Editing Optimus Primal (BW)

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{{disambig3|Optimus Primal}}
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:''Optimus Primal is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].'' 

[[File:Optimusprimalbw.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Next one of you says "[[trukk not munky]]" gets it in the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|FACE]].]]
Young and untested, '''Optimus Primal''' was a mere captain of an exploration ship when he and his crew were diverted off-course to pursue a stolen Predacon ship under the leadership of some crook named [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. The rest, they say, is (literally) history.

Though he does have a penchant for stuffy speeches, Optimus Primal is much more down-to-Cybertron than his legendary [[Optimus Prime (G1)|namesake]]. He is committed to the Maximal codes of honor and moral judgment, but he does view them with some irreverence, and is not above finding loopholes or administering unorthodox solutions if necessary. ("Sometimes, crazy works", he says.) He is eternally loyal to his friends and respectful to his enemies. He is brave and selfless in battle. However, he is so committed to helping others that he can withdraw into a deep depression when he feels he has let them down. This is the only time he is self-absorbed. 

Optimus Primal is extraordinary for not only being able to distinguish himself, despite living in the shadow of Optimus Prime, but he may even have surpassed the greatest of the Autobots, seeing as he [[Optimal Situation|saved the life of his namesake]] and ushered in a new [[technorganic]] [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. It is possible Optimus Primal is the greatest Cybertronian hero who has ever lived.

{{quote|Come on, let's hear it, the usual destiny and honor speech.|Megatron}}
{{quote|Speech this!|Optimus, as he punches Megatron in the face|"[[Nemesis Part 2]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy bios===
[[Tigatron]] was appointed by Primal to be reconnaissance for the northern polar sector. {{storylink|Tigatron#Toys|Tigatron}} He also tried to lighten up [[Bonecrusher (BW)|Bonecrusher]]'s violent demeanor, if only to keep the poor guy from overheating.  {{storylink|Bonecrusher (BW)#Toys|Bonecrusher}} Optimus Primal was "changed into a mighty, metal gorilla by the planetary destruction device," and "has a built-in, rocket-powered hoverboard that lets him hang ten on the air-waves of the Beast Wars world!" {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Transmetal Optimus Primal toy bio}} 

Optimus Primal's transformation into Optimal Optimus was due to exposure to a "nebulous entity". {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Optimal Optimus toy bio}} He considered [[Bantor (BW)|Bantor]] his first choice for recon or demolition missions. {{storylink|Bantor (BW)#Toys|Bantor}}

====Wave 1====
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)#Beast Wars pack in material}}
{{note|The pack-in fiction of the first wave of Beast Wars toys predates the development of the Beast Wars cartoon and its backstory. Instead, it presents the setting as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal and Megatron cast as new forms for their Generation 1 counterparts and their battles taking place on present day [[human]]-inhabited Earth rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched the toyline adjusted itself to match, relegating this to a [[micro-continuity]] separate from the rest of [[Beast Era]] fiction.}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
{{main|Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity}}
[[File:Call of the Wild Optimus Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|''King Kong'' took a weird turn.]]
Optimus Primal was a minor [[Maximal]] officer of little note who commanded the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. When he received an alert about a fugitive [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] ship, the ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]'', he had the ''Axalon'' pursue it through a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal, eventually ending up on a primitive planet. There, he and his Maximal crew scanned [[beast mode]]s and battled [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s criminal band of Predacons in what the Maximal dubbed the "[[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]". The two forces soon became embroiled in an "experiment" by the mysterious [[Vok]], and Primal gave his life to stop the destruction of the Maximals by the aliens' [[Planet Buster]]. The planet was revealed to be [[Earth]] in the past, putting the conflict in a vital context. Optimus Primal was soon reborn in a [[Transmetal]] body and was later granted a more powerful body after taking [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[spark]] into his body to foil Megatron's plans to change history. Despite his nemesis's numerous machinations, the Predacons were defeated and Megatron brought back to Cybertron.

However, Megatron prematurely freed himself, and he arrived at Cybertron before the Maximals. When they arrived, they found the planet to be desolate and conquered by Megatron. They soon met the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], who [[reformatting|reformatted]] the Maximals into [[technorganic]] forms and entrusted Optimus Primal with the task of defeating Megatron and bringing about an evolution of the planet and the species into the technorganic. Despite some missteps, Optimus Primal was able to free Cybertron from Megatron's reign and bring about a new age for Cybertron, albeit with the cost of his life.

When [[Unicron]] instigated the [[Universe War]] with his abductions of Transformers from across the [[multiverse]], [[Primus]] resurrected Optimus Primal to act as the leader of the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]]. Well into the war efforts, Unicron disappeared and Optimus Primal's fate was left unknown.

A different quantum branch of this Optimus Primal became one of the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]]'s dimension-hopping [[Protector|agents]] and met with the [[Thirteen|ancient Transformer]] [[Vector Prime]].

In a divergent timeline, Optimus Primal, a possessor of an [[Energon Matrix]], joined forces with various [[Autobot]] and Maximal [[Supreme Commander|leaders]], such as the legendary Optimus Prime himself, the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] of a different [[Universal stream|universal cluster]], [[Lio Convoy]], and [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]. 

===''Beast Wars II'' toy catalog===
[[File:PrimalLioConvoyCatalog01.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|"And what's that, Lio Convoy? Your toy is now out in '''all major retailers''' and buying it will make children be '''seen as cool''' by their peers? Boy, who ''wouldn't'' want to '''buy your toy'''?"]]

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Optimus Primal observed a warrior named [[Lio Convoy]] advance through the ranks of the Maximal Space Patrol. Respecting him for his strength and courage (though feeling he was a bit too straightforward), Primal dynamically named him as his successor. Shaking hands, Lio Convoy swore not to let Primal down. {{storylink|Catalog#Beast Wars II|The next stage of battle advances to the Second War... Beast Wars, Transform!}}
{{-}}

===''Bom Bom'' manga continuity===
====''Beast Wars II'' manga====
Many years ago, before [[Lio Convoy]] became "Lio Convoy", Optimus Primal was a sitting member of the [[Convoy Council]] and personally awarded him his [[Energon Matrix]] and [[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]] rank.

Years following that, during a battle with [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] on planet [[Gaia]], Lio Convoy's Energon Matrix was damaged by his foe and corrupted with [[Angolmois Energy]]. The chaotic energy caused Lio Convoy to grow to enormous size and go berserk. To stop him from destroying everyone and everything, [[Apache]] and [[Scuba]] used an ancient Gaian computer to summon Optimus Primal across time and space.

Primal observed the danger and immediately recognized the problem. Stretching out his glowing hand, Primal pressed his palm against Lio Convoy's Energon Matrix, repairing it. This act disspelled the Angolmois Energy's corruption, returning Lio Convoy to normal size and sanity. The deed done, Primal faded away, returning to wherever he had come from. {{storylink|Free the Captured Matrix!}}

Before Lio Convoy and his team set out to the artificial planet [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]], Optimus Primal showed up in the Maximals' base on Gaia via holographic communication. He warned Lio Convoy would die due to overexposure to the Angolmois Energy if he went to the planet. {{storylink|All Hands, Make a Special Attack on the Evil Planet!}}

====''Beast Wars Metals'' manga====
[[File:DevilGorilla-sk.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|It's on like a reanimated cyborg Donkey Kong!]]
Following the [[Quantum surge]], Primal was left dead. Within [[unspace|Transwarp space]], he found himself being dragged into the afterlife by a horde of monsters. Suddenly, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] arrived and attempted to return him to life. Primal at first refused, saying he wished to move on. Rhinox then smacked some sense into him, reminding him of his duty to his Maximals. Brought back to his senses, Primal left Transwarp space, his spark being blasted from a laser cannon of Rhinox's design.

Over at the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] base, [[Hindenburg]], [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] had recovered Primal's sparkless, rampaging body and imprisoned it in shackles. Using a voodoo ceremony of [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]]'s design, Megatron intended to turn Primal's body into a Predacon slave. Before he could apply his mutant blood and finish the ceremony, Primal's spark reunited with his body and upgraded into a [[Transmetal]].

None too pleased, Primal proceeded to make short work of Tarantulas, [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] and Megatron's army of drones. He then defeated Megatron and escaped Hindenburg, rescuing an injured [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] in the process. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 1|Beast Wars Metals #1}}

Later, while investigating the remains of the ''Axalon'', Primal was attacked by Rampage. Primal had his robot head bitten off in the attack and lost both his arms (it was brutal). Ultimately, using undersea volcanos and his own hoverboard, Primal launched Rampage into space, trapping him in orbit. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 2|Beast Wars Metals #2}} 

When [[Jaguar]] attacked a [[anthropoid]] village and killed Dinobot, Primal journeyed there to avenge his friend. Their battle raged into a cave, where Jaguar blew a hole through Primal's torso. Primal managed to tear Jaguar's arms off and then shoot him before letting the villain stumble into a pit. Dinobot was avenged. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 3|Beast Wars Metals #3}} 

Optimus Primal once again arrived too late to save a friend, as Tigatron, mind-controlled by Tarantulas, killed Airazor. Primal proceeded to stomp the spider to death and tear his body into a thousand pieces. He was much more courteous to Blackarachnia, however, having seen her attempt to help Airazor, and let her leave in peace.{{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 4|Beast Wars Metals #4}}

When Optimus learned that Megatron had discovered the ''Ark'', he raced to get there in time, only to be besieged by zombie Predacons. With Tigatron's help, he made it through them, but ONCE AGAIN arrived too late, as Megatron (now merged with the spark of [[Megatron (G1)|his namesake]]) blasted [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to bits. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 5|Beast Wars Metals #5}} 

To save Prime's spark, Optimus Primal ate it and became Optimal Optimus. In their final confrontation, Optimus ripped Megatron's spark out of his body and crushed it, killing his foe. After all was said and done, Primal lamented that repairing Optimus Prime and restoring the time stream would be a tall order. {{storylink|Beast Wars Metals issue 6|Beast Wars Metals #6}}

{{--}}

===''Universe'' CD-ROM===
[[File:UnivCDROM Autobots.jpg|left|thumb|"Pardon me, just passing through."]]
On some alternate Cybertron, that universe's Optimus Primal was leading the Autobots [[Snarl (BM)|Snarl]], [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], and [[Striker]] against [[Reptilion|Reptillion]], [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] in the most intense day of fighting that year. Just as the combatants were really starting to beat the slag out of each other, they were interrupted by [[Acheron|a mysterious spaceship]] that swooped down, sucked the [[Decepticon]]s up on beams of light, and flew away. Primal and his troops were left dumbfounded, unaware that the ship had been a tool of [[Unicron]] in his quest to build [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|an army]] for a [[Universe War|grand war]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Universe CD-ROM|Universe CD-ROM}}
{{-}}

===Fire in the Dark continuity===
When [[human]] archaeologists uncovered a cave filled with primitive language, [[Mini-Con]] [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] translated it for them. The markings told of a time when the Maximals and Predacons crash-landed on prehistoric Earth, though the stranded Transformers were seen by the [[Natiltec]] tribe as gods. One of the pictographs depicted one of these "gods" in the form of a gorilla. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

In [[Aurex 1104.30-JH Zeta]], Megatron's Predacons fought Optimus Primal's Maximals in the war for the [[Mini-Con]]s, which the Maximals emerged victorious, though Optimus did have to sacrifice his life to thwart the rogue Tarantulas's scheme to gather a cache of [[Super Energon]]. Since Vector Prime recounted Optimus as leading the charge that ended the war, he apparently got better. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 13, 2015|Ask Vector Prime}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[File:Historyofcybertron.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|He's looking into your other browser tabs RIGHT NOW.]]
When [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] plugged himself into [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s deactivated head to download information on the history of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], he skimmed past some facts on Optimus Primal. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}
{{-}}

===''Q-Robo Transformer''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Q-Robo Transformer}}}}

===''Mini Mayhem!''===
In a celebration of the Transformers brand, Optimus Primal showed up as a representative for the "Beast Wars" era of the franchise. {{storylink|Mini Mayhem!}}

===''United''===
During the United battle, Optimus Primal entered into battle against the new threat of [[Unicron/Generation 1#United|Ark Unicron]]. During the fight, Primal's ship, the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', mysteriously gained a [[spark]] and became a Transformer. The ''Axalon'' was then the Autobot's greatest hope of defeating Unicron. {{storylink|Axalon (BW)#United 2|''United'' Axalon bio}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
On a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] where the Autobots and Decepticons had grown too decrepit to carry on the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], they constructed proxy armies in the form of the [[Maximal]]s and Predacons. Increasingly questioning the orders of her Autobot masters, the breaking point with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] came with the death of her colleagues Silverbolt and Rhinox. She conspired with [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] and together they killed their commander, Optimus Primal, who refused to turn against the Autobots. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|"TransTech" Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}}

===Legends World===
Optimus Primal was the president of [[Axalon Trading Company]], and took new employee Rattrap drinking after his first workday. As Rattrap was explaining ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' to him, Primal assumed by his mention of CGI-animated transforming robots that he meant the [[live-action film series|recent Transformers movies]]. {{storylink|The Generation Gap}} Primal believed that your robot mode was your "serious adult" mode and that you should use it while working, and was annoyed that Rattrap remained in beast mode throughout the day and transformed to have fun afterwards. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 4#The Transformation Gap|The Transformation Gap}} During a meeting with [[Lio Convoy]] from another company, Primal had Airazor serve their guest tea. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 5#The Gender Gap Part 2|The Gender Gap Part 2}} He later found Rattrap, Rhinox and Silverbolt with their stomachs growling, and wondered what they'd been up to. {{storylink|TF4 Toy Party}}

While visiting [[Tokyo Toy Show 2014]] with his son, [[Optimus Minor]], Primal was shocked to run into some of his own employees and reprimanded them for caring about toys at their age. During the event, he talked to Minor about ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' characters and helped him transform an [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] toy he'd won. {{storylink|Tokyo Toy Show 2014 Report}} Later at work, he was exasperated by Cheetor enthusiastically refusing to work overtime. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 9#The Bathroom Gap|The Bathroom Gap}} While heading out one day, he told his employees not to touch his [[banana]]s, but turned back when he realized he'd forgotten to bring some with him. He returned to find that the others had immediately started eating all his bananas in a great big banana-themed party, and was ''not pleased''. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Even Though I Told You Not To...|Even Though I Told You Not To...}} He also had his hands full with Cheetor, who at different points was so tired at work he forgot how to transform, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Head of Partying, Cheetor|Head of Partying, Cheetor}} asked Primal to cover his travel expenses after he'd fallen asleep on the train, {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor at Night|Cheetor at Night}} and claimed to have overslept even when he arrived late fully energetic and refreshed. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 10#Cheetor in the Morning|Cheetor in the Morning}}

As punishment for the banana incident, Primal assigned Dinobot to be Rattrap's trainer, ignoring the rat's protests that his new trainer clearly wanted to eat him. When Rattrap managed to work even while stuck in Dinobot's mouth, Primal commented that the two worked well together after all. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 11#The Two's Recent Encounter|The Two's Recent Encounter}} Rattrap later arrived at worked in the body of a real Transformer, to which Primal responded by having him go see Doctor [[Bump]], who explained that the cause was Rattrap's obsession with Transformers. Primal ordered his employee to get rid of his toy collection, but was ignored. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 1|Bonus Edition Vol. 1}} Not long afterwards, the same thing happened to Optimus Primal himself! His initial worries about what his son would think proved unfounded when Minor was overjoyed to have a cool Transformer as a dad, but things still ended badly when his suspicious appearance caught the interest of the police. His accidentally deployed a bunch of hidden weapons while trying to explain himself, worsening the situation until Rattrap showed up and transformed him back into gorilla mode. Seeing Bump again, Primal was told that the transformation had been caused by his overeating of bananas, but like Rattrap, he refused to change his lifestyle. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 2|Bonus Edition Vol. 2}}

Optimus Primal's body was later transformed ''again'', this time becoming [[Fallout (episode)|flat as a pancake]]. {{storylink|Legends Vol. 15#LG03 Tankor Prologue|LG03 Tankor Prologue}} His boss's cool new robot mode was a source of jealousy for Rhinox until he too was transformed, becoming [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. Primal watched an ensuing battle between Rattrap and Tankor with confusion. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 3|Bonus Edition Vol. 3}} He'd reverted to his old form again in time for [[Christmas]], during which he went for a walk with Minor. {{storylink|Merry X'mas!!}} He later bore witness to Tankor's final defeat at the hands of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], after which he too reverted into Rhinox. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 7|Bonus Edition Vol. 7}} The large statures of Primal and the others at Axalon Co. bothered Rattrap, who regretted his small size. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 8|Bonus Edition Vol. 8}} Primal was a bit bothered when [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] showed up at Axalon to cook lunch for the employees on company time, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 10|Bonus Edition Vol. 10}} and later watched in bewilderment when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] attempted to destroy [[Legends World|their universe]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 12|Bonus Edition Vol. 12}}

During a partnership between Axalon Trading Company and the rivaling [[Tera-Kura Co.]], President Primal and Rattrap were invited by [[Megatron (BW)|President Megatron]] to a ''[[Q-Transformers]]'' event. He enjoyed himself trying out food and drinks, but didn't really understand why Rattrap wanted ''Beast Wars Q-Transformers'' so badly. {{storylink|Deckss × Q-Transformers Collaboration Event Report|Deckss × Q-Transformers}} Primal was visiting Tokyo Toy Show 2015 with Minor when [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]] showed up and kidnapped his son! Fortunately [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] was around to get him back. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} As the battle with Windblade had led to the destruction of Axalon's offices under [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s girth, Primal declared Metroplex's city mode to be their new office building. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue#The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|The Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} At one point, Rattrap and Tigatron arrived late for work and tried to explain to an angry Primal that they'd been trapped in a dream, but of course he didn't believe it. {{storylink|Go! Adventure}}

When all the heroic warriors of the Legends World got together to protect their world from [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]], Optimus Primal joined in by turning into his Transformer form again. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 16|Bonus Edition Vol. 16}} He and Rattrap were later approached by the Autobot [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], who asked for their help in using the Legends World's energies to build [[transtector]]s for him and his troops. Primal responded that business is business and they needed compensation, so Fortress offered his company access to Autobot technology, which led to a full-blown Autobot Axalon Trading Company partnership. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 21|Bonus Edition Vol. 21}} He later wondered what was up when Fortress was being chewed out by his brother [[Grand Maximus|Grand]]. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}} Annoyed by the volume of one of his new employees, [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]], Primal kicked him out of the room and told him to get back to work. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 27|Bonus Edition Vol. 27}} He and Rhinox were later given [[Master-Brace]] blueprints by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]], allowing their company to produce some. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 28|Bonus Edition Vol. 28}} After selling Metroplex to Tera-Kura in order to fund their new HQ, Maximus, Primal lamented the sacrifice they'd been forced to make. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 31|Bonus Edition Vol. 31}}

Optimus Primal yelled at [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] for flying around the office on [[Moguru]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 32|Bonus Edition Vol. 32}} Then his Transformers sickness kicked in again and he was turned into an orange robotic ape. His new appearance caught the attention of [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]], who hired him to play [[Ape X Arms]] in his new film, ''[[Transformers: Convobat Amazon Showdown]]''. He ended up having to combine with Megatron twice, first as part of a scene and again to subdue the rampaging transtector meant to represent [[Convobat]]'s. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Convobat)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} Primal was later among the passengers on [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s commuter train, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|Bonus Edition Vol. 40}} was around when [[Dark Ai]] came to Axalon looking for help, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Black Convoy 2)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}} and got eaten whole by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 43|Bonus Edition Vol. 43}} He then watched his house be destroyed during [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]'s [[plasma energy]] rampage. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 49|Bonus Edition Vol. 49}} Primal was given [[Beastformer]] armor by [[White Leo]] when he tried to recruit the Legends natives into his army, {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 51|Bonus Edition Vol. 51}} and was present at Axalon when [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Goldbug]] came knocking. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 54|Bonus Edition Vol. 54}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] had speculated that the [[Dark Spark]] might have been the essence of a Megatron from an alternate timeline where Optimus Primal and his Maximals failed to stop his plot to absorb all of the sparks on Cybertron, among other explanations. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#May 18, 2015|Ask Vector Prime}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' continuity===
====''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:POTP vote Optimus Primal.jpg|thumb|150px|right]]

{{quote|True strength is having the courage to trust that sometimes crazy works.}}
Optimus Primal was a potential bearer of the [[Matrix of Leadership]].  As a force for chaos, this King of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]] planned to herald a new age of beasts, even if it produced a Cybertron where only the strong would survive. {{storylink|Source:Power of the Primes Fan Vote|''Power of the Primes'' fan poll}} Primal was deemed worthy, and granted the power of the Matrix, as well as the [[Throne of the Primes]], the [[Halo of Primus]], and the [[Scepter of Sparks]]. {{storylink|Optimus_Primal_(BW)/toys#SDCC2018|Throne of the Primes toy bio}}
{{--}}

====''Prime Wars Trilogy'' cartoons====
[[File:PowerOfThePrimesTeaserPoster.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''M-O-N-K-E-Y MONKEY<br>R-O-B-O-T ROBOT'']]
{{voiceactor|[[Ron Perlman]] (English)}}
Optimus Primal was the latest in a long line of noble Cybertronians tasked by the [[Thirteen|gods]] with guarding the [[Requiem Blaster (Megatronus)|Requiem Blaster]]. For as long as he could remember, he was sealed with it inside a dome in [[Primal Swamp]] to watch over it. This continued until [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] eventually found and entered the vault, hoping to retrieve the Blaster in order to keep it out of [[The Fallen|Megatronus]]'s clutches. Primal appeared before him and fought to defend the Blaster, but Megatron told him that Cybertron was facing extinction and that he was prepared to give his life to save the planet. Sensing the truth in his words, Primal relinquished the Blaster to Megatron, who left the vault with it. As the former Decepticon and his team discussed their next move, Primal followed him outside and properly introduced himself, suggesting they head for the [[Athenaeum Sanctorum]]. {{storylink|Primal (POTP)|Primal}}

The group traveled to [[Cataclysm Tundra]], where they unearthed the Sanctorum's hidden entrance. Finding a data terminal inside, they learned of Primal's origins as an agent of the gods, but were interrupted when [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Cron]] attacked. {{storylink|Athenaeum Sanctorum (episode)|Athenaeum Sanctorum}} In the ensuing fight, Rodimus briefly trapped him beneath some rubble. When he emerged, he saw the Requiem Blaster left unguarded and attempted to flee with it. When Windblade called him out, he claimed that letting the Blaster out of Primal Swamp was a mistake, but accusations of cowardice by Windblade promted a change of heart. Instead of leaving, Primal moved himself into the shadows on the higher levels of the Sanctorum before tossing the Blaster to Megatron so he could finish Overlord. {{storylink|Countdown (POTP)|Countdown}} In the aftermath, Primal thanked Windblade for stopping him from running. As Megatronus appeared to take the Blaster, Primal attempted to defend it, but proved no match. Following Megatronus's escape, Primal sided himself with the others in support of Megatron as they marched toward the [[Well of All Sparks|Well of Sparks]] to finish things. {{storylink|Consequences}}
[[File:POTP-Ep9-Megatronus-Unleashed-Primal-becomes-Optimal-Optimus.jpg|thumb|300px|"Before there was time, before there was anything, there was nothing, and before there was nothing, there were monsters."]]

Noting the peculiarity of the [[Labyrinth of Tunnels]], he mused to himself about how much of Cybertron and the surrounding universe he had yet to discover due to his isolation. Though his spark was weakened by Megatronus's doomsday device, Primal and the others forced their way into the Well. After saving Windblade from a potentially lethal blast, he and Grimlock worked to restrain Megatronus. However, Megatronus proved too powerful and severely burned Primal and the others. {{storylink|Collision Course}} The flames surrounding him died down while Megatronus fought Rodimus, now completely possessed by [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], and Primal resumed attacking Megatronus's device. Despite interference from Megatronus, Primal did his best to pull the Matrix free from the device. He eventually succeeded and began interfacing with the Matrix unexpectedly, creating a protective shield around him. When Perceptor revealed the Matrix had chosen him, he placed the relic into his chest and was transformed into a new form. Dubbed Optimal Optimus by the Matrix and proclaimed as the protector of all sentient beings, he began to battle Unicron, now seemingly a match for him. {{storylink|Megatronus Unleashed}} Optimal eventually overtook his foe and managed to remove the [[Matrix of Conquest]] from his chest, restoring him back to his former self as Hot Rod. When Unicron attempted to use the Matrix to take control of Megatron, Optimal agreed to use the Requiem Blaster to destroy them both, hailing Megatron as a true hero. In the aftermath, thanks to the Matrix's choice of him as the new Prime, Optimal was named the leader of Cybertron. Though Optimal was unsure if he was worthy of the role, the newly revived [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] taught him the ways of Cybertron and promised to support him as Optimal declared he would lead Cybertron into a new age of prosperity. {{storylink|Saga's End}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:ASurfeitOfPrimes-OptimusPrimalMegatron.jpg|left|thumb|300px|And you thought ''Beast Machines'' took him to dark places.]]

Twelve million years ago, Optimus Primal was a [[Maximal]] under the command of [[Liege Maximo]]. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}} When [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] and his [[Darklands|Darklander]] army conquered the [[Forgotten Plains]], Maximo and his army were forced into exile, and eventually came into the employ of "[[Onyx Prime]]" in reality, an alias assumed by a time-travelling [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]. {{storylink|Origin Myths}} As part of his grand plan to engineer Cybertronian history, "Onyx" took control of Liege Maximo's forces and incorporated them into his "Menagerie" of bestial warriors, {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}} and Optimus was one of the warriors who accompanied his new master to the [[Crystal City]]. There, they joined forces with [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'s council to battle the Darklanders. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

[[File:GhostStories-OPBeastMode.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Two million years later—after the ascension of the [[Thirteen]] and the subsequent [[First Cybertronian Civil War]] that saw their alliance undone—Primal was now a member of Onyx Prime's innermost retinue, and joined the Prime when he left Cybertron aboard the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]] to advance his plans. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} The Maximals made camp on [[Antilla]], a planet that the Cybertronians had once attempted to colonize years before, now the site of a weapon that Onyx dubbed the "[[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]]." {{storylink|Our Finest}} After many millions of years, Onyx sent the Talisman away aboard the starship ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', {{storylink|Strange Visitors}} with Primal and the other Maximals remaining on Antilla. At some point afterwards, the [[Mistress of Flame|Matriarch of Incaendium]], [[Praesidia Magna|Praesidia]], and [[Magrada]] traveled there to investigate a Cybertronian signal, and Primal was one of the Maximals who watched as Onyx slew Magrada. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} Some time later, Primal was among the Maximals who travelled to [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], the Cybertronian colony from whence the intruders had came, and clashed with the [[Torchbearer]]s over a supply of [[Ore-4]]. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}}

In the modern day, Primal and the other Maximals travelled to Cybertron with Onyx and Liege Maximo as Shockwave put the final stages of his plan into play; as Cybertron collapsed into chaos thanks to his machinations, Primal joined Liege Maximo to attack the crew of the fallen [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Primal was nearly impaled by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]'s sword before Maximo caught the blade, allowing Primal and [[Megatron (BW)|Beast Megatron]] to restrain the Autobot. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}} Though Shockwave and Liege Maximo were both defeated—fatally, in the case of the latter—Primal and the other Maximals fled Cybertron aboard the Nemesis {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 6: Unforgivable|Unforgivable}} to rendezvous with Shockwave's ultimate weapon: [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}}

[[File:StrangerEons-MutantMaximals.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Maximal auditions for the live-action movies left something to be desired.]]

Shockwave believed that the Maximals had done so at his behest, helping Unicron devour each colony world before destroying Cybertron, at which point the Talisman would kill Unicron and allow the Transformers to establish a new Transformer empire on Earth. He was unaware of their true intentions; despite pledging fealty to Shockwave, the manipulative ex-Decepticon had shattered ''their'' faith as well, and their decision to ''truly'' join forces with Unicron was an act of revenge, aiming to bring down the entire galaxy in defiance of Shockwave's carefully-curated plan. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

[[File:Unicron5-MaximalAttack.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Okay, that's better...]]

After meeting up with Unicron as the planet-eater consumed [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]], {{storylink|Unstopped and Unstoppable}} the Maximal swarm traveled with him to [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] and attacked the surface, allowing Unicron to consume them as he devoured Caminus. {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} This was not the end of the Maximals, however; as Unicron had already consumed [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]] and its supplies of [[Ore-11]], the Maximals were exposed to the mutagenic ore in Unicron's systems. It was in this state that Unicron regurgitated them to deal with the [[Decepticon Vengeance Division]], and thanks to the powers of Ore-11 Primal and the other Maximals were able to manifest a monstrous new robot mode. D.V.D. commander [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], already a Unicron loyalist, had double-crossed the fleet under his command, and allowed the Maximals to board the [[Worldsweeper]] flagship so as to pass on their mutation to the Decepticons sent to impede Unicron's progress. {{storylink|Stranger Eons}}

Concealing his new form beneath his old bestial guise, Primal and several other Maximals made their way to [[Earth]] in advance of Unicron's arrival and landed in [[Toronto]] as Shockwave teleported in. With Cybertron gone, Shockwave believed that his plan had worked, and that Unicron had perished in the act; at his command, Primal, Beast Megatron, and Rhinox began razing the city to make way for the birth of Shockwave's new Cybertronian empire. {{storylink|Road's End}} As the Maximals wreaked havoc, Beast Megatron was attacked and crippled by [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], bringing Primal and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] running. Primal found himself facing off against [[Stardrive]] and the [[Red Shadows]] in combat, being able to hold his own despite their [[Dire Wraith]] powers. {{storylink|Assembly (Unicron)|Assembly}} Though he was able to keep Stardrive at bay, Primal was dogpiled by the ninjas and tag-teamed by [[Tempest (G.I. Joe)|Storm Shadow]] and [[Snake-Eyes]], their combined attacks slicing him to bits. {{storylink|Ceremony}} 
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Optimus-Primal-art.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
The Maximals traveled across time to find the [[AllSpark]] and change the fate of Cybertron. While battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s on pre-[[Ice Age]] Earth, both sides were joined by the Autobots and Decepticons, their epic battle changing their combined destinies forever.

Optimus Primal's function was leader of the Maximals, and he [[trans-scan]]ned into a gorilla. His gorilla beast strength and [[sword|scimitar]] mastery were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his honor, commission, and loyalty. Optimus Primal's message from the future was that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|someone from the past]] has the power to reshape his future. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

In a possible destiny recorded on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|''Voyager'' Golden Disk]], Optimus Primal bore witness to Autobot leader Optimus Prime leading Cybertron to a new golden age. {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies|''Kingdom'' Golden Disk cards}}
{{--}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Justin Pierce]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese)|[[Bernd-Siegfried Egger]] (German), [[Frantz Confiac]] (French), [[Alexandre Maguolo]] (Portuguese), [[Luis Bajo]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Dan Osorio]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Anil Datt]] (Hindi)}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep1-Optimus-Primal-attacks-Optimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|300px|Gorilla Greetings!]]
Optimus Primal was a [[Maximal]] born out of an uninhabitable [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}} under the constant threat of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]], {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} and was a crew member of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. He grew bitter towards Nemesis's past self, [[Autobot]] leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], for taking the [[AllSpark]] off-world and abandoning his people, ruining everything. When [[Megatron (BW)|Predacon Megatron]] stole the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] to [[time travel]] and change the past, the ''Axalon'' chased the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] to [[Earth]]. Stranded on the planet, Optimus Primal led the Maximals in a cycles-long conflict with Megatron and the Predacons, {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}} with both sides suffering devastating casualties to their ranks {{storylink|Kingdom episode 2}} until the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' crashed on Earth.

Optimus Primal led an attack against the Autobots and defeated Optimus Prime himself, believing he was Nemesis Prime. The Maximal leader demanded to see Prime's [[Matrix of Leadership]] to prove he is not Nemesis, though Optimus succumbed to his injuries and fell unconscious. Primal and Maximal [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] investigated the ''Ark'' [[energon]] supply to repair the ''Axalon'', but are interrupted by Autobot [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and the repaired Optimus Prime. The two Optimuses argued until Prime revealed the Allspark is on Earth and [[Tigatron]] announced [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] located both [[Megatron (G1)|Megatrons]]. Optimus Primal finally revealed to the Autobots that he was the leader of the Maximals and from the future. Untrustworthy to each other, the two factions discussed amongst themselves if they should help each other. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep3-Optimus-Primal-gorilla.jpg|thumb|300px|left]]
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep4-Optimus-Primal-possessed-by-Dinobot.jpg|thumb|300px]]
{{charfictionstub}}

===2021 IDW ''Beast Wars'' comic===
[[File:SavageLandingPart1-OptimusPrimal.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]

Optimus Primal was once a member of the [[Maximal]] [[Maximal Command Security Force|Security Forces]] but was removed from his post and eventually promoted to become captain of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', a job he bemoaned as meant to keep him in line with its monotony. En route to [[H'nkshanaar-4]] to "deliver scientific experiments", the crew of the ''Axalon'' were ordered by [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] to pursue a band of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] who stole [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|an artifact]] and [[Darksyde (BW)|a transwarp-capable ship]]. Elated by the prospect of some adventure, Optimus Primal and his crew followed the other ship into a transwarp portal, ending up in orbit of a mysterious planet. The following battle caused both ships to fall to the planet, disabling both crews. The computer of the ''Axalon'' detected dangerous levels of [[energon radiation]] and outfitted the comatose Maximals with new techno-organic beast modes. Primal awoke to the form of a native gorilla. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}}

[[File:SavageLandingPart4-Maximalbeastmodes.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

As repairs progressed, Primal received a status report from [[Nyx]] before he sent her out to do an aerial recon of the land. When Cheetor groused that Primal had just cost him tiny servos that could fit into access panels, Primal told him to go ask Rattrap. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 2}} When night fell and Nyx did not return, Primal ordered [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] to stay on the ship when the younger Maximal suggested they organize a search effort. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 3}} 

When Nyx was still overdue to return, Primal repurposed a data collection shell to connect with the orbiting stasis pods to expand their search radius and find Nyx. When the reworked array came online, Primal cursed himself for not ordering rescue sooner when he saw how slow Nyx was moving. When Nyx approached the ''Axalon'', Primal led his crew outside to keep watch, being greeted by the Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] carrying the prone pilot and formally requesting to defect to the Maximals. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 4}} 

[[File:SavageLandingPart5-mynameisoptimusprimal.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]] 

After Dinobot had been locked in a holding area for malfunctioning protoforms, Optimus briefly interrogated him before a repaired Nyx asked to speak to the prisoner. Soon afterwards, the rest of the Predacons marched on the ''Axalon'', whose defences had yet to be repaired. Ordering Rattrap to stay behind and repair them, Optimus led his crew into battle, facing off against Megatron. As the battle continued, Megatron steadily began to overpower Primal, {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 5}} and attempted to crush him with his beast mode head only for Optimus to break the hold, being saved from a blast when Nyx threw Terrorsaur into its path. As Optimus and Dinobot prepared to take on Megatron together, Rattrap finished repairs on the defences, the [[force field]] coming online and ejecting all Predacons from the perimeter, including Dinobot. When the Predacons began beating the turncoat to death, Primal fired the point defence cannons to scare them off.

Days later, Optimus confessed to Rhinox some of his doubts about his leadership capabilities only for his friend to warm him against second-guessing himself before a wounded, but operational, Dinobot thanked Optimus for the repairs and announced his intent to leave the Maximals. Seeing potential in the defector, Primal reminded him of the heritage of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and invited him to stay. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Confident that the ship's fully operational force fields would keep the Predacons out and allow the Maximals to dictate the terms of conflict until a transwarp beacon could be constructed, {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} Primal spared with Dinobot in the gymnasium to get a feel of the Predacon's fighting style and how he was healing. That evening, the Maximals engaged in card game while Dinobot described the Predacon ranks. When Cheetor had a weird feeling, he went off to poke around the ship, later shooting off a garbled message to Primal. {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} When Cheetor didn't answer Primal's hails, the Maximals raced to his location, finding him bound by webbing. Recalling that [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] had broken into [[Thetha Lab]] during the battle, Rattrap noted that the intruder was likely a corrupted [[protoform]]. Though Primal ordered the ship placed on lockdown, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] managed to escape the ''Axalon'' while having managed to corrupt 51% of the stasis pods while calling all of them down. Cursing himself for his complacency and overcautious attitude, Primal ordered the Maximals to prepare for an attack on the ''Darksyde''. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

As the Maximals prepared for battle, [[Skold]] appeared outside the ''Axalon'', bringing them the wounded [[Razorbeast]]. After confirming Skold's intentions, Primal brought the Maximal into the ship for medical care. {{storylink|Thicker Skin}}

[[File:MaximalsStrikeBackPart1-wheresmegatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]

After Dinobot explained the origins of the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], Primal led his crew to a retrofitted escape shuttle. While in flight, Primal designated Nyx and Rattrap to destroy the ''Darksyde''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s transwarp drive and steal the Golden Disk respectively while the rest of them would engage the Predacons in battle, ordering Razorbeast to try and talk down Skold. After Dinobot announced their arrival via a [[missile]] barrage, Primal landed on the battlefield. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 1}} With Megatron absent from the battlefield, Primal first fought [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] before he fought Skold whereupon Razorbeast intervened, trying to talk down his friend only for Terrorsaur to swoop in and kill the red Maximal. Noticing Megatron about to kill Dinobot, Optimus lunged at the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 2}} As Optimus kept Megatron's attention, he was informed by Nyx that Rattrap was trapped behind an impregnable door. Impaling Megatron's beast mode head, Optimus managed to disable the Predacon long enough to rescue his comrade only to be caught unawares by a security [[force field]]. Confronted by Megatron, Primal demanded to be released, offering the safe return of the Golden Disk. If not released, he bluffed to destroy the Disk, highlighting that the disabled ''Darksyde'' and the booby-trapped ''Axalon'' would make the Predacons unable to steal another version of it. After a furious Megatron agreed, Primal revealed to the bluff to his crew while Megatron swore to claim Primal's spark. {{storylink|Maximals Strike Back, Part 3}}

Following a battle at a field of [[energon crystal]]s, Cheetor remained unresponsive in the medical bay despite his perfect health and overactive processor. When Cheetor awoke, he warned Primal of the [[Vok]] before an outside force triggered a hard reboot on Cheetor that left him with no memory of the Vok. {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}}

When installing new sensors, Optimus and Dinobot were attacked by Tarantulas and Blackarachnia who infected Primal with a hyper-aggression virus. After a loaded suggestion from Dinobot, Primal broke out of the ''Axalon'' and made his way to the ''Darksyde''. As he leapt through the jungle, Primal was ambushed by [[Polar Claw]] whose superior strength easily overpowered Primal's blind rage. {{storylink|Primal Rage}}

Awakening face-to-face with Megatron, Primal leapt at his foe only to bounce off a force field, the backlash burning the virus from his system. As Primal tested out the strength of the field and grilled Megatron for information, their captors made themselves known. Introducing themselves as the "[[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]", the five wayward protoforms informed the two captains that the Vok had grown tired of Cybertronian interference on the planet. As a defiant Megatron raged, Primal observed the field block the discharge of his weapon but not the dust and their captors reverting to [[beast mode]] to exit the cave. Gambling that the force fields were only designed to work on [[robot mode]]s, Primal proved his theory and offered Megatron an alliance to survive. No sooner had the two exited the cave did the Children attack again, Optimus engaging [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] in battle. After Megatron had killed Polar Claw and [[Saberback]], the Vok finally arrived, [[Pakak]] using Polar Claw's corpse as a medium. As Optimus spoke to the alien, Megatron blasted the corpse, prompting the trio of angered Vok to show their true forms and begin killing the Predacon leader. Coming to his foe's defence, Primal offered the Vok the chance for a new experiment: seeing how the Maximals and Predacons would work together when confronted with a larger threat. Agreeing, the Vok gave the Cybertronians seven unobserved cycles to prepare. {{storylink|Children of the Vok}}

Upon being returned to their ships, Primal and Megatron agreed to an officer exchange to better develop strategies. Optimus deposited Rhinox and Dinobot at the ''Darksyde'' and brought Waspinator, Skold and Blackarachnia to the ''Axalon'', outfitting them with [[restraining bolt]]s. Optimus was later summoned by Skold and Nyx who theorized that the Vok, based on earlier readings that matched the energy clinging to Primal, were from unspace. Cheetor then entered, warning that the ''Darksyde'' was under attack. {{storylink|The Beginning of the End}}

Leaving Rattrap and Waspinator behind to complete the repairs, Primal led the others to the ''Darksyde'', finding it under attack by the totality of the Children of the Vok. Optimus engaged Tigatron once again, having another philosophical discussion as they fought before the Vok arrived. Deciding that Cybertronians were too disruptive, the Vok immobilized all as they prepared to fire their [[reversion device]] only to be fired on by the ''Axalon'', now firing unspace blasts that dissipated the alien entirely. After Optimus failed to convince Tigatron to join them, Megatron lunged at the Maximal leader only to be struck by the unspace beam, sending him forward in time. In the aftermath, Optimus offered to extend the truce with the Predacons, promising to put in a good word for them if they helped capture Tarantulas and Megatron only for the Predacons to refuse. Wearily, Optimus led his crew back into the ''Axalon'', though warning Blackarachnia that the Maximals would not be so understanding when next they met. {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}

===Scorching Heat Showdown===
Optimus Primal possessed an [[Avatar]] in the form of [[Convobat]]. After [[Armordillo]] was gunned down by [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] and Convobat swooped in to fight, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] himself joined the battle. He was soon met by Optimus Primal, who vanquished Megatron after a tussle. Megatron's death triggered an eruption of an unstable [[energon]] volcano, which Optimus Primal and Convobat were able to escape. Optimus regretted not being able to save Armordillo, not realizing that he was attempting to inform him of the crashed ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' being being killed. {{Storylink|Scorching Heat Showdown}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
[[File:GoGo20-Primalpunch.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|BANANA SLAMMA!]]

As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] wished their readers a happy New Year, Optimus Primal burst through the page to advertise [[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|his new movie]], much to the confusion of the two Autobots. {{storylink|Go! Go! issue 19|Go! Go! #19}}

When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] stole his bananas, Primal was powerless to stop the evil Predacon, until [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] was able to snatch one of the bananas and feed it to the Maximal leader.  With the extra surge of power, Primal handily defeated Megatron, but accidentally slipped on the loose peel. {{storylink|Believe in the Bananas!!}} Primal once ordered a plate of [[energon]]-covered bananas from [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], who'd started a food delivery service, but was angry when he learned that Cheetor was also delivering food to the Predacons. {{storylink|Flowers, Delivery, and Inattention}}

At one point, Primal ordered Rattrap to go on patrol with the intimidating [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|A Hunch of a Good Duo!}} Primal later sent [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] to check on Tigatron after a period of radio silence. {{storylink|A Natural Couple}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Optimus Primal fluttered about in his bat mode, descending over a river swarming with crocodiles. After one of the beasts nearly snapped him out of the air, Optimus transformed to robot mode to scare it off. But the crocodile transformed as well, revealing itself to be Megatron! Though Optimus took a blast to the side, he was able to relieve Megatron of his gun before the two adversaries continued exchanging blows. {{storylink|Commercial/Beast Wars#Wave 1 Deluxe|Beast Wars Wave 1 Deluxe toys commercial}}

==Games==
===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game continuity===
====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game advertising comic====
Upon arriving on "[[Earth|Planet Energon]]", the dangers of Energon radiation forced the six surviving Maximals and their Predacon adversaries to take on beast alternate forms. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic}}

====''Beast Wars: Transformers'' video game====
{{voiceactor|??? (English), ??? (Japanese)}}
Many of the Beast Wars combatants had managed to built personal bases, customized to their personal tastes, due to the extended duration of the war. Optimus Primal himself remained stationed at the ''Axalon''. Optimus Primal joined his fellow Maximals in battling not only an entrenched Predacon threat, but the interdimensional monsters known as the [[Skriix]].

=====Maximal campaign=====
{{Note|Optimus Primal is a playable character for both rescue missions and normal gameplay.}}
[[File:BeastWarsPSX-Optimusstats.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
Optimus and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] had the task to rescue any of their comrades that were captured whenever a mission against the Predacons failed.

Upon having eliminated the Predacon threat, Optimus Primal declared the galaxy to be at peace thanks to the Maximals.

{{BW VG|Optimus Primal|M}}

=====Predacon campaign=====
Retaliating after [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] had been assassinated by the Predacons, Optimus launched an offensive directly against the Predacon's ship. His drone troops were unsuccessful in destroying the Predacons, who launched a counter-offensive while Optimus troops were still in disarray after the failed attack. The Maximal leader was ultimately assassinated, securing the Predacons their victory in the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|Beast Wars: Transformers}}

===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars''===
Optimus Primal and Cheetor chased [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] through a portal, emerging on [[Gaia]] in the ruin where the super-powerful [[Energon Quartz]] had been discovered. He partook in a series of one-on-one battles, his goal to become the last warrior standing, allowing him to take possession of the crystal.

Optimus could also partake in various other tasks, such as a mission to break a boulder to reveal an energon crystal hidden within before sundown, using a block in a mission to defend himself against various incoming projectiles, and missions to run across a pit-riddled field, sometimes involving hideously large bacteria he had to fend off.

Megatron was the final bot opposing him at the end of his quest. Overcoming his Predacon foe, he used the power of the Quartz to finally defeat the Predacons, saving the universe! {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}

{{BW fighter ending|Optimus Primal|GBC}}

====Move list====
{{note|This move list presumes the player is facing right; when facing left, reverse the left and right inputs.}}
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan=2|'''Robot Mode'''
!colspan=2|'''Beast Mode'''
|-
|Cyber Blade||→↓→B
|Hammer Knuckle||↓→B
|-
|Plasma Cannon||↓→B
|Counter Hammer||↓←A (counter)
|-
|Giga Attack||←↓→A
|Megaton Hammer||→↓→B
|-
|Convoy Driver||←↓→B
|Megaton Slam||←↓→B (grapple)
|-
|Zetsu Convoy Driver (super)||↓→↓← B (grapple)
|Gigaton Bomb (super)||↓→↓← B (grapple)
|-
|God Ascension (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|God Ascension (desperation)||↓←↓→ A
|}

===''Transformers Battle Universe''===
At the edge of time, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] needed a new host, Optimus Primal was among several warriors (and [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimuses]]) summoned from the multiverse to battle for control of the prize. {{storylink|Transformers Battle Universe}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:LegendsPrimal.jpg|thumb|250px|BEEF MUNKY]]
During a tectonic upshift, a huge amount of [[Energon]] was exposed. 
Optimus Primal and the other Maximals found themselves the victims of a Predacon ambush as they tried to secure the Energon themselves, and the cache ultimately fell into Predacon hands. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Legends)|Beast Wars}} On their return to Cybertron, the Maximals discovered that Megatron had conquered the planet, and they were forced to face his Vehicon generals. {{storylink|Beast Machines (Legends)|Beast Machines}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Optimus-Primal.jpg|thumb|400px|SUPER RARE MUNKY]]
Optimus Primal participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in multiple different bodies:
*''Optimus Primal''—This Super Rare character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 1" event.
*''Optimus Primal Bat''—This Epic character was available as a reward in the "Beast Wars: Episode 3" event.
*''Optimus Primal Transmetal''—This Epic character first appeared in the "Transmetals: Beast Wars: Episode 1" event, and could be recruited by collecting 500 units of Transmetal, 250 units of Cybermetal, 100 event cores, and 50 cores of this character.
{{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Optimus-Primal-Bat.jpg|thumb|400px|Because I'm Batman!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Optimus-Primal-Transmetal.jpg|thumb|423px|EPIC MUNKY]]
{{!}}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Optimus-Primal-Earth-Wars.jpg|thumb|400px|Battle Munky!]]
In an unknown time and place, the Beast Wars came to an end. Optimus Primal planned on going home to a new command, while [[Megatron (BW)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Megatron]] went into incarceration. {{storylink| Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Primal Instinct}} As the [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|shuttle]] was traveling through chronospace, Optimus and Megatron found that they both reverted from their Transmetal forms to their original beast modes. {{storylink| Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|A Stitch in Time}} They were soon ripped from his place in space-time; Primal tried telling [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] to disengage their transwarp engines and abort their travel, to no avail. {{storylink| Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Mixed Signals}}

They ended up at 21st century Earth, just as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] were closing in to secure their new recruits. Optimus Primal decided to ally himself with the Autobots and figure out who brought him here and why. He was shoved aside by [[Grimlock (G1)|Megatron]], assumed Megatron was the future version of himself. After that mistake, Grimlock ordered the Dinobots to secure the... monkey. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Blast from the Past}} {{storylink|Quantum Beast Leap}}

Optimus Primal soon figured out he was back on Earth and in the [[Transformers: Earth Wars|Earth Wars]], to his disappointment. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] came and questioned [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] on the ongoing battle between the Dinobots and the Predacons, and the new primate. Perceptor explained that the primate was a Prime and the idea was Grimlock's. Optimus Prime replied, "Well, that's just prime", and the annoyed Primal told him to get his own catchphrase.

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest star rating''': 2 stars
*'''Weapons''': Primal in his beast mode first uses his shoulder cannons on a target far away. (15 second cooldown) He thens leaps into the air and lands on a target dealing Area of Effect damage. (10 second cooldown) He then proceeds to pound the target.
*'''Ability: Battle Orders''' - Target their defenses! Friendly bots are given a health shield and prioritize all defenses for a time.
**'''Cost''': 6 ability points, +2 for reuses.
{{note|This ability was fan-voted as a community favorite on the Transformers: Earth Wars BAND page. It has been redesigned from restoring health to  bonus health.}}

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:optimus-primal  Optimus Primal at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

;'''Optimal Optimus'''
[[File:Optimal Optimus EarthWars.jpg|right|thumb|500px|New Funky Mode]]

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 stars
*'''Ability: Flying Inferno''' - For 10 seconds you set nearby enemies on fire dealing damage per second.
**'''Cost''': 7 ability points, +2 for reuses.
[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:optimal-optimus  Optimal Optimus at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:ForgedToFight-OptimusPrimal.jpg|right|thumb|300px|#GORILLACHANNEL #DEEPSTATE]]

As a Brawler, Optimus Primal has Armor that resists all critical damage, which he can convert into Melee Buffs by ground-pounding shockwave heavy attacks. He's Just Prime as damage debuffs expire faster the more Armor he has, and heals from Bleeds.

{{charstubgame}}

==Toys==
[[File:Optimus Primal toys.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|There's a lot more where these came from!]]
{{main|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Merchandise}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*The design of Optimus Primal's bat form is an [[homage]] to [[Batman]], an action figure license also held at the time by [[Kenner]].<ref>Page 78, Toy database section in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
*Optimus was given the rank of "Maximal General" on his punch-out card for McDonald's original Beast Wars promotion.
*According to the control art of Optimus Primal's toy, his chest originally seemed to be a kind of launcher instead of being an homage to the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]].<ref>Page 50, Toy database section in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
*Primal's gorilla mode, paired against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s ''T. rex'' mode, was inspired by the showdown in ''[[King Kong]]''.<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/BC04interviews.html Botcon 2004 Interview with Vinnie D'Alleva], p2</ref> 
[[File:OptimusPrimalBMconcept.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|It's an evolution revolution! It's two modes of the same character designed by two different artists!]]
*Indeed, gorilla Primal's original tech specs (which belong to the [[micro-continuity]] that takes place on modern-day Earth) seems to strongly imply that Primal is a building-scaling ape of Kong-like stature. As speculated in the ''Beast Wars'' volume of the ''[[Unofficial guidebooks#Cybertronian: The Unofficial Transformers Recognition Guide|Cybertronian]]'' action figure guide, this may have been intended to explain why he is [[Scale|in the same scale]] as Megatron, a ''Tyrannosaurus rex''. This would also make somewhat greater sense in the context of the toyline itself, wherein the leader characters were of a much larger "Ultra" size-class than their minions, unlike their eventually much smaller depictions in [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|the CG cartoon]].
*In the ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|Beast Wars II]]'' chapter "[[All Hands, Make a Special Attack on the Evil Planet!]]", [[Tasmania Kid]] calls Optimus Primal "'''Mr. Gori'''" (ゴリさん ''Gori-san''). Optimus likes the nickname.
*"Powered Convoy", Optimal Optimus's Japanese name, is Ultra Magnus's [[pre-Transformer|pre-''Transformers'']] name in the ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline.
*Early concept artwork for the ''Beast Machines'' toyline depict Optimus's new body as having a white/silver, black, and red color scheme.
*According to his [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline]] [[bio]], Optimus Primal is from "the future", suggesting the events of ''Robots in Disguise'' are somehow part of the [[Beast Era]]'s past. Though this could have been an element of ''Car Robots'' , RID's original counterpart being part of the Generation One continuity family in Japan and as shown in a [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 timeline]] the ''same'' continuity as their version of [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Japan|Beast Wars]] in 2015 the Facebook version of [[Ask Vector Prime]] fleshed out a form of this, portraying a dimensionally-displaced Optimus Primal fighting a similarly displaced Megatron in the future of a ''Robots in Disguise'' universe before traveling to that universe's past to aid ''Robots in Disguise'' Optimus Prime.
*The ''Beast Machines'' incarnation of Optimus Primal seems to have inspired the ''[[Transformers: Go-Bots (franchise)|Go-Bots]]'' character [[Beast-Bot|Gorillabot]] (later redubbed Beast-Bot).
*In the 2021 ''Beast Wars'' comic, Optimus Primal's Cybertronian body takes design cues from his ''[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|10th Anniversary]]'' figure. Most prominently, he possesses that toy's characteristic grey feet and antennae, mechanical segments on his abdomen, red knees, and blue chest highlights.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Convoy''' (コンボイ ''Konboi''), '''Beast Convoy''' (ビーストコンボイ ''Bīsuto Konboi''), '''Convobat''' (bat, コンボバット ''Konbobatto''), '''Optimus Primal''' (オプティマスプライマル ''Oputimasu Puraimaru'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Odim''' (奧狄武 ''Oudikmou'')
*''Italian:'' '''Black Jack''' (toy)
*''Korean:'' '''Optimus Primal''' (옵티머스 프리멀 ''Optimeoseu Peurimeol'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jīngāng Wáng''' (Taiwan, 金剛王, "King Kong King"), '''Hēixīngxīng Duìzhǎng'''（China ''Beast Wars'', 黑猩猩队长, "Captain Chimpanzee"）, '''Xīngxīng Jiāngjūn''' (China ''Beast Machines'', 猩猩将军, "General Gorilla"), '''Qíng Tiān Shèng''' (comics, 擎天圣, "Sage that Supports the Sky")
*''Polish:'' '''Optimus Naczelny''' ("Optimus Primal"）
*''Portuguese:'' '''Primata Optimus''' (''Beast Machines'', "Optimus Primal")
*''Russian:'' '''King Kong''' (first ''Beast Wars'' dub), '''Optimus Commandeer''' (second ''Beast Wars'' dub, "Optimus the Commander"), '''Optimus Perviy''' (''Beast Machines'', "Optimus First")
*''Spanish:'' '''Optimus Primal''' (Spain), '''Optimus Primitivo''' (America, "Optimus Primal")

====Transmetal====
*''Japanese:'' '''Metals Convoy''' (メタルスコンボイ ''Metarusu Konboi'')
*''Italian:'' '''Metal Gorilla''' (toy)

====Optimal Optimus====
*''Japanese:'' '''Powered Convoy''' (パワードコンボイ ''Pawādo Konboi''), '''Optimal Optimus''' (オプティマルオプティマス ''Oputimaru Oputimasu'')
*''Italian:'' '''Optimus Primal''' (toy)

==References==
<references />

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