Cyberton, Magnus has a small conniption as he now knows that Operation: Volcano must have already begun - without him!

On Cybertron, Emirate Xaaron is giving a speech to twenty-two Autobot resistance chiefs, who, in reality, are expendable facsimile constructs and part of the complicated trap that is Operation: Volcano. After an Insecticon-sized signal is detected by Impactor and the Wreckers, they know phase one of Volcano has been a success. The Decepticons have swallowed the bait. Roadbuster, though, isn't happy. He's worried about the chance of failure, especially as while powerful, the Triple Changers are not a match for Ultra Magnus. Impactor observes that if Magnus is returning to Cybertron to participate in Volcano, his time is extremely limited.

Back on Earth, Laserbeak cuts free Soundwave and Megatron, the latter of whom is thirsting for revenge. Ultra Magnus returns to Cybertron rather than meeting with Optimus Prime, and hopes that one day, Magnus and Prime can fight together side by side, a notion Jetfire agrees with.

[[Image:Dirge macabre marvel uk 88.jpg|thumb|right|Anti-climax personified.]]
Back on Cybertron, a group of Decepticon murderers gather. They include the Insecticons, Thrust, Blitzwing, Octane and a tagging-along thug by the name of Macabre. Unlike his fellow Decepticons, Macabre doesn't seek to interrogate Emirate Xaaron, merely to assassinate him. Impactor gives the signal: "Wreck and Rule!" However, the signal is superfluous as Astrotrain interrupts Dirge with a communicube containing a message from Megatron - The Decepticons must cease all operations in [[Polyhex]] and have the Space Bridge working well enough to transport the Insecticons to Earth within two cycles, with no questioning of orders.

Impactor steps to the dais and informs Xaaron that the Decepticons have turned back. Uncertain as to the reason, the Wrecker speculates that the Decepticons must have discovered that it was a trap, and so all the preparation work for Operation: Volcano was wasted. Macabre, however, didn't turn back with the other Decepticons, and is determined to go down in history as the Decepticon that killed Xaaron, so he fires his massive studded gun at the Autobot dignitary. Unfortunately for Macabre, Impactor spots the weapon and is able to take the impact himself, dying.

[[Image:Target 2006 Prime triumphant.jpg|thumb|left|...most of the time]]
Macabre steps out of the shadows, bewailing his lost opportunity to finish off Xaaron and is blown to smithereens by the Wreckers' combined fire-power. Xaaron is upset about Impactor's impending death, but Impactor always knew that death was a possibility and nominates Springer for his replacement as Wreckers commander.

On Earth, Optimus Prime is speechifying at the Ark. He talks about the severe injuries that Jazz, Trailbreaker and Grapple have suffered, and the perhaps even more debilitating mental injuries the other Autobots have acquired having faced total defeat. Prime states that no matter what sufferings they go through in their battles, The Autobots will prevail.

{{-}}

==Featured Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (2)
* [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]† (3)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]† (4)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]† (5)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]† (6)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]† (7)
* [[Xaaron]] (12)
* [[Skater]] (13)
* [[Impactor]] (14)
* [[Autobot traitor]] (16)
* [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] (17)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (18)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (20)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (21)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (23)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (26)
* [[Matrix Flame priest]] (27)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (31)
* [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (39)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (40)
* [[Grapple]] (42)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (43)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (44)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (45)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (46)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (47)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (48)
* [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] (54)
* [[Rack'n'Ruin]] (55)
* [[Twin Twist]] (59)
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (64)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (65)
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (66)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (69)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (70)
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] (71)
|c2=
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (15)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] (24)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (25)
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (28)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (29)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (30)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (32)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (33)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (34)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (35)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (36)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (37)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (38)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (41)
* [[Fang]] (61)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (62)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (63)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (68)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (72)
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (74)
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (75)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (76)
* [[Octane]] (77)
* [[Macabre]] (78)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (79)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (80)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (81)
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (82)
|c3=
* [[Joy Meadows]]† (8)
* [[Rick (Marvel)|Rick]]† (9)
* [[Tony (G1)|Tony]]† (10)
|c4=
* [[Centurion (Marvel)|Centurion]]† (11)
* [[Piano Transformer guy]] (60)
* [[Unicron]] (67)
|h5='''[[Facsimile construct]]s'''|c5=
* Dirge (49)
* Kickback (50)
* Thrust (51)
* Octane (52)
* Shrapnel (53)
* Bombshell (56)
* Blitzwing (57)
* Ramjet (58)
* [[Autobot resistance chief]]s (73)
}}

''† seen in flashback''

==Errors==
*It is implied that Galvatron builds his weapon on the site of the future [[Autobot City]] so that when the weapon fires in 2006 it will destroy Autobot City ''and'' Unicron. He states it will be "hidden underground", but it's not mentioned ''how'' it'll get underground - we could be charitable and assume there is a way, but ''why'' would the Autobots build their city where they ''know'' a slag-off great cannon was buried?
*On page 5 of issue #81, Jetfire's backpack suddenly disappears for a single frame.
*On the first and last pages of issue #82, the [[Octane]] facsimile construct is mis-colored as [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
*The Autobots do not use [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. This would normally be an item of interest and not an error, except that we are reminded that Omega Supreme exists, that he is powerful enough to kill lots of Decepticons, and Smokescreen ''actually says'' "Now there's a thought! Why not sic Omega on them?" (referring to the Constructicons, Megatron, Soundwave and Laserbeak when it is assumed they are involved in the disapperance of Prime, Prowl and Ratchet) in Part 1. No reason is ever given why they don't use him against Galvatron and he is not shown in any scenes in the entire story.
*Part 4 has the Wreckers training against nine facsimile constructs that represent the "deadliest killers". Then, the final part establishes Operation: Volcano will kill the ''ten'' deadliest killers - while the art only shows ''nine'' of them ([[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] turns up but doesn't seem to have been expected by the others). Did the tenth just decide to have a lie-in?

==Items of note==
*This is the epic Transformers story that everyone remembers from the UK comics. Events in this story cause ramifications over the next 150 issues.
*[[Ladybird Books]] would borrow the premise of this story for their 1986 books.
*The Movie was originally planned to take place in 2006 but was changed to 2005 very late in production by which time "Target: 2006" had already been given a title. As a result, all of the UK comics future stories were set twenty years in the future of the 'real' year.
*Galvatron time jumps just at the point in the Movie after he says "Decepticons, to Earth."
*According to Galvatron in issue #78, Earth has a weather control system as of 1995. Our Earth is clearly behind schedule.
*This story has it that Unicron's physical form ''can'' be destroyed by weapons technology (albeit really powerful weapons) and not just the Matrix - Unicron himself refers to the cannon being able to destroy him. The idea of Unicron being defeatable by Transformer weaponry has never turned up again.
*The character designs for Galvatron, Cyclonus and Scourge in issue #78 are based on the toys rather than the Movie look as the issue was designed before the artist got to see the Movie designs.
**The early parts of the story also use a different colour scheme for Cyclonus including a mainly silver head that was also seen on a prototype shown in the [[Toy Fair 1986]] catalogue. His colours in later parts are closer to the released toy.
*For this story and all future appearances Galvatron would appear in his grey and purple toy colour scheme rather than the Movie's predominantly purple colour.
*Simon Furman reused issue #78's sequence with Emirate Xaaron and captions about the Autobot movement going literally underground almost verbatim when he took over the US strip some years later.
*The drawing of Galvatron on the cover of issue #87 is a slightly altered tracing of his [[character model]].
*The fate of Optimus Prime and the other Transformers who disappear is revealed in #100's "[[Distant Thunder!]]"
*In terms of story chronology, this is the fourth UK "future" story centering on the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] cast. It's preceded by the Shockwave segment of "[[Aspects of Evil!]]". The next story, chronologically, is "[[Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!]]" and the subsequent titles.

==Back-Up Stories==
===''Cybertron: The Middle Years!''===
Included in issue #83 was a short text history of Cybertron during the years Optimus Prime and Megatron's crews were lost on Earth. It chronicled the rise of [[Trannis]], the fall of the [[Council of Autobot Elders]], the establishment of the Autobot resistance under the leadership of Xaaron, the fall of Trannis at the hands of the Wreckers, and the rise of Trannis's successor [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]].

'''Issue #78:'''
*Hercules — "Whom the Gods Would Destroy!" Part 1
*[[Robo-Capers]]

'''Issue #79:'''
*Hercules — "Whom the Gods Would Destroy!" Part 2
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #80:'''
*Hercules — "Whom the Gods Would Destroy!" Part 3
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #81:'''
*Hercules — "Whom the Gods Would Destroy!" Part 4
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #82:'''
*Hercules — "...Not Just Another Galactus Story!" Part 1
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #83:'''
*Cybertron: The Middle Years! (see above)
*Hercules — "...Not Just Another Galactus Story!" Part 2
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #84:'''
*Hercules — "...Not Just Another Galactus Story!" Part 3
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #85:'''
*Hercules — "...Not Just Another Galactus Story!" Part 4
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #86:'''
*Spitfire and the Troubleshooters — "Beginnings" Part 1
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #87:'''
*Spitfire and the Troubleshooters — "Beginnings" Part 2
*Robo-Capers

'''Issue #88:'''
*Spitfire and the Troubleshooters — "Beginnings" Part 3
*Robo-Capers

==Reprints==
*The prologue and first two parts were reprinted in [[Collected Comics (Marvel)|Collected Comics]] #15. However the master copies for the remaining issues were lost in the post meaning that the remainder of the story was never published in the Collected Comics series. Despite this Collected Comics #16 used the cover from issue #84.
*Reprinted as a Trade Paperback by [[Titan Books]] in August 2002. A hardback version with an exclusive cover was made available at the Transforce 2002 convention in the UK. However, the convention version was misprinted, with the final eight pages of the story appearing in reverse order. Titan offered a free replacement, but many fans kept the original — partially because of the novelty, but mostly because they had just got it signed by [[Simon Furman]].
*Reprinted in 5 parts by [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] in 2007 as part of their ''[[Generations (comic reprints)|Generations]]'' series, with nearly 100 variant covers.
*The IDW reprints were then inevitably collected in a TPB, released January 2008.
*Parts 5 and 6 were reprinted as a single comic book issue as a pack-in (erroneously) included with [[Universe (2008 franchise)|''Universe'']] [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] vs. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]. (It was supposed to be packed in with the [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] vs. [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] set, which was "Target: 2006"-themed.) This printing altered two uses of the word "damn" to "darn," a word more friendly to American children.

==Covers (34)==
===Marvel originals===
*'''UK issue #78 cover:''' Prowl, Ratchet & Optimus Prime disappearing into limbo, by [[Alister Pearson]].
*'''UK issue #79 cover:''' Galvatron and Ultra Magnus, by [[John Higgins]].
*'''UK issue #80 cover:''' Ultra Magnus arrives, by [[John Stokes]].
*'''UK issue #81 cover:''' Galvatron stands over vanquished Autobots, by [[Will Simpson]].
<center><gallery>
Image:MarvelUK-78.GIF|'''UK issue #78'''
Image:MarvelUK-079.jpg|'''UK issue #79'''
Image:MarvelUK-080.GIF|'''UK issue #80'''
Image:MarvelUK-081.GIF|'''UK issue #81'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''UK issue #82 cover:''' the [[Wrecker|Wreckers]], by [[Phil Gascoine]].
*'''UK issue #83 cover:''' Scourge being blasted, by [[Robin Smith]].
*'''UK issue #84 cover:''' Galvatron & Unicron by Phil Gascoine.
*'''UK issue #85 cover:''' Jazz is possessed by Galvatron, by Robin Smith.
<center><gallery>
Image:MarvelUK-082.GIF|'''UK issue #82'''
Image:MarvelUK-083.GIF|'''UK issue #83'''
Image:MarvelUK-084.jpg|'''UK issue #84'''
Image:MarvelUK-085.jpg|'''UK issue #85'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''UK issue #86 cover:''' Ultra Magnus fighting Galvatron, by Robin Smith.
*'''UK issue #87 cover:''' Galvatron poses by his weapon, by Phil Gascoine.
*'''UK issue #88 cover:''' the Wreckers, by [[Geoff Senior]].
<center><gallery>
Image:MarvelUK-086.jpg|'''UK issue #86'''
Image:MarvelUK-087.jpg|'''UK issue #87'''
Image:MarvelUK-088.jpg|'''UK issue #88'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

===Collected Comics reprints===
*'''Collected Comics #15 cover:''' Reuse of issue #78 cover by [[John Higgins]].
<center><gallery>
Image:Tfcolcom15.jpg|'''Collected Comics #15'''
</gallery></center>

===IDW reprints===
{{Note|[[Rob Ruffolo]] is incorrectly credited with colouring the covers for these reprints.}}

*'''IDW issue #1 cover A:''' Galvatron, Scourge & Cyclonus arrive in 1986, art by [[Nick Roche]], colors by [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''IDW issue #1 cover B:''' Galvatron, Scourge & Cyclonus arrive in 1986, by [[Jeff Anderson]].
*'''IDW issue #1 Retail Incentive cover A:''' sketch of cover A, by Nick Roche.
*'''IDW issue #1 Retail Incentive cover B:''' panels of UK issue #78, by Jeff Anderson.
<center><gallery>
Image:IDWTarget2006 1A.jpg|'''IDW issue #1 A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 1B.jpg|'''IDW issue #1 B'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 1RIA.jpg|'''IDW issue #1 RI-A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 1RIB.jpg|'''IDW issue #1 RI-B'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''IDW issue #2 cover A:''' Cyclonus & Ultra Magnus fight by Hound's prone body, by Nick Roche, colors by [[Liam Shalloo]].
*'''IDW issue #2 cover B:''' Galvatron's ultimate weapon, by Will Simpson colors by [[Tony Jozwiak]].
*'''IDW issue #2 Retail Incentive cover A:''' sketch of cover A, by Nick Roche.
*'''IDW issue #2 Retail Incentive cover B:''' panels from UK issue #81, by Jeff Anderson.
<center><gallery>
Image:IDWTarget2006 2A.jpg|'''IDW issue #2 A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 2B.jpg|'''IDW issue #2 B'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 2RIA.jpg|'''IDW issue #2 RI-A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 2RIB.jpg|'''IDW issue #2 RI-B'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''IDW issue #3 cover A:''' the Wreckers, art by Nick Roche, colors by Liam Shalloo.
*'''IDW issue #3 cover B:''' Wreck & Rule!, by [[Ron Smith]].
*'''IDW issue #3 Retail Incentive cover A:''' sketch of cover A, by Nick Roche.
*'''IDW issue #3 Retail Incentive cover B:''' panels from UK issue #82, by Ron Smith.
<center><gallery>
Image:IDWTarget2006 3A.jpg|'''IDW issue #3 A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 3B.jpg|'''IDW issue #3 B'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 3RIA.jpg|'''IDW issue #3 RI-A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 3RIB.jpg|'''IDW issue #3 RI-B'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''IDW issue #4 cover A:''' Brawn choked by a zombie-controlled Jazz, by Nick Roche, colors by Liam Shalloo.
*'''IDW issue #4 cover B:''' Galvatron riding Ultra Magnus, by Geoff Senior.
*'''IDW issue #4 Retail Incentive cover A:''' sketch of cover A, by Nick Roche.
*'''IDW issue #4 Retail Incentive cover B:''' panels from UK issue #86, by Will Simpson.
<center><gallery>
Image:IDWTarget2006 4A.jpg|'''IDW issue #4 A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 4B.jpg|'''IDW issue #4 B'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 4RIA.jpg|'''IDW issue #4 RI-A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 4RIB.jpg|'''IDW issue #4 RI-B'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''IDW issue #5 cover A:''' Ultra Magnus versus Galvatron, art by Nick Roche, colors by Josh Burcham.
*'''IDW issue #5 cover B:''' Starscream is obliterated, by Jeff Anderson, colors by Tony Jozwiak.
*'''IDW issue #5 Retail Incentive cover A:''' sketch of cover A, by Nick Roche.
*'''IDW issue #5 Retail Incentive cover B:''' panels from UK issue #88 by Will Simpson.
<center><gallery>
Image:IDWTarget2006 5A.jpg|'''IDW issue #5 A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 5B.jpg|'''IDW issue #5 B'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 5RIA.jpg|'''IDW issue #5 RI-A'''
Image:IDWTarget2006 5RIB.jpg|'''IDW issue #5 RI-B'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

===Trade paperbacks===
*'''Titan TPB cover:''' Galvatron in shadow, by Geoff Senior.
*'''Transforce Titan hardcover:''' Galvatron shoots at Ultra Magnus by [[Lee Sullivan]].
*'''IDW TPB cover:''' reuse of IDW issue #5 cover A.
<center><gallery>
Image:TitanTarget2006tpb.jpg|'''Titan TPB'''
Image:TransforceTitanTarget2006hc.jpg|'''Transforce Titan HC'''
Image:IDWTarget2006tpb.jpg|'''IDW TPB'''
</gallery></center>

[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Matrix of Leadership

2011-06-07T23:59:42Z

TotoFett22: spelling fix

{{disambig3|Matrix}}
{{featured}}
{{suite}}
{{-}}
[[Image:Matrix.jpg|right|375px|thumb|You put the life in the coconut.]]

The '''Autobot Matrix of Leadership''' (also known as the '''Creation Matrix''' or rarely, the '''Autobot Matrix of Power'''<ref>[[The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:]]</ref> or the '''Matrix of Light'''<ref>For the majority of the ''Transformers: The Movie'' sticker book (see right), though it is also referred to as the "Matrix of Leadership" once or twice.</ref>) is an [[sacred implement|artifact of great power]], traditionally carried by the [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot]]s. Although its appearance differs slightly from [[universal stream]] to universal stream, it generally appears as a glowing crystal sphere encased within a hollow metal shell, with a handle on either side.

By most accounts, the Matrix is a conduit for the power of [[Primus]], the creator-god of the [[Transformer|Transformers]], serving as a means of access to the [[Allspark]], the "afterlife" of the Transformer race, through which it can either bestow new Transformer life, or provide its wielder with a means of communicating with the deceased leaders who have come before them. These divine powers put it at the centre of much Autobot [[religion]], spirituality and prophecy; while many [[Decepticon]]s are less inclined to believe in its divinity, they certainly covet the increased physical power it is known to convey upon its holders, and several have made obtaining the Matrix one of their primary goals. As one of the embodiments of the power of Primus, the Matrix is antithesis to [[Unicron]], and one of the very few things the chaos-bringer fears.

{{quote|But one day... an Autobot shall rise from our ranks... and use the power of the Matrix... to light... our [[darkest hour]].|A [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|dying Optimus Prime]]|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Conceptual history==
[[Image:SecondGeneration prime gives buster matrix.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Matrix made its fictional debut when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transferred it to [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], an event recounted in this scene from "[[Second Generation!]]".]]
The Matrix and the concepts associated with it have continuously evolved over twenty-five-plus years, with different pieces of ''Transformers'' fiction creating new ideas centred on it, which have in turn influenced its representation in ''other'' fiction, and so on. The current nature of the Matrix as it is understood is beholden to quite a few different sources, and its development is described here to minimize confusion. For the specifics on the different interpretations of the Matrix in various continuities, see the "Fiction" section below.

The concept of the Matrix originates from the brain of [[Marvel Comics]] writer [[Bob Budiansky]] and is a result of the "no girls"/"no gender" policy enforced by [[Hasbro]] regarding their then-new robot brand. Because there were no female robots/the robots had no gender, Budiansky came up with an asexual method of reproduction in the form of the Creation Matrix, a computer program housed within the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] that could bring new Transformers to life, which would also prove a helpful plot device when he was required to introduce new characters to the series.<ref>[http://www.bwtf.com/interviews/bb204/ Bob Budiansky Interview at BWTF.com]</ref><ref>[http://www.metalmachine.net/blog/2009/11/21/todds-take-with-bob-budiansky-the-architect-of-the-transformers/ Metal Machine interview with Bob]</ref><ref>[http://rustingcarcass.yuku.com/topic/954 Rusting Carcass interview]</ref>

The appearance of the Matrix in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 animated series]] originated with early script drafts of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', which introduced the idea of "[[Life Spark]]s", very similar to the [[spark]]s that would later be introduced with ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''. The Matrix was not present in the earliest known incarnation of the movie; instead, upon his death, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transferred his own Life Spark to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], with the implication that this was standard practise among Autobot leaders. This idea was eventually discarded, replaced with a physical object known as the "Matrix of Leadership", which evidently derived its name from the Creation Matrix of the comic book. The episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]" attempted to introduce the concept of the Matrix to the animated universe before the movie, but the dialogue containing the reference was deleted during production. The line, which dated the creation of the Matrix to 4.5 million years ago, would ultimately have conflicted greatly with what would be learned of the Matrix in the future.

[[Image:FFOD4 passing the matrix.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Zeta Prime]] inherits the Matrix from [[Guardian Prime]] in the first recounting of the Prime lineage from "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]].]]

Virtually nothing of the Matrix's nature was actually divulged in the finished film, where it was treated as simply a magic talisman of prophecy that was the antithesis of [[Unicron]]. The idea that had originated with the Life Spark concept—that of dying Autobot leaders merging their lifeforces with others—remained, albeit in a vague way, as Optimus Prime intoned upon his deathbed that he would soon be "one with the Matrix". The mini-series "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" fully expanded on the meaning of his line, revealing that the Matrix contained the lifeforces of all the deceased [[ancient Autobots|Autobot leaders]] who had previously held it, collectively known as the "Wisdom of the Ages," which could be consulted for aid in moments of need.

[[Image:Sentinel prime lou.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The dying [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] passes the Matrix to Optimus Prime in this flashback scene from "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]".]]

Having already cannibalized many of the movie's best elements for use in his comic book stories, writer [[Simon Furman]] contradicted Bob Budiansky's US comic book stories by presenting the Matrix as it had appeared in the film, as a physical object, in his own UK storylines, and carried this over to the US comic when he later began writing it. This alteration was also reflected in a ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]'' profile written for Powermaster Optimus Prime around the time, where Budiansky's "program" concept and the cartoon's "physical object" idea were merged with the explanation that the program was encoded in light patterns in the Matrix's crystal core. As Furman's run progressed, the "lifeforces of previous holders" concept was also adapted into the comics, with the Matrix possessing a genetic memory of those that had held it. Most notably, in both UK and US books, Furman crafted a story to explain the origins of the Matrix, why Unicron was vulnerable to it, and how it could create new life, ultimately revealing it to be the essence of the Transformers' creator-god, [[Primus]].

It was the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|''Beast Machines'' animated series]] which made the next big addition to the growing mythology of the Matrix when it introduced the [[Allspark]], the extradimensional source of all Transformers sparks living or dead, which was also known as "the Matrix." Although it did not explicitly make any callbacks to the Matrix as seen in the Generation 1 cartoons or comics, the implication was obvious—rather than ''contain'' anything, the physical Matrix object from those continuities was a ''gateway'' to the Allspark. Where the animated "Matrix of Leadership" and the comic book "Creation Matrix" had previously seemed incompatible, this revelation united them conceptually—the lifeforces of the dead from the cartoon and the ability to bring new life from the comics could now both be tied to the features of the Allspark dimension. [[Dreamwave Productions]]' comics proceeded to cement this concept, depicting a Matrix of Leadership that possessed both these traits, and explicitly identifying it not as a holder of Primus' power, but a ''conduit'' for it.

The Matrix took something of a back seat in major fiction in the latter years of the 2000s, effectively replaced in the worlds of the [[live-action film series|live-action movies]] and ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' by the [[AllSpark]]—a mystical object that, while physically distinct from the Matrix, possessed its life-giving powers and record of Transformer history. Before long, however, both these continuities reintroduced the idea of the Matrix: In both universes, the AllSpark was destroyed and its knowledge and power was reincarnated in an object either specifically named, or designed to look like, the Matrix, thereby bringing the whole concept full-circle.

Finally, the recent revelation (implied in the movies, confirmed by [[Fun Publications]]' "[[Crossing Over]]" and reiterated in ''[[Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron]]'') that the energy that is the basis of Transformer life is actually the rarefied form of the Transformers' fuel, [[energon (fuel)|energon]] itself, suggests that the energy of the Matrix is also (a form of) energon. This had actually been portrayed as the case in some formerly-questionable pieces of fiction such as the [[Keepers Trilogy]] novels, which retroactively makes sense now.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Prima.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Intel Inside!]]

When Primus created the Transformer race, before entering voluntary systems shutdown, he bestowed upon them a genetic matrix containing his essence and the majority of his power, which could be used to give life to more Transformers so that the race might grow without his direct involvement. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}} Later named the "Creation Matrix", this divine gift took the form of a program encoded in intricate patterns of light within a crystal,<ref>[http://ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Optimus_Prime_PM Powermaster Optimus Prime's Marvel comic profile]</ref> which was passed from leader to leader down through the millennia. The first holder of the Creation Matrix was the first Transformer, [[Prima]], then subsequently [[Prime Nova]], [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and in the modern era, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} The Autobot leaders evidently elected to keep the true nature of the Matrix a secret, since most other Transformers were shown to believe it was a program stored within the mind of Optimus Prime himself, rather than housed within a separate physical object. This mistaken belief gave rise to a legend that claimed that the program was encoded into a new Autobot leader once every ten millennia. {{storylink|The New Order}}

[[Image:WhoseLifeforce prime and longtooth.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]

''At one point during his tenure as Autobot leader, Optimus Prime came across [[Longtooth]] struggling to save the life of a fallen comrade on the battlefield after a particularly ferocious conflict. Mistakenly believing he was witnessing a great show of Autobot spirit (when in actuality, Longtooth was simply terrified of being the last one left alive), Prime extracted a tiny portion of the Creation Matrix's energy and gave it to Longtooth, telling him to use it wisely. Once Prime had left, however, Longtooth gave into his fear and kept the Matrix energy for himself, to serve as a "spare life" that allowed him to be daring and brave on the battlefield without fearing death.'' {{storylink|Whose Lifeforce Is It Anyway?}}

[[Image:DisintegratedCircuits buster uses matrix.jpg|right|thumb|275px]]

When the Transformers' war moved to [[Earth]] in 1984, current Decepticon leader [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] elected to increase his forces by creating new Transformers with the power of the Creation Matrix. Capturing the [[Autobot]]s and decapitating Optimus Prime, Shockwave tapped the energies of the Matrix and brought the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] to life. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Prime was able to transfer the Matrix into the mind of the Autobots' human ally, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}} thereby preventing Shockwave from animating his newest construct, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but the presence of the Matrix within Buster's mind gave they boy incredible powers over machinery. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Deducing that Buster possessed the Matrix, Shockwave programmed the unliving Jetfire to capture the boy, but Buster used the Matrix to bring Jetfire under his control and used him to thwart Shockwave's plan and save Optimus Prime. With Prime and the Autobots rescued, Buster transferred the Creation Matrix back to the Autobot leader, {{storylink|Prime Time!}} and Prime subsequently used the Matrix to give Jetfire true life. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''Residual energy from the Matrix that lingered in Buster's brain soon began to give the youth nightmarish visions, causing him to black out and create strange images of previously-unheard of Transformers.'' {{storylink|Devastation Derby!}} ''Seeking to help Buster, the Autobots hooked him up to equipment that would allow them to monitor his dreams, and discovered that the Matrix was showing them all them a vision of the future, and the creation of the [[Special Teams]].'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[Image:Matrixflame.jpg|left|thumb|275px|If the Autobots were Jewish, it would have burned another six days.]]

''The Matrix was also known to have an analog on Cybertron, the [[Matrix Flame]], which burned constantly as long as the Matrix still existed, no matter where in the universe it was. It could also be used to channel the energy of the Matrix, which the Autobots on Cybertron did to bring life to their new warrior, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]].<ref>Ultra Magnus profile page in Marvel UK [[Target: 2006#Defeat!|#81]]</ref> Not long after, however, the Matrix Flame flickered out when Optimus Prime was shunted into [[limbo]] by time-travelling Decepticons, leading the Autobots on Cybertron to send Magnus to Earth to investigate. Prime was returned in due time, and the Matrix Flame re-ignited.'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

''Following the earlier vision from the Matrix,'' the Autobots created the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], and Optimus Prime used the Matrix to bring them to life. Little did the Autobots realise, however, that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had deduced a way to usurp the Matrix's power, using a [[cerebro-shell]] previously planted in Prime's body by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to siphon off some of the life-giving energy, which he employed it to animate his own new creations, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}}

[[Image:DarkCreation_we_would_know_more.jpg|right|thumb|275px]]

When Optimus Prime died following a video-game duel with Megatron a short time later, {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}, the Autobots loaded his body into a funeral bier and launched it into space in accordance with Cybertronian tradition. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} Unfortunately, having been unaware of the existence of the physical Creation Matrix crystal within the corpse's chest, this meant that they unwittingly set the sacred lifeforce of their race adrift in the sea of stars. After some time, the craft eventually crashed on the distant moon of [[VsQs]], where it lay undisturbed for a time. Left in solitude, the rudimentary consciousness of the Matrix formed from the genetic memory of its past holders began to desire new sensations. {{storylink|Dark Creation}}

It got its chance when a [[Deathbringer (species)|Deathbringer]], a medical mechanoid created to painlessly end the life of the terminally ill, crashed on VsQs. Critically wounded, the dying robot reached out to the touch the Matrix, and in its hunger for new experiences, the talisman used its powers of creation to disassemble and rebuild the Deathbringer, inadvertently warping its programming and transforming it into a powerful being who sought to destroy ''all'' life. A trace of its energy remaining in its body, the Matrix revelled in its first experience of "evil" as the Deathbringer cut a swathe of destruction across the galaxy, ultimately finding its way to Earth. ''Sensing the Matrix's power within the creature, Optimus Prime—since resurrected by the technology of [[Nebulos]]—was hesitant to destroy the only link they had discovered to the lost Matrix, but [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] solved the problem by convincing the Deathbringer that since the Matrix's power was eating away at it, it should destroy itself.'' {{storylink|Deathbringer (issue)|Deathbringer}}

[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|left|thumb|210px|The Creation Matrix was the Leader-1's-head of the Marvel comic. Can't be drawn the same way twice.]]

Back on VsQs, the Matrix's curiosity found new expression when an insectoid creature crawled into Prime's corpse's chest cavity and became the next recipient of the Matrix's power. Dissecting and studying the beast, the Matrix was fascinated that the creature seemed to be meant to do nothing but destroy, so it re-created the thing into a [[Matrixspawn|larger, more powerful predator]]. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} The monster attacked a team of astronauts that had set up a research station on VsQs, killing nearly all of them, but at least one escaped and crashed in the seas of the nearby planet [[Pequod]]. His body infused with Matrix energy from the beast that had attacked him, the astronaut was swallowed by a [[klud]], which ingested the energy. {{storylink|Deadly Obsession}}

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime became aware of the threat of Unicron, and, realizing that the Matrix would be necessary to defeat the Chaos-Bringer, arranged for search parties to scour the cosmos for any trace of it. ''Longtooth was among the Autobots recruited for the search mission, and was forced for the first time to truly confront the selfishness of what he had done with the Matrix energy Prime had given him millennia before. In hopes of redemption, he loaded the energy fragment into a pod and sent it back to Optimus Prime.'' {{storylink|Whose Lifeforce Is It Anyway?}} [[Image:Thunderwing with matrix.jpg|right|thumb|215px]] ''Prime agonized over how to best use the Matrix energy, knowing that it had the power to revive only one of the deactivated Autobots on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], and ultimately, elected to disperse it the Earth's atmosphere to rejuvenate damage done to the ecosystem by the Transformers' warring on the planet.'' {{storylink|The Greatest Gift of All!}}

In the meantime, the search parties seeking the Matrix had piqued the curiosity of new Decepticon leader [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], who possessed an affinity with the Matrix and a desire to possess its power for his own. As the opposing teams dodged each other, they eventually set their sights on Pequod, where the klud had been attracting attention because its species was supposed to have been extinct. Thunderwing used his Matrix affinity to psychically link with the Matrix-infused beast and see the memory of swallowing the dying scientist. Recognizing the "VsQs" stamp on his equipment, Thunderwing set out for that moon. {{storylink|Deadly Obsession}} Once there, both sides battled the creature the Matrix had created, which had grown to enormous size, with Thunderwing ultimately killing the beast and taking the Matrix. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} The Decepticon immediately attacked the spaceborne [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], manifesting the Matrix power in the form of a giant, vaguely humanoid energy field around himself. Soon, however, the Matrix began to speak through Thunderwing, delighting in the firsthand experience of evil, and the Decepticon realized he was being possessed. Thunderwing tried to mentally battle the Matrix, to no avail, but the Autobots exploited his erratic behaviour to impale him with a harpoon and blow him out the Ark's airlock into space. {{storylink|All Fall Down (issue)|All Fall Down}}

[[Image:EdgeofExtinction-sothatallmaylive.jpg|left|thumb|275px|It cures what ails ya.]]

Thunderwing's body came to rest on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], where the the Matrix began to heal his battered frame. Repairs took time, but once completed, the Matrix set out for Cybertron, coincidentally arriving just as Unicron was trying to destroy the planet. The Matrix-creature fought Unicron, but Unicron soon realized that the Matrix had been tainted with evil, and that it was no longer a threat to him, given the infinitely greater magnitude of his own evil nature. Thunderwing was destroyed by Unicron's attack and Optimus Prime was able to recover the Matrix, cleansing it of the taint of evil and restoring its purity. Rocketing into Unicron's gaping maw, Prime released the Matrix's energy within the planet-eater's body, destroying him. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} The explosion should have killed Prime as well, but his devastated body was saturated with Matrix energy, keeping it alive long enough for the suffering Prime to pass on leadership of the Autobots to [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. {{storylink|Still Life!}} Prime's consciousness, however, was transferred to his [[Nebulan]] partner, [[Hi-Q]], who was later recreated into a new Optimus Prime by the [[Last Autobot]], complete with a reconstructed Matrix. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}
{{-}}
=====Marvel UK future timelines=====

[[Image:MatrixCoconut1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Will I become a great Autobot leader?"<br/> "All signs point to no."]]

''In the alternate future timeline of [[Earth-120185]], a dying Optimus Prime passed the Matrix to Ultra Magnus in 2006. {{storylink|The Planet-Eater!}} It was then used by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] to destroy Unicron, in the process transforming the young Autobot into Rodimus Prime. {{storylink|The Final Battle!}}

''In the year 2008, Unicron attempted to engineer his resurrection by mentally controlling the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] into building him a new body. Drawn into the conflict by [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]], Rodimus Prime used the power of the Matrix to battle Unicron on his own mindscape, while [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] set explosives to destroy the portion of Unicron's body that had been constructed. The explosion tore Unicron's body apart, but did not destroy him; instead, with no physical shell to inhabit, his essence wound up trapped within the the Matrix.'' {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}

[[Image:MarvelUK-187.jpg|left|thumb|215px]]

''Later in 2008, the [[Quintesson]]s invaded and conquered [[Autobot City]] while Rodimus Prime was absent, and set a trap for the Autobot leader by leaving the wounded [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] at the city entrance. Arriving to find the one-time object of his affections in dire straits, Rodimus opened his chest cavity in order to heal Arcee with the energy of the Creation Matrix, only to be blindsided by the Quintessons and the Matrix plucked from him, transforming him back into Hot Rod. The Matrix wound up the hands of Quintesson [[Ghyrik|General Ghyrik]], who was able to harness its power and boost his strength for a throwdown with Hot Rod. A bout of impromptu ventriloquism from the young Autobot distracted Ghyrik, allowing Hot Rod to rip the Matrix from his body and transform back into Rodimus Prime, handing Ghyrik an ignominious defeat. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}

''When disruption to the fabric of space and time forced Rodimus and several other Autobots to travel back in time from 2009 to 1989 in order to discover the source of the disturbance, the presence of the Matrix within his body required that Optimus Prime once again be shunted into limbo in order to maintain balance. Rodimus was able to use the power of the Matrix they shared to allow Optimus to communicate with the other Autobots, and when Rodimus was then defeated in battle, Optimus risked the security of the space-time continuum by using the Matrix as a stepping stone to return to reality for a final battle with [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].'' {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}

[[Image:WhiteFire kup yanks matrix.jpg|right|thumb|160px|I honestly can't tell if it's the Matrix, or a weird kind of saucepan...]]

''Returning to Cybertron after their time-travel adventure, Rodimus and the Autobots found that the disruption of space and time had altered their future, and that Galvatron was waiting for them. Galvatron attempted to force Rodimus Prime into a savage battle, hoping to force him to unleashed his basest, most violent impulses, and by extension, lead them to corrupt the Matrix. Fortunately, Rodimus realized his plan and stopped.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}} ''However, it soon became apparent that the Matrix required no external corruption; Unicron's essence, still trapped within the talisman following the events of 2008, slowly began to take hold of Rodimus Prime's mind, forcing him to sabotage the guidance systems of the Autobots' craft when they were on a hyperspace trip to Earth in 2010.'' {{storylink|The Void! (UK)|The Void!}} {{storylink|Edge of Impact}} ''Rodimus battled within Unicron inside the Matrix in an attempt to wind back control of his mind and body, but it took [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] deducing what was going on and wrenching the Matrix from Rodimus's chest to free him from the chaos-bringer's influence. But now, Rodimus knew that the evil of Unicron would be waiting for him within it...'' {{storylink|Shadow of Evil}} {{storylink|White Fire}}

''Alas, later in 2010, Unicron's essence succeeded in taking over Rodimus's body, transforming it into a duplicate of his own and attacking Cybertron once more, until Rodimus was able to defeat him from within and re-seal him within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

''When last seen, in the far future of 2356, Unicron's essence remained sealed within the Matrix, causing Rodimus's body to steadily wither and weaken.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

{{-}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:G210 starscream warworld.jpg|left|thumb|180px]]
Requiring the Matrix to bring the new warriors created by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to life, Megatron defeated Optimus Prime in battle and tore the Matrix from his body with an energy siphon. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} The Matrix's energy was then used it to give life to the [[Laser Rod|Laser Rods]] and [[Rotor Force]]. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

Subsequently, Prime and Megatron were forced into an uneasy alliance against the massed forced of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] exploited the chaos of the huge battle to take the power of the Matrix for himself. Using it, he merged his mind and body with the Decepticons' [[Warworld]], becoming a colossal living weapon able to reshape himself at will. {{storylink|Total War!|Tales of Earth, Part Seven}} However, unlike with Thunderwing, Starscream found his own evil being subverted by the Matrix's goodness, {{storylink|Dark Shadows!|Tales of Earth, Part Eight}} and he returned the Matrix to Prime, for fear of being changed beyond recognition.

Soon after, when Prime was consumed by the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]], he channelled the Matrix's energy into the dark force, enlightening and completing it with the purity of Primus's vision. Suddenly transformed from a destructive force into a force for life, the Swarm re-created Prime and departed into space. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[Image:OracleMatrix.jpg|right|225px|thumb]]

The origins of the Matrix of Leadership are almost entirely unknown. The only hint of its beginnings was given in an account from near the dawn of time, soon after the ancient genius [[Primacron]] and [[Oracle (G1)|his assistant]] created the colossal robot, Unicron. Unicron turned on his creators and destroyed the assistant's body, but seen to rise from his remains and disappear into space was an object that appeared identical to the Matrix. If this was truly the Matrix, it is wholly unknown how it came to be held by the Autobots and how it was elevated to the position of power it became known for. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

However it came to be in Autobot hands, the Matrix came to be at the centre of the robots' belief system and was safeguarded by each successive generation of Autobot leaders. Upon the passing of its holder, the Matrix became a receptacle for the deceased Autobot's lifeforce, which cumulatively became known as the "Wisdom of the Ages", a storehouse of knowledge and experience stretching back to the dawn of Cybertronian history (and potentially beyond) that could be consulted by the Matrix's living wielders in times of need. The spirits of many Autobots have been seen within the Matrix, but the names of only a select few are known: The oldest entity within the Matrix is known only as "[[It]]" {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}; [[Image:Matrix 5faces4 7.jpg|left|225px|thumb|My preciousssss!]] following this entity, the next oldest known was [[Primon]], who possessed the Matrix in the early days of the Cybertronian race around twelve million years ago; [[Prima]] bore it at the height of their oppression by the [[Quintesson]]s about a million years later; [[Prime Nova]] was its wielder during the eventual rebellion against the five-faced aliens; [[Guardian Prime]] and his successor [[Zeta Prime]] carried it during the first war between the Autobots and Decepticons, before it was passed to Sentinel Prime, under whose leadership the war came to an end.

Around nine million years ago, the Autobot/Decepticon war was reignited by the creation of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who killed Sentinel Prime as one of his first actions. In his death throes, Sentinel entrusted the Matrix to the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who kept it hidden until a damaged young robot was brought to his workshop, another victim of Megatron's wrath. Trion recreated him as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], new leader of the Autobots, and gave him the Matrix. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[Image:Optimusg1passingthematrix.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

Fatally wounded by Megatron in the year 2005, Optimus Prime passed the Matrix and leadership of the Autobots to his chosen successor, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy—that one day, a "Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. When Prime's strength faltered at the last moment and he dropped the Matrix, the young Autobot Hot Rod stooped to catch it before it hit the floor. The Matrix glowed brightly in response to his touch, signifying what none of the Autobots present would realize until later: that Hot Rod was the Chosen One.

[[Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]

When word of Unicron's approach on Cybertron reached the Autobots on Earth, Ultra Magnus believed (and Hot Rod agreed, based on nothing more than a feeling) that the Matrix might be able to stop the world-eater. Knowing that this was indeed the case, Unicron recreated Megatron as Galvatron and dispatched him to steal the Matrix, leading to a confrontation on the [[Junkion (planet)|Planet of Junk]] in which Ultra Magnus tried in vain to open the Matrix and use it to fend off the attacking Decepticons. Galvatron bested him and took the Matrix, believing he could use it to subjugate Unicron himself, but he had no more luck opening it than Magnus did. Unicron swallowed Galvatron whole as punishment, and it was within Unicron's body that the Decepticon leader engaged Hot Rod in the battle that saw the young Autobot claim his destiny. Seizing the Matrix from around Galvatron's neck, Hot Rod was transformed by its power into Rodimus Prime, then proceeded to fulfil the prophecy by opening the talisman and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Later, when injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself and witnessed a vision that led him to believe that the answer to the mystery of the alien Quintessons currently plaguing the Autobots was held within it. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} To find his answer, Rodimus deliberately short-circuited himself and entered the Matrix a second time. Guided by the ancient Autobots within, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron and discovered the Quintessons' role in the creation of the Transformers. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[Image:Darkawakening_matrix_pain.jpg|right|225px|thumb|The zombified Optimus Prime reacts in pain to the light of the Matrix.]]

The burden of leadership weighed heavily upon Rodimus, and he was all too eager to return the Matrix to Optimus Prime when it seemed that the Autobot leader had returned from the dead in 2006. It transpired, however, that Optimus had only been reanimated as a robotic zombie by the Quintessons, with the intent of luring the assembled Autobot forces into a trap. Fortunately, with the Matrix now back within him, its energies overrode the evil intentions the aliens had programmed him with, and he returned it to Rodimus before apparently sacrificing himself again to trigger the Quintessons' trap alone. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

[[Image:BurdenHardest Hot Rod retrieves matrix.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

Still struggling with leadership, Rodimus tried to forget his woes with a bout of drag-racing in the hills of [[Japan]], only to be ambushed by [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. The two Stunticons stole the Matrix and brought it back to Galvatron, but when the Decepticon leader attempted to use its energy to power his cannon, he was instead tormented by the spirits of the Autobots within it. The terrified Galvatron instructed [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] to dispose of the Matrix, but Scourge grasped the true nature of its power where his leader could not, and instead placed it within his own chest. The Matrix's energies warped his body into a powerful, misshapen hulk, increasing his power to the point that he was able to oust Galvatron and take control of the Decepticons himself. Scourge proceeded to lead the Decepticons in an attack on Earth, only to be bested by Hot Rod, who had since learned the importance of "the burden hardest to bear", and reclaimed the Matrix once more. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

[[Image:ReturnOptimusPrime2 Matrix open.JPG|right|thumb|225px]]

When Optimus Prime was at last truly resurrected, he was forced to battle the [[Hate Plague]]-infected Rodimus in order to reclaim the Matrix from him, in hopes of consulting the Wisdom of the Ages to find a cure for the disease. Communicating with the mysterious It, he learned that the only way combat the madness of the plague was with wisdom, and opened the Matrix, expelling all of the wisdom within it to extinguish the disease (in the process claiming that this was also the Autobots' "darkest hour"). Although the Matrix was emptied, leaving only a shell, Optimus claimed they would have to start filling it with wisdom again, from that moment on. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

In 2007, Optimus Prime used the shell of the Matrix as a substitute key to access [[Vector Sigma]], where he consulted Alpha Trion on the mystery of the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}
{{-}}

====Madman ''The Transformers'' comic====
[[Image:Madman comic PrimeHotrod.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Optimus' proposal to Hot Rod.]]
The significance of the Matrix to the Autobots was such that when Optimus Prime prepared to lead the Autobots in an evacuation of Cybertron in the year 2001, he hid the Matrix in a bunker at the construction site of the future Autobot City. Unfortunately, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] had monitored the Autobot leader's meeting with Ultra Magnus, and moved to steal the Matrix for the Decepticons. Fate intervened in the form of Hot Rod, who defeated the Decepticons and took back the ancient Autobot relic, and at the same time received a vision of his future as the Autobot who would light Cybertron's darkest hour. {{storylink|The Transformers (Madman)|The Transformers}}
====Rodimus vs. Cyclonus====
After their adventure on [[Quintessa]], while Hot Rod, Kup and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s were searching space for Ultra Magnus's team, they were attacked by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. A flash of ancient knowledge he had received from the Matrix upon catching it when Optimus Prime had passed it to Magnus inspired Hot Rod to invoke the [[Challenge of Aria-Bellum]]. {{storylink|Rodimus vs. Cyclonus}}
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====Japanese cartoon continuity====
{{note|The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese animated continuity as described above, except that the events of 2006 are moved forward to 2010, and "The Rebirth" does not occur. A 2007 [[retcon]] built upon the original cartoon's confusing hints to create a full origin for the Matrix in this continuity.}}

When Primacron and his assistant (also known as the "Oracle") were attacked by the rebelling Unicron, the assistant's body was destroyed, but his lifeforce persisted. Sealed within a protective shell, the Oracle's lifeforce fled to a dead world at the centre of the galaxy, which the Oracle used his powers to transform into a lush, green world. In time, however, the alien Quintessons came to the Oracle's world and were able to bring him under their power, transforming him into the mega-computer, Vector Sigma. Using the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], the Quintessons cyber-formed the Oracle's world into [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and the Oracle's life-giving powers were harnessed to produce a race of robotic slaves. The shell which had contained the Oracle's essence became the Matrix, but precisely how it came to be held by the Quintessons' consumer goods robots (later known as the Autobots), or even why the Quintessons would ''allow'' their creations to possess such a powerful item, is unknown. {{storylink|Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 TakaraTomy Transformers timeline}}

=====''The Stargate Battles''=====

[[Image:StargateBattles_matrix_powered_megatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]

In the mid-1990s, Optimus Prime put the power of the Matrix to an unconventional use when a battle in space forced him to team up with Megatron in order to stop the rampage of Starscream, who had fused himself with the space station known as the [[Warp Gate|Trigger]]. With Megatron in gun mode clutched in his arms, Prime summoned up the Matrix's energy and channelled it through his body, into the Decepticon leader, who unleashed it all in one colossal shot of cosmic proportions. The blast obliterated Starscream's new Trigger-body, but the backwash of the explosion was so great that it sent Prime, Megatron and all the Transformers observing the battle on a fiery plummet into Earth's atmosphere. {{storylink|The Stargate Battles (issue)|The Stargate Battles}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
In a parallel timeline that diverged off from this one thanks to the flow of history being altered by the time-tossed [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Optimus Prime did not die in 2005, and was prepared to confront Unicron himself. However, after sustaining serious injuries in the opening salvo of the battle with the chaos-bringer, Prime passed the Matrix to Ultra Magnus. Despite knowing he was not the Chosen One, Magnus bravely petitioned the Matrix to allow him to wield its power anyway, as otherwise, the Autobots' destruction was assured. The Matrix granted Magnus his wish, and its energy was used to destroy Unicron. {{storylink|Binal Time}}
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=====''Kiss Players''=====
After inheriting the Matrix in 2005, Rodimus Prime was horrified to discover that when he threw Galvatron out of Unicron, the Decepticon leader had wound up crash-landing on Earth, destroying [[Tokyo]]. Seeking to atone for his sins, Rodimus returned the Matrix to Ultra Magnus and became Hot Rod again, leaving both the talisman and the role of leadership in Magnus's hands for five years until he returned to his post in 2010. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|A Big Catch Tonight?!}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====

After emptying the Matrix to cure the Hate Plague, Optimus Prime sought to restore the lifeforce that had been lost by filling it with energy drawn from the lifeforce of [[Earth]] itself. To this end, the Matrix was secreted away in the lower levels of one of many Autobot energy-gathering facilities on Earth, where Prime hoped it would steadily recharge. Whether or not this odd-sounding plan would have ''worked'' is an area of some debate, but ultimately, a different set of circumstances soon came into play...

[[Image:DoublePrime matrix recharged.jpg|left|260px|thumb|Alpha Trion's spirit re-enters the Matrix, recharging it.]]

In the year 2011, a catastrophic side-effect of the Matrix's energy being released became apparent—without the Matrix to act as a controlling force, Vector Sigma began to destabilize, putting all of Cybertron in great danger. The Decepticons took this opportunity to invade the planet, hoping to take control of the unstable computer and by extension, the planet itself. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} During the battle that followed, Optimus Prime headed for Vector Sigma's chamber to try and bring the computer back under control, but without the Matrix—which remained hidden on Earth, its location known only to Prime himself—the only recourse would be to give up his own life. To stop Prime from making this sacrifice, Hot Rod led the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] in a methodical search across Earth, checking every Autobot energy facility. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} After successfully locating the Matrix in the last possible hiding place and evading his pursuers, Hot Rod returned to Cybertron, arriving in Vector Sigma's chamber just as Optimus Prime was facing off against the Decepticons. The ghost of Alpha Trion, who had survived the emptying of the Matrix and who had led Prime safely to the computer chamber, merged with the Matrix, restoring its lost lifeforce and giving it the power to once again transform Hot Rod into Rodimus Prime. The two Primes dispatched the Decepticons, but before Rodimus could use the Matrix to stabilize Vector Sigma, Optimus Prime sacrificed himself by merging with the computer to bring it back under control. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

Some time later, when Cybertron was subsequently devastated thanks to the machinations of Decepticon Headmaster leader [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], Rodimus Prime voyaged into space to search for a new homeworld for the Transformers, taking the Matrix with him. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}
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=====''The Headmasters'' comic=====

On his many travels through space, the Matrix gave Rodimus Prime courage to face every challenge that presented itself. In addition to the teachings of the ancient Autobots, the energy of Earth's lifeforce that now dwelled within the Matrix as well truly opened Rodimus's eyes to the beauty of Earth and humanity. Believing that Transformers should aspire to be more like human beings, he returned to Earth and announced his desire for humans and Transformers to live and work together to move forward and evolve. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8|The Headmasters #8}}

=====''G-2'' story pages and mini-comics=====

[[Image:G2StoryPageReconfigurationMatrix1.jpg|right|250px|thumb]]

Presumably, Rodimus Prime must have returned the Matrix to Optimus Prime when he was restored to life as Star Convoy, since Prime had the talisman back in his chest when he adopted his "Hero" body at the beginning of the renewed war against Megatron some number of years after 2025. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 1}} A research team led by [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] later discovered new properties of the Matrix, which prompted Megatron to duel Optimus Prime in the [[Mirtonian constellation]] in order to steal the Matrix for himself. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 4}} Megatron fatally wounded Prime, but the ancient Autobots within the Matrix were able to restore him thanks to the newly-discovered power Jetfire's team had learned of: the [[Reconfiguration Matrix]], which repaired and restored Prime in a new Laser Rod body. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 5}}

=====e-Hobby storyline=====
Having briefly held the Matrix, Ultra Magnus's spark was among the chosen few which retained autonomy within the Allspark. Sensing the threat [[Galvatron II]] posed to the universe with his fleet of [[Warworld]]s, Magnus used the powers of the Reconfiguration Matrix to resurrect himself in a new body based on Prime's Laser Rod form so that he could battle the Decepticon leader. It didn't go very well. {{storylink|Hybrid Style Convoy Black Version}}
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===Start Your Own Decoy Collection===
[[Image:Decoy_comic_matrix.jpg|left|thumb]]
Through unknown means, the Decepticons were able to steal the Creation Matrix and holed it up in their headquarters. In order to stage a recovery, the Autobots created an army of [[Decoy]]s to distract the Decepticon forces, while Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod, Kup and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] secretly penetrated the base. Fighting their way through a slew of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], the team discovered the Matrix in a transparent case. Blurr blasted it open at Hot Rod's direction, and the Autobots successfully escaped with the talisman back in their possession. {{storylink|Start Your Own Decoy Collection|The Decepticon Deception}}
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===Beast Era===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[Image:OptimalSituation_spark_holder.jpg|right|thumb|The similarity between Prime's "spark holder" and the Matrix was a source of some confusion.]]
Several enigmatic references were made to the Matrix by the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Warriors]] at various points, though it is never precisely clear if they are referring to the Matrix of Leadership, the Allspark dimension, [[Matrix (facility)|the protoform production facility on Cybertron]] that also goes by that name, or some theoretical conglomeration of any of the above that they only speak of out of misconception.

When the body of Optimus Prime was fatally wounded by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], Optimus Primal opened Prime's chest compartment in order to take the Autobot leader's spark into his own body for safety. Prime's spark was shown to be contained within a holder shaped just like the Matrix of Leadership, and Rhinox remarked that Prime's spark had "the Matrix with it". {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}
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====3H comics====
While experiencing a swirl of visions from throughout history, the [[Covenant]] witnessed the Matrix being torn by the [[Liege Maximo]] from the body of the enigmatic [[Primon]], its first holder. {{storylink|Reaching the Omega Point}}

[[Image:Sparkholderprimevaldawn.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The Matrix, beneath Prime's "spark holder".]]
The confusion surrounding the Matrix-like "spark holder" in Prime's chest and its relation to the actual Matrix of Leadership was clarified when it was revealed that the Matrix was actually concealed in a compartment beneath Prime's own spark, a deception specifically designed to protect the Matrix and keep it from those who would misuse its power.
[[Image:Primevaldawn2 tarantulas matrix.jpg|right|215px|thumb]]
Following the end of the Beast Wars, the deceased [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] was resurrected, having harnessed the powers of the alien [[Vok]] with the intention of stealing the Matrix and delivering it to his master, Unicron. Seeking to keep the Matrix out of Tarantulas's hands, the Vok took the talisman from the sleeping Optimus Prime and used its power to transform the discarded control suit the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] had previously used to manipulate Optimus Primal into [[Primal Prime]]. Primal Prime was made guardian of the Matrix, and filled with all the wisdom of the past leaders within it. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}} Unfortunately, the Vok had miscalcuated: While it was within Optimus Prime, the Matrix had been safe, but once they had broken the forces that had bound it to Prime in order to transfer it to their creation, it had become vulnerable. This was proven in drastic fashion when, in the following battle, Tarantulas was able to overpower Primal Prime and rip the Matrix from his body. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}} The shock threw Primal Prime into a comatose state, while Tarantulas took the Matrix back to his lab to await the completion of the [[Transwarp]] portal that would take him and his prize to Unicron. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}}

{{note|"Primeval Dawn" was never finished as a result of [[3H Productions]] losing the Transformers license. Obviously enough, its finale would have seen our heroes recover the Matrix from Tarantulas and replace it in Optimus Prime's chest.}}
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===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Ancients.jpg|left|thumb|225px|The Matrix-shaped platform above the Oracle Tank.]]
Most modern Cybertronians eschew the mythology of the Matrix as set out by the [[Council of Ancients]], which claims that it is a conduit for the energies of Primus, choosing instead to believe in [[atechnogenesis]]. Despite this, Transformer society still holds the Matrix itself in great reverence, as, product of a deity or not, it is indisputably the most effective source of new Transformer life. Many conflicting stories and rumors swirl about the Matrix's true nature, born of claims that the Council actively prevented Alpha Trion from telling the general public more about it, but what ''is'' known about the talisman is that it is a virtually limitless source of energy. Only those with an affinity for the Matrix can wield its power; these Transformers are typically those chosen to be the next Prime, who often receive physical augmentation when the Matrix is taken into their bodies. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye #8}} The Ancients claim that the Matrix contains the wisdom of all sparks that return to it after death, though they do keep a more tangible version of that sort of thing in the form of a [[Golden Disk (council)|golden disk]] that holds the knowledge of past Primes. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6|The War Within #6}}
[[Image:TWW1 prime gets matrix.jpg|right|225px|thumb]]

The earliest known bearer of the Matrix was [[Primon|Alpha Prime]], who was succeeded by Guardian Prime, and then Sentinel Prime. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye #8}} Around 8.2 million years ago, seeking to use the Matrix to power the planetary turbine engines he had discovered beneath Cybertron's surface, Megatron attacked and killed Sentinel Prime, only to discover upon tearing his victim open that the Matrix was gone, having already been given by Sentinel Prime to the Council of Ancients for unknown reasons (perhaps having foreseen his own death). The Council subsequently chose a data archivist named Optronix to be the new bearer of the Matrix, and brought him to the [[Oracle Tank]], in which both he and the Matrix were immersed. Optronix was enlarged and strengthened by the Matrix, and transformed into Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1|The War Within #1}}

Soon after, Megatron attacked Prime in the catacombs beneath Cybertron and cracked open his form, exposing the Matrix. A blinding flash burst from the Matrix, showing Prime and Megatron visions of future conflicts on Earth and [[Nebulos]], but it was implied that Optimus somehow used the Matrix to force Megatron to forget these visions. How much knowledge he himself retained is unknown. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}}
[[Image:PrimeDirective2 spike replaces matrix.jpg|left|300px|thumb]]

Millions of years later, after their war on Earth, the Transformers were set to return to Cybertron aboard the [[Ark II]] in 1999, at which point Optimus Prime gave [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] a piece of the Matrix as a promise that he would be back. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} The Ark II proved to have been sabotaged, however, and exploded in mid-flight, leaving the world to believe that the Transformers were dead until 2002, when the terrorist [[Lazarus]] recovered several of their bodies and reprogrammed them for use as weapons that he would sell on the black market. The American military recovered the body of Optimus Prime and [[Robert Hallo|General Hallo]] drafted Spike to help in bringing him back to life, {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1|Prime Directive #1}} which Spike accomplished by returning the portion of the Matrix Prime had given him. Thus restored, Prime revived the other surviving Autobots by casting the light of the Matrix across the Arctic landscape where their bodies lay, melting away the ice that held them and bringing them back online. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}}
[[Image:G1 Vol.2 Issue6 2.jpg|right|thumb]]
When the Autobots and Decepticons were finally able to return to Cybertron, a chain of events ultimately led Optimus Prime into a confrontation with Shockwave in Vector Sigma's chamber. Knocking Prime out and blasting his chest open, Shockwave harnessed the energy of the Matrix and used it to access Vector Sigma's databanks in an attempt to learn all of the dark secrets at the heart of Cybertron. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}} Before Shockwave could complete his dark experiments, enemy forces converged on his lab, so the Decepticon logician tore the Matrix from Prime's body, intending to flee, only to be stopped and defeated by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. Grimlock recovered the Matrix and returned it to Prime, {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}} but the trauma of its forceful removal necessitated that Prime spend an extended session in a CR chamber to recover. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

====Keepers Trilogy novels====
Captured by the enigmatic aliens known as the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]] and imprisoned inside their giant techno-organic bodies, Optimus Prime found himself forced into a suicide ploy, using a torrent of energon from the Matrix to destroy the creatures from within, willing to take himself with it. The gateway back to Earth was opened by Spike at the last moment, allowing Prime to hold off on his sacrifice, but unfortunately, the Keepers came through the portal as well. {{storylink|Hardwired}} During the battle that ensued against the Keepers in [[Las Vegas]], a pool of pure energon was uncovered beneath the city, which Prime combined with the energon of the Matrix to temporarily imbue himself with incredible power. Simultaneously, the American government launched a nuclear missile at Las Vegas in order to destroy both the Transformers and the Keepers, but the super-charged Prime was able to capture the missile's explosion in a net of Matrix energy, hurling it at the Keepers and blasting them through their portal. {{storylink|Annihilation}}

Following the Keepers' apparent defeat, Megatron called Prime in on a favour he had extracted from him in order to ensure his co-operation when they had been captives of the Keepers: Prime was to hand over the Matrix itself. Prime complied, partially out of honor, and partially due to the fact that he knew Megatron, as a Decepticon, would be unable to use the Matrix's power. Unfortunately, Prime had not reckoned with Megatron's giant soldier, [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]], who was actually a reprogrammed Autobot whose non-Decepticon circuitry could interface with the Matrix to some extent. Omega Sentinel used his new Matrix-powered strength to destroy the White House, but the talisman's effect on his systems was immediately apparent by the fact that no life was lost in the attack. When the Sentinel refused to kill the Keeper-controlled [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and Starscream on Megatron's orders, the Decepticon leader realized that the Matrix was influencing the giant and had him remove it from his body. The Matrix was recovered by the Keepers' agent [[Franklin Townsend]] and brought to the pocket-dimension into which the aliens had been transported, but Optimus Prime pursued Townsend and recovered the Matrix, once again intending to use it to destroy his alien enemies by collapsing the pocket dimension, at the cost of his own life. And once again the portal opened, leaving Prime content to force the Keepers back with the Matrix's light while he himself returned to Earth. However, Prime was unable to shut the portal off, required as he was to devote his attention to using the Matrix to keep the creatures from passing through the gateway. Salvation came in the form of the Omega Sentinel, the Matrix's effect on his systems persisting even after its removal: the giant threw himself and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] into the portal just as Prime shut off the Matrix, collapsing the gate and sealing the Keepers away forever. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:ArtofWar1_matrix.jpg|left|thumb]]
Optimus Prime was formerly a simple data archivist until the Matrix chose him to be the new leader of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 2|The Art of War #2}}

Renegade military artificial intelligence [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] learned about the Matrix whilst downloading information on the history of Cybertron from Soundwave, and ''really'' liked the bit about "bestowing great power". {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}} He subsequently captured Optimus Prime and tried to convince him to give up the Matrix peacefully. From Serpent O.R.'s point of view, he was a great and respected leader too, so surely the Matrix would deem him a worthy bearer. In addition, he was sure the ancient relic would provide him with a spark so he could finally understand what life and death really meant. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}}
[[Image:ArtofWar5 hawk serpentor matrix.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
Unfortunately, Prime disagreed, so Serpent O.R. ended up having to take the Matrix by force. As he had planned, the Matrix did deem him worthy and did give him a soul, all while transforming him into a new form to boot. However, with his newfound wisdom, "Serpentor Prime" quickly saw the error of his ways, and would've committed suicide if it weren't for [[Cobra Commander]] hijacking his body. In order to stop the commander, [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] tried to take the Matrix away from him, and was deemed worthy of it as well. This caused a power feedback that destroyed Serpent O.R., fried Cobra Commander's mind, and imbued Hawk with all the knowledge of the Matrix. While artifact was unharmed and was returned to Optimus Prime when everything was over, the knowledge that now filled Hawk's mind gave him visions of future conflicts to come. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

In addition to vision, the Matrix also gave Hawk the ability to control machinery with his mind, converse with Transformers telepathically, and force enough information into Transformers to incapacitate them with a single touch. Unfortunately, it also gave him recurring nightmares about an [[Unicron|angry god]]. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}}
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===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[Image:DWTFJoe3 cobra commander matrix.jpg|left|thumb|125px]]
As the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth lay deactivated among the [[Fera Islands]], the Matrix was discovered by local [[human]]s, and became the sacred relic of a group of monks, who built it into the chest of a statue. Unfortunately, a rumour spread that the glowing blue orb possessed by the monks was an "ultimate weapon", and in 1938, [[Cobra]] massacred the monks and stole the Matrix. When [[Major Bludd]] touched the relic, the Decepticons who laid dormant on the island were reactivated. {{storylink|The Line}}

The Matrix subsequently came into the possession of [[Cobra Commander]], who learned that he could use it to hurt and weaken [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Using this method, he blackmailed the Decepticons into serving him. {{storylink|Trial by Fire (issue)|Trial by Fire}} In the end, Cobra Commander was killed, and [[Snake-Eyes]] grabbed the Matrix. By this time, the Autobots and [[G.I. Joe (team)|Joes]] were under attack by the unstoppable [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], so [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] urged Snake-Eyes to smash the Matrix, in hopes that the destruction of the life-giving artifact would take away Bruticus's lifeforce. Snake-Eyes complied and let Bruticus crush the Matrix with his wildly swinging fists, causing a flash of blue light that killed all Transformers present. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}
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===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:AHM7 megs rips out matrix.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
The Matrix is carried by each successive generation of Primes, although it is apparent that the cruel supremacist [[Nova Prime]] did not take the sacred relic with him on the fateful space voyage that ultimately led him to the [[Dead Universe]]. There, Nova was found by the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]], a mysterious dark energy that ruled the Dead Universe that served as a kind of "anti-Matrix", {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}} an evil counterpart of the Matrix from this dark dimension that was driven to seek out Matrix-bearers. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

{{note|Author Simon Furman has strongly implied that in his original plans for this story, Nova ''did'' take the Matrix into the Dark Universe (Optimus Prime is never shown to carry it in Furman's stories) and that it "became" something while there—presumably, the Darkness itself, which would not have been a separate entity.<ref>[http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2007/12/12/another-quick-qa/ December 2007 Q&A on Simon Furman's blog]</ref> These plans were cut short and wrapped up when Furman left the series, and subsequent writers established that Optimus had indeed been carrying the Matrix all along.}}

Although [[Megatron Origin|reports from the time period]] suggest otherwise, Kup has claimed that Megatron started the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] over the Matrix and what it represented. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6|All Hail Megatron #6}} Megatron's drive to acquire the Matrix reasserted itself in the year that followed the defeat of Nova Prime, and he staged a trap for the Autobots with the aid of the traitorous [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. Defeated thanks to the surprise appearance of the newly-created gestalt Devastator, the Autobots were dumped via space bridge in the ruins of Cybertron, but not before Megatron tore the Matrix from Prime's chest himself. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} He was unaware of what the Matrix was actually capable of, which is exactly why he targeted it: an unknown element equaled a potential threat. Thus, even if he had no way of using it, it was still safer in his hands than in those of his enemies. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}}
[[Image:IDW13 hotrod starscream matrix.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
When Megatron was defeated a year later and his forces were routed off of Earth, Starscream took up the role of leader and "inherited" the captive Matrix. Frustrated by his failure to find any "ultimate power" within it after several cycles of study, he decided to throw it away, only to be caught by [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] just before blowing it out an airlock. Scrabbling for an explanation as to why he had the Matrix and reminded by the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] of its massive symbolic importance to the Autobots, Starscream claimed he had been "chosen" by the talisman and now wielded its power. He went on to make this declaration before all the Decepticons, boosting morale and rallying them beneath him, but immediately regretted the decision. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13|Uneasy Lies the Head}} And rightfully so: with the Matrix hung around his neck on a chain, its subtle influence on his mind over the next three years made the Decepticon air commander subdued and withdrawn, lost in contemplation of its mysteries, lashing out violently at any Decepticons who tried to touch it. This left him open to a brash attack by Hot Rod, who infiltrated the Decepticons' asteroid base in order to recover the Matrix. Hot Rod actually ''shot'' the Matrix to cause a discharge of energy that knocked Starscream out, then attempted to escape with the Matrix in hand, but was confronted by the newly-repaired Megatron. He proceeded to blast both the Matrix and Hot Rod through the base wall, setting them adrift in the void of space. {{storylink|Heart Like a Wheel}} Starscream's possession of the "potentially threatening" Matrix had previously made Megatron hesitant to take back leadership of the Decepticons, but with the artifact lost in space, he had nothing to fear and quickly reclaimed his position. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}}

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===''Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun'' comic===
[[Image:Henkei11 matrix.jpg|thumb|right|IT BURNS!!]]

When the demented [[Galvatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun comic|Galvatron]] went on a rampage in [[Hoshinochō]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun comic|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots were forced to abandoned the secrecy with which they had been operating on Earth in order to confront the villain and save the human lives he was threatening. Just as Galvatron targeted the Autobots' human ally [[Wataru Hoshinoumi]], Optimus Prime threw himself into the path of the villain's attack, and was knocked unconscious by the force of the attack. In addition to rendering Prime insensate, however, Galvatron's blow had also shattered his chest, exposing the Matrix of Leadership that was kept within. Responding to Wataru's ability to manipulate [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], the Matrix surged to life, restoring Prime and boosting his strength. The light of the Matrix also revealed an unexpected deception: the Autobots were not merely fighting Galvatron, but [[Cyclonus (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun comic|Cyclonus]], possessed by Galvatron's disembodied spark! {{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}} Summoning up the Matrix's energy, Prime struck Cyclonus with one almighty Matrix-powered punch, utterly obliterating his body and causing Galvatron's spark to dissipate. {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}
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===''Robot Heroes''===
[[Image:Robotheroes primus and matrix.jpg|left|thumb]]
The Matrix is a glowing crystal that gives the Autobots knowledge. It was created by the first Transformer, Primus, who gave it to Optimus Prime. {{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}
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<hr>
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[Image:PowerToBurn_prime_matrix.jpg|right|225px|thumb]]
[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] was chosen by Vector Sigma to be leader of the Autobots and to carry the Matrix. Less a physical object and more an energy that suffused his form, Prime could call on the power of the Matrix in moments of great emotion, at which point his body would glow with its green light. {{storylink|The Test (episode)|The Test}}
[[Image:TwoFaces magnus matrix.jpg|left|215px|thumb]]
Unfortunately for Prime, his brother [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] was furious at being passed over for the leadership role, and about halfway through Prime's campaign against [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] on Earth, Magnus arrived on the planet with the intent to take the Matrix for himself. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus}} When he attempted to absorb the energy of the Matrix from Prime's body, however, a bizarre fusion occurred instead, merging the two brothers into [[Omega Prime]] and revealing that the intention had always been for them to ''share'' the energy of the Matrix between them. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!}} Magnus later inadvertently used this link to channel the energy of the Matrix into the [[Autobot Brothers]], supercharging them. {{storylink|The Two Faces of Ultra Magnus}}

In the final battle against Megatron—now Galvatron—at the Earth's core, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] channelled all his energy into Omega Prime to give his leader the power boost that he hoped would ensure triumph. The extra energy combined with that of the Matrix and it burst forth, coalescing into the colossal [[Matrix Blade]], which Omega Prime used to claim victory. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}
{{note|In ''Car Robots'', the original Japanese version of ''Robots in Disguise'', Prime does ''not'' possess the Matrix of Leadership, instead carrying an [[Energon Matrix]].}}
{{-}}
<hr>

===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
{{note|Plot points derived only from the original Japanese versions of the Unicron Trilogy cartoons, lost to the slipshod dubbing that plagued the series, are in italics.}}
====''Armada'' cartoon====
[[Image:Crisis_Hot_Shot_Matrix.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
When [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] threatened to destroy the Earth with the [[Hydra Cannon]], [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], not expecting to survive the battle ahead, tried to pass the Matrix on to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] before entering the conflict. Hot Shot refused, not feeling himself worthy, and Prime subsequently died throwing himself into the path of the Hydra Cannon blast meant for Earth. Prime's body was reduced to ashes, and the Matrix was all that remained, clung onto by his [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], floating helplessly until rescued. {{storylink|Crisis}}

[[Image:Miracle sparkplug and matrix.jpg‎|left|thumb|''in your eyes, the light, the heat<br>
''in your eyes, I am complete]]

Not long thereafter, as the Autobots and Decepticons battled in space on their way back to Cybertron, Sparkplug and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] presented the Matrix to the large armada of Mini-Cons who had joined the Autobots on their journey. Many Mini-Cons plunged themselves into the Matrix, using their powers to recreate Prime's body and restore him to life. {{storylink|Miracle}}

Some time later, in the midst of the Transformers' battle with Unicron, Optimus Prime was confronted by the evil demi-god with the suggestion that, on some level, he enjoyed the thrill of combat as much as Megatron did, ''and that the only difference between the two leaders was the Matrix in Prime's chest.'' {{storylink|Origin}} Following Unicron's defeat, when Megatron (now Galvatron) challenged Optimus to one final battle, these words led Prime to discard the Matrix, that he might battle Galvatron not as the leader of the Autobots, ''but as an individual, and the equal of his foe''.

[[Image:ArmadaMatrix.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A Unicorn designed this. (See the pretty rainbows?)]]

Prime flung the Matrix through Unicron's hide, out into space, where it later drifted by the two combatants as their fight moved to Unicron's surface. Soon, however, it became apparent that Prime and Galvatron's fight was sustaining and re-energizing Unicron, and Galvatron allowed himself to die into order to destroy the chaos-bringer. As the battered Prime hung in space afterwards, the Matrix floated past him. Prime turned to look at it, but, having revelled in his battle with Galvatron and in a way proven Unicron correct, shifted his glance away, pronouncing himself unworthy to carry it.

Prime did not return to his fellow Autobots immediately, as Cybertron was now at peace. Instead, he apparently embarked on some sort of soul-searching space voyage, seeking to find worthiness once again. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}
{{-}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
[[Image:MysteriousMercenary matrix generates blaster.jpg‎|left|thumb]]
Prime returned to reclaim the Matrix and leadership of the Autobots at some point over the next ten years. ''Despite the talisman being back in his hands once more, its power was employed but once during the war for [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] of 2020, when Prime was badly injured by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] during a battle on Earth's moon and fell unconscious. When Prime was infused with a massive jolt of Energon in an attempt by the [[Omnicon]] [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] to revive him, the interaction of the element with the Matrix brought forth the [[Energon Blaster]], which coalesced out of a sphere of light that burst out of Prime's chest. Prime considered the weapon a gift from the previous commanders within the Matrix and fended off the Decepticons with it, then proceeded to never use or even mention it again.'' {{storylink|Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary}}
{{-}}
====''Cybertron'' cartoon====

[[Image:Cybertron matrix of leadership.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Good grief, Prime! There are KIDS present!]]

A further ten years later, during the quest to stop the [[Unicron Singularity]] in 2030, Optimus Prime used the Matrix of Leadership in concert with [[Vector Prime]]'s [[Rhisling|sword]] to open dimension gates to the various colony worlds that held the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. It was only through the stabilizing powers of both objects that safe transit through the gates was made possible. {{storylink|Landmine (episode)|Landmine}} The Matrix influenced Optimus Prime's [[Cyber Key]], giving it a unique shape that mimicked the Matrix's own as opposed to the standard design shared by the other Autobots. {{storylink|Savage (episode)|Savage}}

[[Image:Unfinished matrix glow prime.jpg‎|left|thumb|225px]]

After the Autobots had obtained the Cyber Planet Keys from [[Velocitron]], [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] and Earth and placed them in the [[Omega Lock]] on Cybertron, Optimus Prime substituted the energy of the Matrix for the still-missing fourth key. This proved enough to initiate Cybertron's transformation into the body of Primus, but without the key from [[Gigantion]], the god's power remained at an ebb, unable to close the black hole. {{storylink|Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron}} Before departing for Gigantion to obtain the final key, the Autobots were able to develop a method that allowed Primus to use the energy of the three keys and the Matrix to at least halt the singularity's growth, giving them the time the needed to complete their mission. {{storylink|Titans}} In order for the Autobots to safely traverse the tunnel in space-time that led to Gigantion, [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] created a "vaccine" program based on the stabilizing properties of the Matrix and Vector Prime's sword. {{storylink|Family}}

The Matrix would often glow with energy when Prime poised himself to unleash powerful combat moves; during his final battle with Galvatron, the golden glow of the Matrix surrounded Prime's entire body. {{storylink|Unfinished}}
{{-}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
Vector Prime claimed to have held the Matrix in Cybertron's past, during its [[Golden Age|golden age]]. He led for many years until he received a higher calling to become the protector of space and time. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

===''Galaxy Force'' comic===
[[Image:GFmanga_matrix.jpg|right|thumb|RESPECT MAH AUTHORITAH!]]
With the Earth besieged by the [[Ancient Decepticon]]s under the command of [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], and the treacherous air commander himself transformed into a skyscraper-sized giant by the power of Primus, things were looking grim for the Autobots. Taking a direct hit from the giant Starscream, Optimus Prime's chest was smashed open, exposing the Matrix within. Reviving after only a few moments of unconsciousness to find that [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] had arrived on the planet with news that Primus had reawakened, Prime doubted how important he was to the battle if their god was now restored. Wing Saber pointed to his open chest, telling him that the Matrix within him signified him as the true leader of the Autobots, and Prime, his resolve restored, plucked the talisman from within himself and called upon its power to initiate his and Wing Saber's combination into Sonic Wing Mode for the first time. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.9}}
{{-}}
<hr>

===Live-action ''Transformers'' film series===
[[Image:Tf2009 mol.jpg|thumb|250px|Now...how do you open this thing, dammit?]]
Created by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], the '''Matrix of Leadership''' is required to operate the [[star harvester]]. It can only be properly utilized by one who shares the lineage of the Primes.

====Sector Seven ARG====
The Matrix was mentioned in passing.{{fact}} {{storylink|Sector Seven (game)|Sector Seven}}

====Titan Magazines====
According to [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] carries the Matrix of Leadership, [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|yeah right....]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 8|Star Screams #2}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[Image:ROTF Matrix crumbles.jpg|thumb|left|250px|And Unicron breathed a sigh of relief.]]
The [[Dynasty of Primes#Revenge of the Fallen movie|Seven Primes]] had agreed never to use a [[star harvester]] on a [[Sun]] that fed intelligent life. But in 17,000 BC, [[the Fallen]] chose to activate it on [[Earth]], for he hated [[human]]s, so the other Primes fought him and stole the Matrix. They sealed it away in a [[Tomb of the Primes|tomb]] made of their own bodies in a secret location. In 2009 AD, following the death of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the last Prime, the Fallen had returned to Earth and was seeking the Matrix to finish what he'd started.

[[Image:TheFallen-ROTFMatrix.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hot Rod's gonna have trouble gettin' his fingers in this one.]]
[[Sam Witwicky]], having deciphered the only clue to the tomb's location, found the Matrix in [[Petra]], but it crumbled to dust. He stuffed its remains into a sock and took it to the [[Pyramid]]s of [[Egypt]], where he still hoped it could resurrect Optimus, who was being protected by the human-Autobot alliance [[NEST]]. The Fallen's pupil, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], shot and killed Sam, but the [[spark]]s of the Primes came and revived him. They also revealed the Matrix could not be found but only earned, and they restored its shape. Sam then used the Matrix to resurrect Optimus by shoving its sharp end into his chest. Almost immediately afterward, the Fallen teleported in and stole the Matrix, then used it to activate the harvester. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{Note|The [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|novelization]] reveals the Matrix was created by the All Spark to help the Primes in their search for energon. When the Cube was destroyed, the All Spark moved into Sam's mind, and when he was dying, it moved into the remains of the Matrix, reconstituting it. After the battle, the Matrix now resides lodged in Optimus Prime's hip, effectively replacing the Cube as the AllSpark's physical form. This, in turn, essentially transforms this universe's version of the Matrix (initially entirely distinct from the other depictions of the object seen in this article) into the same life-giving, knowledge-holding object from other Transformers fiction.}}
<br>
<hr>

===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Image:Tfanimated_matrix.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
Following [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] and [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]]'s successful reconstruction of a substantial portion of the shattered [[AllSpark#Animated|AllSpark]], [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] used the [[Magnus Hammer]] to forge a new containment vessel for the crystal sphere. He termed the resultant holder the "AllSpark Matrix", and wore it on a chain around his neck upon the Autobots' return to Cybertron. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}} {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Alamanc II}}
{{-}}
<hr>

===''Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron''===
[[Image:TransformersVault-Prima.jpg|right|thumb]]
Originally the jewel in the hilt of Prima's [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] sword in the distant past of Cybertron, the Matrix had been missing for billions of cycles by the time data clerk [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Orion Pax]] met the charismatic gladiator named [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]]. Unbeknownst to Orion, Megatron plotted revolution, and, desiring the Matrix's power to fuel his ambition, had [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] send [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]] to search for the Matrix in [[Crystal City]] to no avail.

Later, when the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] appointed Orion as Cybertron's leader, Optimus Prime, they ordered him to find the Matrix, and Megatron's true motives stood revealed as he also declared it would be his. War erupted across Cybertron and raged for millions of years, until, during the conflict's dying days, Optimus purged Cybertron's [[core]] of a [[Dark Energon]] infection that Megatron had wrought upon it. Speaking directly into Prime's mind, the core explained that Prime's predecessor, [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Sentinel Prime]] had been unworthy of the Matrix, but as long as he had survived in [[Kaon]]'s prisons, Optimus was technically not [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] and could not receive it. With Sentinel's death and the core's purification, however, the time had at last come: the Matrix emerged from the core, and Optimus accepted it into his body. Subsequently, the Autobots left Cybertron on the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'', but Optimus knew that the Matrix would guide them home one day, where it would act in concert with the core to fully restore their ravaged homeworld. {{storylink|Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[Image:TFPS2_matrix.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
The quest for the [[Zel Quartz]], a powerful crystal upon which the fate of the future hinged, led groups of Autobots and Decepticons from both the present day and time-travellers from the near-future to converge on the planet Zel Samine, culminating in a two-way showdown between Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime and Megatron and Galvatron in the complex housing the planetary power generator [[ELTA]]. When the battle threatened to cause the computer to overload, it appeared that all four Transformers were doomed, until the twin Primes opened both their Matrices, using their power to bring the computer under control and win the day. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Battle Universe''===
[[Image:Netjetmatrix.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
The Matrix would appear following the successful defeat of an opponent. Picking it up would initiate the next round of combat, accompanied by a burst of music from ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''. {{storylink|Transformers Battle Universe}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)===
[[Image:WFC Matrix of Leadership.jpg|left|thumb|200px|]]
Though [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots helped purge the [[Core|Core of Cybertron]] of the [[Dark Energon]] infection, its spark had been corrupted and had to shut itself down completely if it was to survive. For the millions of years that this process would take, Cybertron would be left cold and barren, meaning the Transformers would be forced to take to the stars. However, the Core bestowed a portion of its spark within the Matrix of Leadership to Optimus Prime, leader of the free Autobots. For as long as the Matrix survived, Cybertron's spark would remain. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
{{main|Matrix of Leadership/toys}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G1toon matrix strings.jpg|right|thumb|Strings connect the Matrix's core to its holder in the Generation 1 cartoon.]]
*Bob Budiansky's original pitch for the Transformers comic book included an event known as the "[[Ceremony of the Unending Circuit]]", held by the Autobots every ten millennia to commemorate the passing of the Creation Matrix from one Autobot leader to the next, according to Autobot Law. Although the "ten millennia" bit made it into the comic, the ceremony itself was never realized.
*When asked about the visual design of the Matrix in an interview, [[Floro Dery]]'s reply was, "The inspiration for the Matrix of Leadership is a thermonuclear bomb."<ref>[http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery]</ref> "Light our darkest hour", indeed.
*Blink and you'll miss it—the crystal core of the original Generation 1 cartoon incarnation of the Matrix is connected to the two halves of its holder by a string! This oddity of design is visible during the two instances the Matrix is opened in the cartoon, in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2".
* The body-mod shop "[[Swindle, Swindle & Swindle]]" has empty Generation 1 Matrix containers for sale, as seen in an illustration from the prose story "[[I, Lowtech]]".
*The Matrix of Leadership [[:Image:The Arrival 4 Lockdown's cabinet.jpg|makes a cameo]] as one of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s possessions in "[[The Arrival issue 4|A Few Loose Strands]]".

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Matrix''' (マトリクス ''Matorikusu'')
*''English:'' '''Power Pack''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''German:'' '''Hauptprogramm''' ("Core Program", used once in fiction), '''Matrix der Führerschaft''' ("Matrix of Leadership")
*''Polish:'' '''Matryca Przywództwa''', '''Matryca Przywódcy''' (''War for Cybertron'' PC)
*''Portuguese:'' '''Matriz da Liderança'''
{{--}}

==Footnotes==
[[Image:DiamondStickerbookMatrixOfLight.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Not shown: Anything in the caption.]]
<references />

[[Category:Animated]]
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[[Category:Beast Wars]]
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[[Category:Henkei! Henkei!]]
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[[Category:Matrices]]
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