Primus apotheosis

"And yet while he stands, they all fall."

Primus apotheosis is a recognized Cybertronian personality disorder that affects 2 percent of all Autobots, and even the odd Decepticon. It is a particularly acute form of hero worship characterized by the obsessive need to specifically emulate Optimus Prime. Its major symptoms include the constant quoting of notable sayings by Prime, altering one's physical form to appear more similar to Prime, and sacrificing one's own life at the earliest opportunity for even the most remotely noble goal.

Known sufferers include:

• Earthquake
• Getaway (possible)
• Pyro
• Sureshot

“	And Prime's there, and he's... he's awestruck. And then, too late, he gets it: me and him—we're the same. We're the very same.	”
—Pyro, Last Stand of the Wreckers #4

Fiction

2005 IDW continuity

The condition was first diagnosed by Rung. Journey's End

The Autobot Pyro was nearly killed by the Crucible during the Simanzi Massacre, but was saved at the last moment by Optimus Prime. This would leave a lasting impression on Pyro, who would consequently work to emulate Optimus Prime in any way he could, taking the Autobot commander's methods and ideals to heart and even altering his physical appearance to more closely resemble Prime by sporting a red and blue paint job and adding a faceplate. He was diagnosed with having primus apotheosis by Rung prior to his induction into the Wreckers, but sadly, despite his dreams of a glorious death alongside Optimus Prime, Pyro was ignobly torn limb from limb by a pack of Decepticons on Garrus-9. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5

Squadron X leader Macabre planned to execute Earthquake for displaying symptoms of primus apotheosis. Earthquake's Squadron X profile

When trying to get a rise out of Getaway, Froid mentioned that delusions of Matrix affinity were usually an indicator of early onset of primus apotheosis. Journey's End

Ask Vector Prime

Vector Prime noted that versions of Sureshot often suffered from a severe case of primus apotheosis. Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/10

Notes

• The word "apotheosis" is an obscure term that refers to the transformation of a mortal into a god. Although this is likely meant to refer to the sufferers of the disease putting Optimus Prime on a high, god-like pedestal, the fact that the original term was meant literally adds another level to the "Prime as Christ figure" imagery that recurs throughout the franchise.