Optimus Prime (Armada)

The name or term "Optimus Prime" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Optimus Prime (disambiguation).

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Optimus Prime is the Autobot leader from the Unicron Trilogy continuity family.

Prime, Prime, and Prime.

Optimus Prime fights for truth, justice, and the Autobot way. As strong in body as he is in spirit, Optimus has fought for the liberation of the Mini-Con race, to thwart the revival of the dark god Unicron, and to save the galaxy itself from destruction. To ask him, however, his greatest strength is the trust and friendship he has with his followers; indeed, Optimus has been able to form bonds with Mini-Cons, humans, Cybertronian colonists, and even Decepticons. So great is the connection between Optimus Prime and his allies that in many cases, he can combine with them, forming even more powerful super modes thanks to the Spark of Combination bestowed upon him by Primus.

If he has any weakness, it is that he is perhaps too strong. He has been knee deep in war for a very long time, and in his darkest moments, he'll admit that he's come to enjoy it. Unlike Megatron, though, he'll always have his devoted comrades to pull him back from the brink.

Also, he wants to make sure you don't sit too close to the TV screen.

“	We didn't just "link up." Our power comes from being part of a team, and working with others for the good of the universe, not just for ourselves! THAT is the Autobot way!	”
—Optimus Prime, "United"

Fiction

Toy pack-in comics

Special power: The ability to speak three languages at once.

Optimus Prime assigned Hot Shot and Jolt the task of destroying an energy-draining device. Armada Volume 1 He later checked on Scavenger when he was building a satellite dish that would help find Megatron. Armada Volume 2 After the Air Defense Mini-Con Team saw a distress signal from Sparkplug, Optimus Prime ordered them to not run off till they had backup. Nevertheless, the three Mini-Cons went and fell into a trap set by Galvatron, who combined them into the Dark Saber. Optimus Prime and Jetfire then arrived on the scene, combined, and kicked Galvatron to the sky, saving the Mini-Cons. Armada Volume 3

On Cybertron, Optimus Prime defeated Galvatron. While transporting him, Optimus Prime and Overload were attacked by Tidal Wave, who freed and combined with Galvatron. The battle was put to a pause when Unicron arrived. Armada Volume 4

Teamwork is using somebody else's fist to punch people.

Later, Optimus Prime battled Scorponok, Starscream, and Battle Ravage with Skyblast and Hot Shot. At a later point, Landmine asked Optimus for permission to plant an energon tower on a hill, but the commander rejected the plan, citing Decepticon activity in the area. Energon Volume 2

Optimus Prime would find himself beaten in battle, where he was besieged by Megatron, Snow Cat, Shockblast, Mirage, and Demolishor. Before they could strike, Wing Saber leaped to Optimus's rescue, and the two combined. With their teamwork, they defeated the Decepticons. Energon Volume 4

Dreamwave Armada continuity

More than Meets the Eye: Armada

Although supposedly set in the same universe as Dreamwave's Armada comic, the More than Meets the Eye guidebook published after the conclusion of the series contained multiple scenarios that were completely incompatible with the comic's story.

Optimus Prime began his career in the Cybertronian Military Academy as a prodigy, receiving the highest honors in the institution's history. Before graduating, he was promoted to Field Commander, where on his first mission he witnessed the destruction wrought by the Decepticons firsthand at an Energon refinery. Leading a successful campaign that temporarily saw the Decepticons defeated, he would be promoted to Autobot leader and Guardian of Cyber City, where he'd briefly shepherd an age of peace before the Decepticons returned, now armed with the power of the Mini-Cons. More than Meets the Eye Armada #2

Dreamwave Armada comic

Oh slag. There goes my bonus.

One million years ago, Optimus Prime was in the satellite room of the Loop in Cyber City when Hot Shot unexpectedly arrived, carrying unsettling news of an attack on the Mini-Con Village D-10 by Transformers calling themselves "Decepticons". Armada #1 While the Autobots investigated the remains of Mini-Con Village D-52, Optimus Prime demanded that they find clues as to what had occurred, as he did not know why the Mini-Cons had been taken and feared that these Decepticons had started a civil war. Soon afterwards, Megatron and his Decepticons invaded Cyber City and declared that the inhabitants now belonged to him. The Autobots arrived to defend the city, but were soundly beaten by the Mini-Con augmented Decepticons. Realizing that they were no match for the Decepticons, Optimus Prime ordered a retreat, for if they stayed and fought, they would die. Armada #2

Over the next million years, the Mini-Con empowered Decepticons steadily conquered the planet. Concerned that the conflict could escalate and put other worlds at risk, the Universal Peacekeeping Committee sent the famed mediator Fflaxl to the relatively unknown Cybertron in an attempt to settle the dispute between the Autobot and Decepticon "tribes" peacefully. However, just as he arrived, Megatron and Optimus Prime were in the midst of a battle, and Optimus Prime was sent flying, eventually landing on Bix, Fflaxl's bodyguard. The diplomat, seeing the scale of the war and its participants, decided that some conflicts were best left untouched and that everything would work out in the end. Armada Preview Meanwhile, the Mini-Con escape ship crash landed on a distant world known as Earth, dispersing the occupants all over the planet. A member of the indigenous human species, Rad White, stumbled upon the crash site and inadvertently activated the Mini-Con homing device, where it was detected by both Autobot and Decepticon forces. Optimus Prime resolved to go to this planet Earth, believing that this might be their second chance to bring back justice to their home. Armada #3

Oh no they DIDN'T!

The Autobots led by Optimus Prime used the space bridge to travel to Earth, unfortunately appearing right in front of a group of human children on a field trip to the Allspark Power Generator Station. Optimus Prime quickly decided that stealth was of the utmost importance and that they should minimize contact with the local inhabitants, a policy that was questioned by Smokescreen and Scavenger, who just wished to tear through the planet to find the Mini-Cons, as their own troubles were of greater concern. This brought on them an angry rebuke from Optimus who declared that they weren't about to endanger Earth or its inhabitants to serve Autobot interests, but he also understood their frustration, telling them to save their anger for the Decepticons. Meanwhile, the Decepticons had also arrived on Earth and were giving chase to Rad, Alexis, Carlos and their Mini-Con friends, Sparkplug and the Street Action Team. As Starscream and Cyclonus caught up to the fugitives, Optimus Prime and Scavenger appeared and knocking them out of the sky. Armada #4

When Megatron arrived on the scene, Optimus Prime bided his time while Smokescreen got into position and distracted his enemy by trash talking, mocking that for all of Megatron's Mini-Con-enhanced power, he had continually failed to defeat the Autobots. Alexis thought that he was a "big red blabbermouth" while Carlos opined that it was like watching a wrestling match due to all the talking they were doing before fighting. Suddenly, Smokescreen pulverised the cliff Megatron was perched upon, burying the Decepticon leader in rubble. At first, Prime was able to beat on Megatron, but the Decepticon's Mini-Con advantage proved too much, and Megatron Powerlinxed with all of his Mini-Cons, intending to obliterate all of Prime's circuits for his disrespect. Fortunately, Jolt's team of Mini-Cons arrived, saving Rad and the others, then Powerlinxing with the Autobots to force the Decepticons into retreat. The Mini-Cons requested an alliance with the Autobots, on the condition that they were equals in partnership. Optimus Prime agreed, stating the Autobots desperately needed the Mini-Cons' powers, but it was ultimately the choice of the diminutive robots to make. With the alliance formed, Optimus Prime ordered the Autobots to find suitable Earth vehicle modes and the construction of a local headquarters, for he had a feeling they were going to stay on this alien world for a long time. Armada #5

Shut up dude, I'm TRYING to get it out of the stone!

Later, Optimus Prime sought out the kids at the Black Hills to tell them goodbye, as he felt they had been dragged into their war too deeply already. He wanted Sparkplug's support in the decision, but before the Mini-Con could fully voice his opinion, he received an emergency transmission from Sonar of the Air Defense Mini-Con Team, who were under attack by the Decepticons in Rapid City, South Dakota. Sparkplug proposed a covert rescue operation, but Optimus Prime flatly refused, fearing the Autobot Mini-Cons could be captured by the Decepticons. Fed up with Prime telling them what they could and couldn't do, the Mini-Cons and the kids went on their own. Armada #6 Meanwhile, Megatron had modified and forced the Air Defense Team to Powerlinx together to form the mighty Star Saber, and used it to attack the Autobase in Lincoln. During the ensuing battle, Optimus Prime implored for the Air Defense Team to resist Megatron's manipulations and free themselves, as the power came from the three of them, not the one weapon, a concept that Megatron found unfathomable, as all he cared about was controlling the power. Sparkplug and the others returned to make amends, Powerlinxing with the Autobots to give them the edge they needed. Now on equal footing, Optimus fought back, telling Megatron and the Air Defense Team that it was about respect: respect for the power and for the individual. The Air Defense Team broke free of their bonds and attacked the Decepticon leader. After the Decepticons retreated, so too did the Land Military Team and the Air Defense Team. Prime felt that because there was now a balance to the war, the non-aligned Mini-Cons were right to leave and not tip the balance for either side. Armada #7

While out on a nature hike, Carlos and Rad encountered the Mini-Con Swindle, who tricked them into thinking he was escaping from the Decepticons. In truth, he was out to capture both humans for Megatron's latest scheme. Hot Shot, Red Alert, and Smokescreen came to the kids' rescue, but were also captured in turn. Optimus tried to free all of his captive allies, but as he was now completely outnumbered, he was taken prisoner alongside the rest of the Autobots. Thankfully, Swindle had a change of heart after the humans had offered him genuine friendship, and freed all of the Autobots from their bonds. Optimus and his soldiers forced the Decepticons to retreat, but were unable to stop them from taking the repentant Swindle along. Armada Free Comic Book Day

Optimus Schwarzenegger.

Soon afterwards, a monolith crashed in Tranquility, Kansas and sent out a signal which summoned all Mini-Cons on Earth to converge at the monolith's location. Red Alert was not especially concerned considering the Autobot Mini-Cons could come and go as they pleased and that they might have just needed some time to cool off, but Optimus Prime was worried: after the situation with the Air Defense Team, he was unsure of what they might do next. While the Mini-Cons were in their trance-like state, the Decepticons arrived, intent on claiming all of Earth's Mini-Cons for themselves. Rad used Sparkplug's communications systems to call Optimus Prime for help, which soon arrived. Unfortunately, while the Autobots and Decepticons fought amongst themselves, the Mini-Cons (and Rad) entered the monolith and blasted off into space. Armada #8 As the Autobots left for home, Optimus Prime explained to the kids the significance of the giant Mini-Con symbol that had been burned into the ground and that Rad had been taken to the Moon. He also told them the story about how the Mini-Cons had escaped Cybertron and eventually crashed their ship on the Moon, breaking it in half and sending the bow to Earth. Optimus's only plan was to wait for Megatron to make his move, and try to stop them, for they had no options for reaching the Moon that would not require specialised equipment or actions that would compromise their security on Cybertron. However, an opportunity provided itself when the majority of the Decepticon left for the Moon, Armada #9 allowing Hot Shot and Red Alert to erase any Decepticon sensor logs while Optimus Prime used the space bridge to travel to the Autobase on Cybertron. Unfortunately, Jetfire had his hands full and resented Optimus Prime not leading the Autobots on Cybertron. However, Optimus did manage to get his hands on an Autobot Transport Gunship, Armada #10 which he used to travel to the Moon. Unbeknownst to Optimus, however, the selfish and cruel Destruction Team leader Dualor had strapped Rad into one of the space mines protecting to Moon, and now Optimus was preparing to destroy the minefield, but he hesitated. While Sparkplug's Mini-Con friends and the Space Team were working on rescuing Rad, Optimus Prime realised an itchy trigger finger would be disastrous. Optimus correctly deduced that Sky Blast meant no harm and allowed him to dock with the gunship whilst towing the dummy mine containing Rad. After blasting Cyclonus into pieces for attacking their ship, Optimus thanked Sky Blast for his help, and gave those back on the Mini-Con Moonbase transportation to Earth promising them that he and his compatriots were in for a lot of changes in how the Autobots treated them. Armada #11

Prime's word was soon tested when two crises occurred at the same time: Scavenger and Smokescreen had detected the Decepticons building some sort of rocket launch facility in Death Valley, California, and a Mini-Con escape pod from the Moon had been detected in northern Alaska. At first, the Autobot leader preferred to deal with the Decepticon situation, until Sparkplug convinced him that if he didn't assist the Mini-Cons, the ones in the Autobase would be walking out. With political concerns in mind, Optimus Prime offered the full resources of the Autobots in mounting a rescue mission, which seemed to satisfy the fractious Mini-Cons. Fire & Ice Unfortunately, additional problems presented themselves when Cyclonus, overjuiced on the full power of the Destruction Team, began attacking any and all targets while Megatron was blasting them with his Solar Scalpel, a superweapon deployed from the rocket in Death Valley. With little choice, Optimus asked Sparkplug to Powerlinx with him at maximum power, enabling the Autobot to defeat Cyclonus. With the crisis averted and the Mini-Cons rescued, a disappointed Optimus asked Sparkplug why he had been holding back on him, as he thought they trusted one another. As Sparkplug told him the legend of the Mini-Cons having the power to save the universe or destroy it, Optimus was suddenly taken to Cybertron, where he witnessed its destruction... Armada #13

—a FURMANISM!

While the Autobots tried to figure out what had happened to him, Optimus wandered across the blasted ruins of Cybertron, he discovered a lone survivor, who had been reduced to a gibbering wreck. Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4 Optimus Prime refused to believe the confused, fragmented story the survivor told: Prince of Nothingness came, the heavens opened up, and their final judgment was pronounced. All those who fought perished and everything was destroyed. Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4 As Unicron, the devourer of worlds closed in on Cybertron, Optimus begged the survivor to tell him of any way to fight back against the monster. Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4 Sadly, the survivor was beyond help, allowing himself to be sucked into the oblivion of Unicron's maw, despite Optimus's pleas for him to resist. Unicron noticed the lone Cybertronian and took the form of the survivor, proclaiming that like this reality's Optimus Prime, the Autobot would fall and his universe would be consumed - the gateway was being prepared by his heralds. Suddenly, Jetfire appeared, having jumped through a space bridge portal after destroying the Decepticon space bridge nexus that Unicron's heralds were using to open up space for their master to enter that reality. As this fallen Cybertron crumbled, Sparkplug, Comettor and the mysterious Mini-Con Over-Run appeared, having crossed realities to find the Autobot leader. Over-Run handed Optimus the Mini-Con Matrix, the essence of this doomed Cybertron's Mini-Cons, giving the two Autobots the power to transform and combine into Jet Optimus. With one mighty blast, Jet Optimus delivered a broadside to Unicron, giving them enough time to escape back to their reality. Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4

With the fate of their universe at stake, Optimus called on the Mini-Cons scattered on Earth to join the Autobots and Decepticons in fighting Unicron. As Cybertron's general, Optimus stood as the bulwark against the Chaos Bringer's onslaught, leading their combined forces until the Mini-Cons united their power to deliver an almighty blast at Unicron, sending him back into the unknown. Though victorious, Optimus Prime considered that with such pure evil, it may never be over, and they must be eternally vigilant. The End

Energon comic

Ten years later, Optimus Prime found himself uncomfortable with the Autobots' unpreparedness for war and requested the High Council to put resources into Cybertron's defense. Levitacus expressed the Council's decision that such an action would sap the little energon they had and would instigate the Autobot-Decepticon conflict all over again. Dejected, Optimus Prime went to see Over-Run with his concerns about Unicron. Over-Run replied that he could simply "ask" his planet for the answers he sought, suggesting that he understand himself before he can understand the Adversary. The Mini-Con pointed Optimus to an uplink platform, where the Autobot went with Ironhide and Hot Shot. Upon touching the structure, Optimus was pulled into the Hub, where he met Sig-Omega and was granted a vision current events on Unicron that involved the Terrorcons. The voice of Megatron called out to Optimus and asked for assistance in freeing him from the spark core of Unicron. In exchange, Megatron promised to use his knowledge in the defeat of Unicron. He was pointed to Earth, where energon that Unicron desired lay. This Evil Reborn

With those revelations, Optimus Prime returned to the High Council, but the Council was again reluctant. Still, they agreed to Optimus's mission to Earth, on one condition: that he go alone. His preparation was interrupted when Unicron's Four Horsemen attacked. What Lies Beneath In the ensuing battle, Optimus was beaten and battered by the powerful War. Just as War was about to crush Optimus's head, the Omnicons, on Over-Run's orders, rushed to his rescue. Strongarm explained to Optimus that, as the Prime, he had the innate ability to access the Hub at any location. Accessing the Hub, Optimus Prime again met Sig-Omega, who facilitated the reformatting of Optimus Prime to contain the Spark of Combination. He was granted a team of drones, who he could Powerlinx with. Using his super mode, Optimus was able to fight off the Horsemen, who left the scene as they were ordered elsewhere. Soon after, Levitacus brought news that the High Council was informed by Cybertron itself that Unicron had begun moving again and was focusing his attentions on Earth. What Lies Beneath, Part Two In response to a distress call, Optimus Prime and a team of Autobots rushed through the space bridge to Earth, where they confronted Scorponok and his Terrorcons, who were raiding the planet for its energon. Their power proved too much for the Autobots to handle, but the fallen heroes were saved when Carlos destroyed an energon stockpile and Scorponok proved more concerned about safeguarding the remaining energon than in destroying the Autobots. While Optimus composed himself after his beating, Megatron's voice reached him again, declaring that he was ready, having attained a new body constructed in Unicron. What Lies Beneath, Part Three

Oooh, can I have your face?

Recovered, the Autobots ran into Rad and Alexis. After some reintroductions with their old human friends, the Autobots fought the Decepticons again at the Gregory Salt Sea. Now with energon weapons from the Omnicons, the Autobots fared better this time, and the Decepticons were forcibly pulled back to Unicron through portals. Knowing the threat Earth was now under, Optimus Prime promised to defend the planet from Unicron and the Terrorcons. What Lies Beneath, Part Four To his end, he established the Cybercord Treaty with the United Nations. Multiplicity Optimus started with establishing Cybertron-constructed shield towers on Earth. Aftershock However, his attempts to connect to the human populace were frustrated when the Omnicons nearly destroyed Chicago while trying to mine some energon they had detected. He assigned Hot Shot the task of acclimating the Omnicons to Earth, starting by having them attend to the shield tower in the Yukon Territory. Further Autobot infrastructure required reinforcements from Cybertron, so Optimus personally entered the space bridge, only to be diverted to Unicron's core to face the still-trapped Megatron. Omni-Potent Despite persuasion from the disembodied Megatron, Optimus refused to release the tyrant. In an attempt to show just how bleak the Autobots's situation was and how much Optimus needed him, Megatron called up a literal bird's eye view of the massive Terrorcon attack on Earth. Multiplicity

We're all soldiers now.

Pushed to desperation by the sheer devastation of Earth, Optimus Prime travelled deep into Unicron. Just as he was about to release Megatron's spark, he was bound by Unicron's defenses, despite being assured by Megatron that he would be kept invisible to Unicron's internal sensors. Multiplicity, Pt. 2 Realizing that Megatron was afraid of alerting Alpha Quintesson to his presence, Optimus Prime managed to rip himself from Unicron's tentacles and free Megatron's spark, allowing him to enter his new body and join the battle on Earth, Multiplicity, Pt. 3 leaving behind Optimus in Unicron's bowels. Multiplicity, Pt. 4 Nevertheless, Optimus Prime managed to arm himself, warning Unicron that "Ready or not, Unicron... here I come!" No Exit

Energon ceased publication before the story could conclude. The following would have taken place in unpublished issues.

Despite Optimus Prime's continued absence, the Autobots managed to continue protecting the Earth under Jetfire's command. Doomsday Redux! As Alpha Quintesson neared completion of Unicron's activation, Optimus Prime found less places to hide. Realizing that Unicron was gaining more resources than Optimus Prime could destroy, Optimus resolved to cut off the flow of energon into the planet's systems. Tapping into a low-priority sub-processor, Optimus hoped to cut off the supply chain, but instead discovered that it was Nervissa, not Earth, that was being sapped. The Autobots had concentrated their defenses and attention on the wrong planet! Armageddon Part 1 This revelation prompted Optimus to travel to the surface to establish a beacon to inform the Autobots of what he just learned, but his journey was stopped when a seismic-shock warhead materialized in front of him and began counting down. Armageddon Part 3 Nevertheless, he pressed ahead and succeeded at sending an signal to the Autobots on Earth. Jetfire, Autobot commander in Optimus Prime's absence, took off to aid his leader. Armageddon Part 4

On Unicron, both Optimus Prime and Jetfire were beset by Terrorcon drones and nearly consumed. They are saved when Megatron, who had returned to Unicron, rips through his interior, drawing attention away from the Autobots. The two fled to Cybertron, where Optimus used his connection to the Hub to allow the Omnicons access to the planet's energon core. He recalled all of his warriors to Cybertron, endowing some with the Spark of Combination. Optimus Prime had his army delay Unicron, who had been reactivated, still the seismic-shock warhead detonated, exploding Unicron to smithereens. However, they were soon faced with a new threat: a giant black hole that formed from the foiling of Alpha Quintesson's plans. Armageddon Part 5

Cartoon continuity

Trained in the art of combat by Scavenger and Landmine, Optimus Prime ascended to Autobot leadership following the departure of Rodimus from Cybertron 8000 years ago. He led the Autobots to Earth to recover the lost Mini-Cons in the year 2010, but when Megatron's Decepticons succeeded in harnessing the small 'bots power to create the Hydra Cannon, Optimus gave his life to save Earth from its planet-destroying power. Using the Matrix of Leadership as a conduit, the Mini-Cons were able to bring Prime back to life to join the fight against Unicron, but the chaos-bringer confronted Optimus with some haunting truths about his beliefs, and once Unicron was destroyed, Prime departed on a soul-searching space voyage.

Returning several years later, Prime united the Autobots, Decepticons and humankind in an effort to mine Energon. In 2020, the revelation that Unicron still lived shattered the alliance, and Optimus led the Autobots in an attempt to prevent the planet-eater's reawakening. Now empowered with the Spark of Combination, which allowed him to forge new and more powerful combinations with his fellow Autobots, Optimus claimed ultimate victory over Unicron by uniting the sparks of all his troops in one gigantic body and casting Unicron's spark into a sun made of pure Energon.

Alas, ten years later, the sun collapsed into a black hole that threatened to destroy first Cybertron, and then the rest of the universe. Evacuating his Autobots to Earth, Optimus allied with the ancient Transformer Vector Prime and embarked on a quest to recover the four lost Cyber Planet Keys from Transformer colony worlds all across the galaxy. Once the black hole was successfully sealed, Optimus faced Galvatron in a final one-on-one battle on Cybertron's moon, which concluded with Galvatron's utter destruction. Optimus ordered the commencement of a new space bridge network to link the planets of the galaxy, and personally led the colonization mission.

Panini Armada comic

In the early stages of the war, Optimus Prime was shocked to learn of a full-scale Decepticon assault on the Autobot Command HQ. As he organized the defenses, he was contacted by the Mini-Con Sparkplug, who warned him that Dualor had planted explosives around the base in order to lure Megatron in and destroy him. Prime subsequently ordered for the evacuation of the base before Dualor blew it up. Counter-Strike! He and his troops were still fighting the Decepticons a few million years later, but it was a losing battle. Even if most of the Mini-Cons had left Cybertron, the Decepticons still had a few of them, and the Autobots were outclassed. Despite this, Optimus Prime knew the Mini-Cons leaving had been a good thing, and hoped that he would never find out where they went. However, his hope did him no good, as the Mini-Cons were soon found on Earth, and he had to travel there to save them from Megatron. First Encounter!

Having gone to Earth alone to scout ahead without any backup, Optimus Prime was quickly defeated by the Mini-Con augmented Megatron. Thankfully, a few of the free Mini-Cons and the human Rad White distracted Megatron from finishing Prime off, giving him time to recover and summon Hot Shot and Red Alert through a space bridge. As the free Mini-Cons decided to aid the Autobots, Sparkplug power-linked with Optimus Prime and granted him the power needed to punch Megatron in the face. After the Decepticons retreated, Prime thanked the Mini-Cons and Rad for their help. Friends and Foes! He soon realized that Rad and his two friends weren't very large contributors to their war effort, as they spent most of the time playing around. Reminding them that Megatron was a deadly threat, he sent them to recover the locator log from the Mini-Cons' crashed ship whilst he and the Autobots stood guard. They log ended up being destroyed due to interference from Demolishor, but Optimus Prime figured that maybe it was for the best. Deep Trouble!

Suffer my cliches, Decepticreep!

Prime decided that the best way to keep their Mini-Con allies out of the Decepticons' hands was to send them back to Cybertron, despite complaints from Sparkplug and the humans. When the process was interrupted by a Decepticon attack, the Mini-Cons refused to leave the Autobots behind and power-linked with them again. While the Decepticons were driven off, they still blew up the Autobots' space bridge, stranding them on Earth. No Way Back! Some time later, Optimus Prime and his troops saved the Air Defense Team from getting captured by Starscream. In the aftermath, the Mini-Cons shot down Prime's offer to join the Autobots, but he still assured them he would help them whenever they needed him. Devices and Desires! Next, Optimus Prime learned from Laserbeak that the Decepticons had gone to search for Mini-Cons on the Moon. With his own space bridge still in pieces, he had no choice but to contact Jetfire on Cybertron for aid. While Jetfire sent troops to deal with the Decepticons, Prime watched as Sparkplug sent a probe to the Moon to activate any Mini-Cons there. After the probe was successful, Optimus Prime manifested as a hologram on the Moon's surface and taunted Megatron that he was too late. Between Two Worlds!

When Starscream got his hands on the Star Saber and failed to keep its power in check, Optimus Prime appeared out of nowhere to stop the sword from going wild and ripping the world apart. He grabbed the weapon from Starscream's hands and urged the Air Defense Team to separate, which they did. The Two-Edged Blade The threat of the Moon soon came up again, as the Decepticons prepared to fire missiles at the Autobots' base from their new lunar base. While the Autobot space bridge was still down, Optimus Prime had a plan and ordered Hot Shot to hurry and repair it. While the Mini-Cons bought them some time by pretending to surrender, the Autobots fixed their space bridge and linked it to the Decepticons' one on the moon. And so, when the Decepticons eventually did fire their missiles, the Autobots simply used the space bridge to warp them straight back into the enemy base. Earthshaker!

Bendon Armada books

The kids successfully talked Optimus into letting them explore some nearby caves for mini-con crystals. While they were away, Optimus found himself having to fend off a Decepticon sneak attack via ramming Demolishor while in truck mode and later pushing Megatron back. Cave Catastrophe

After the kids and their Mini-Cons leave themselves exposed to danger, Optimus saves them from being killed by Megatron... by ramming him while in truck mode. There seems to be a trend here. Race to Disaster

Reader's Digest Armada novels

Optimus was present eons ago when the Mini-Cons were sent off into space as part of a truce between the Autobots and Decepticons to put a halt to their civil war. Peacetime did not last, however, and the war began anew without the Mini-Cons. When three children awoke the Mini-Cons on Earth, Optimus as well as several of his soldiers were pulled from the battlefield on Cybertron and teleported to the small blue planet. Here, Optimus resumed grappling against Megatron, until the Decepticon leader noticed the Mini-Cons, and attempted to capture them. Optimus managed to prevent Megatron from harming both the Mini-Cons and the children with them. Perceptor then put an end to the battle by generating a shield, preventing Megatron from attacking both Optimus and the Mini-Cons. After Megatron's departure, Optimus was led to the remains of the Mini-Cons' ship, and with their permission, began fortifying it in order to use it as the Autobots' base of operations. He befriended the children, and learned that they were named Rad, Alexis and Carlos. The children then left with their Mini-Cons, leaving Optimus to prepare for the upcoming battle. The Battle Begins

After securing their base on Earth, Optimus, Hot Shot and Red Alert headed to a nearby highway to adopt new alternate modes based on local vehicles. Optimus opted to disguise himself as a semi-truck, impressed by the vehicle's powerful engine. The Autobots' human allies then joined them, with Optimus introducing his troops to both the humans and their Mini-Con companions. Nearby explosions interrupted the introductions. The Decepticons were attacking the Autobots' base! The Autobots launched a counter-attack, with Optimus taking on Megatron by himself once more. But Megatron's aerial troops assisted their leader, putting Optimus at a disadvantage. In order to fight back, Optimus assumed his "Super Optimus Prime" mode, transforming himself into a robot of cyclopean proportions. In this form, he swatted the flying Decepticons out of the sky as though they were mere insects. Megatron countered by combining with Leader-1, a Mini-Con he had recently acquired. The Decepticon leader then unleashed a powerful blast, which knocked Optimus off his feet despite it missing him by a wide margin. However, the blast unearthed several dormant Mini-Cons, and by linking up with two of them, Hot Shot and Red Alert gained enough power to turn the tide of battle once more. Optimus regained his bearings, grappled with Megatron, twisting his cannon's barrel and rendering it useless. Outmatched, Megatron sounded a retreat, though the Decepticons managed to snatch away the remaining Mini-Con panels before they warped off-planet. The children were distressed over the fact that they hadn't been able to stop the Decepticons from stealing the remaining Mini-Con panels, but Optimus comforted them; there was nothing more they could have done. Optimus further assured that the children were not to blame for reigniting the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, and he and his troops joined them in a "circle of friendship." Race for the Mini-Con Robots

Transformers Legends anthology

Early in the war, Optimus confronted Megatron in Yellowstone National Park, warning the Decepticon leader that the area they were in was geologically unstable and warfare could aggravate things catastrophically. Megatron ignored him and almost defeated Prime, until the intervention of Riptide, QuickFire and Jake Williams. The unlikely team managed to see Megatron off, albeit with the loss of Williams's beloved '57 Ford pickup into a mud pit. Optimus promised to retrieve and restore the truck, and suggested that Riptide and QuickFire return to hiding, to prevent the Decepticons from capturing them. Lonesome Diesel

The Balance of Power

On Cybertron, the Autobots' scanners picked up the signature of a Mini-Con artifact, deep within the Decepticons' territory. Hoping the artifact might provide clues to the location of the long-lost Cybertronian race, Optimus sent out Red Alert and Hot Shot into the field to retrieve it. Before they could track down the artifact, both Autobots came under heavy fire, and Red Alert sent out a distress signal for reinforcements. Optimus joined them on the battlefield, crushing numerous Decepticlones as he drove to his comrades' side. But Optimus's arrival drew out Megatron, who challenged Optimus Prime to single combat. Optimus accepted his nemesis's challenge, only for a portal to open up between them in the middle of their clash; a distress signal originating from the Mini-Cons' hiding place beckoned all nearby combatants into it. The Decepticons entered the portal with the Autobots in hot pursuit. They all materialized on Earth, and the search for the Mini-Cons began in earnest on this new world. The Balance of Power

This comic was written as a tie-in to the Armada video game, but its details differ from the introduction seen in the game itself. See below for Optimus's role in the game.

Galaxy Force manga

Optimus Prime and Landmine were fighting a losing battle against Megatron on Cybertron as a giant black hole loomed near the planet. Optimus neared defeat, unable to combat Megatron's powerful energy attacks, when the entire world collapsed under gravitational strain. All three combatants were rescued from certain death by Vector Prime, who whisked them away to Earth. They were separated during the trip, with Landmine being too injured to seek out Optimus.

Optimus happened upon Megatron, Vector Prime and Landmine in the middle of a forest fire, duking it out while the children Lori, Coby and Bud were caught in the middle of it all. Optimus first used his firetruck mode to douse the flames, then took on Megatron once again. But as before, Megatron's energy attacks overwhelmed Optimus. However, a bolstering encouragement from Coby gave Optimus the resolve he needed to push through Megatron's attack. The Autobot leader managed to land a mighty fist on his nemesis, sending Megatron reeling. Amused by this turn of events, Megatron retreated.

Optimus then took a moment to observe his surroundings, silently lamenting that the Cybertronian war had brought destruction to the humans' world... His mood improved when all three children flocked to him, showering him with thanks for rescuing them. Touchdown! Optimus Prime

Cybertron toy bios

Optimus Prime sent the Mini-Cons Mirage and Dirt Boss to the Speed Planet under the protection of Hot Shot and Red Alert. Wal-Mart exclusive Hot Shot two-pack toy bio Wal-Mart exclusive Red Alert two-pack toy bio

During a short time on Gigantion, Optimus Prime needed to investigate a long-forgotten stronghold in the depths of and dangerous abandoned city. Metroplex and his crew created a new body for Optimus Prime to make his way through the jagged metal of the ancient ruins. Thanks to this smaller form, he was able to get the needed info and go back again without even scratching a fender. Deluxe Cybertron Optimus Prime Cyber Key Code text

With the reunification of the Transformer race and the threat of the Decepticons gone, many Autobots chose to remove their weapons systems entirely. Optimus Prime on the other hand had decided to keep his as a reminder of what once was. He hoped this reminder would also serve as a message to anyone who threatened peace on the galaxy that there will always be heroes waiting to stop them. Cybertron Galaxy Force Optimus Prime toy bio

Universe toy bios

Optimus Prime employed the speedster Clocker as a courier. The Data War

TransTech

Voice actor: Garry Chalk (English)

Beast Prime

Everyone forgot this toy existed, didn't they.

Toy bio

Temporarily mutated by the Cyber Planet Key of the Jungle Planet, Optimus Prime continued his fight against Megatron among the trees of the planet's rainforest. Jungle Planet Optimus Prime toy bio

Fun Publications

Depth Charges are also known for their, um, willingness to kill both themselves and their quarry.

Hailing from Aurex 1006.0 Beta, this Optimus Prime saw the Autobot-Decepticon alliance survive the battle against Unicron, the Terrorcon crisis, and even continue into the black hole affair. Megatron was still a threat, though, and after he took a bestial new form, Optimus followed suit. He ended the war in his universe when he slew Beast Megatron with Rhisling. Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/19

Some time later, Optimus Prime was gathered in Axiom Nexus by its Optimus Prime, along with a roster of other Optimus Primes and their kin in a group known as the Convoy. A multiversal cataclysm in a universe seeded with Rarified Energon and an invasion by natives of the negative polarity universe had called them into action. Since Matrix bearers were never allowed into Axiom Nexus, this was a grave threat indeed! Invasion Prologue

In order to protect the Origin Matrix, Optimus Prime and Hero Prime shrouded themselves in cloaks and sought out Depth Charge, who was renowned for his hunting skills. Invasion: Epilogue

His name was on a list of Convoy members given by Cheetor to Andromeda. The list noted his home universal stream and that he also went by the moniker "Beast Prime". Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/21

Beast Prime was present at a meeting of the Convoy after the turmoil caused by the Waruder invasion of Axiom Nexus. Though General Optimus Prime told Starscream at the meeting that the criminal who had helped rebuke the Waruders was not a "Megatron" as he had originally suspected, Beast Prime saw through the General's lie. He respected his comrade's decision however, and informed him he would tell the other members of the Convoy to let "C-81" be. Cybertron's Most Wanted

Hot Shot's Bot Thoughts

Hot Shot once stole Optimus's Matrix by telling him his shoes were untied, and then yanking the Matrix from his chest while he was distracted. Hot Shot's Bot Thoughts

Ask Vector Prime

The Optimus Prime of Iocus 606.0 Beta once battled Darth Vader in an "Intergalactic Showdown". Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/24

Spacewarp's Log

Spacewarp considered Optimus Prime and his crew to suck up to lower life forms. Spacewarp's Log, 27/10/2015

Legends World

When Majin Zarak invaded their home dimension, the toys of the Legends World revealed themselves to be real Transformers. A Legend of the Microns Convoy Super Mode toy and a Super Link Wing Convoy toy were among those helping to defend Tokyo. Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two

Legacy VS500 Collection Special Comic

Optimus Prime was a spectator for the second week of the Speedia 500 on Velocitron. There, he decided to join an impromptu third iteration of the race. Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 3

Commercial appearances

A child ran through a laser-lighted room, and used an enormous Cyber-Planet Key to unlock a door, revealing Optimus Prime beyond the threshold! The boy then stepped through the door's portal to join Optimus. Cybertron Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream commercial

Games

Transformers Armada: The Energon Within

As Optimus and Hot Shot prepared to escort a truckload of energon away from one of the Autobots' mines, the Decepticons launched a full-scale assault. The Decepticons' objective was to steal 100 Energon cubes. This scenario ended in two possible outcomes. Either the Decepticons eventually succeeded, though the battle costed them many of their troops and the mine remained under Autobot control, or Hot Shot inadvertently blew up the mine, prompting Optimus to say that they simply needed to start over at another mine... Transformers Armada: The Energon Within

Transformers (PS2)

Voice actor: Garry Chalk (English), Pascal Renwick (French), Fernando Hernández (Castilian Spanish), Raffaele Fallica (Italian), Werner Kolk (German)

Sometimes, vehicles are the most effective weapon.

Optimus Prime was dueling with Megatron atop a very high building just before Megatron received the Mini-Con beacon. Following his nemesis to prevent him from using the Mini-Cons for evil, Prime arrived on a new planet: Earth.

Arriving in the Amazon, he familiarized himself with the territory before going and recovering the first Mini-Con Panel. (Which Mini-Con it is varies with the game difficulty, with Lock-On being released on the first two difficulty levels). He then traversed a disproportionate bridge, had a brawl inside a temple, and scaled a pathway up a cliff face before arriving at a run-down temple and encountering Cyclonus. Cyclonus ordered a Heavy Unit to attack him, declaring Earth as "Decepticon property". Prime took care of the Heavy Unit, and Hot Shot and Red Alert joined him. Soon they discovered their old Mini-Con partners, with Sparkplug accompanying Optimus from that point onward.

Transformers

Transformers Energon: Battle for Megatron

The Terrorcons happened upon Optimus Prime as they travelled deep into Unicron's defenses in their quest to release Megatron. They had to destroy both the Autobot leader and the numerous Tentacle Pods working in conjunction with him in order to proceed on their quest. Transformers Energon: Battle for Megatron

Transformers Quest

Optimus Prime travelled to Earth, Speed Planet and Jungle Planet in search of the Cyber Planet Keys. Transformers Quest

Roll Out

Optimus Prime battled Ransack, Crumplezone and Dirt Boss for possession of the Speed Planet Key. Roll Out

Transformers: Battle Tactics

Too bad there won't be an Energon Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in two different bodies:

• Optimus Prime A. — This Epic character first appeared in the "Armada: Episode 1" mini events, and could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character.
• Optimus Prime Cybertron — This Epic character was first available as a reward to 20 leagues in the "Christmas Breaker" event.

Transformers: Battle Tactics

Transformers: Earth Wars

Laser Optimus

Apparently dumping the 2000s guy into the '80s dimension retro-fies him into the '90s guy. Go figure.

Following a battle which left him grievously wounded, Optimus Prime's entire structural integrity and circuitry processors were reprogrammed into a sleeker, stronger, combat-ready configuration. With a new giant laser-targeting rocket launcher, ripple-fire missile blaster and armor-piercing discs, Optimus was ready to immobilize Megatron once and for all. Laser Optimus Bio

Optimus Prime asked a strange Autobot to identify himself. Explaining that he was pursuing Barricade and Hun-Gurrr across the multiverse, Drift asked Laser Optimus for help, to which Optimus agreed.

Optimus and Drift soon found the dimension-hopping Decepticons, and Optimus recognized one of them was his Megatron! The Decepticons immediately teleported away, but Optimus was willing to leave his universe in order to put to rights the madness of multiple Megatrons. Worlds Collide

When Laser Optimus arrived at the Autobots' base, Kup was confused that there were three Optimuses and three Megatrons. All Laser Optimus could say he was a fan favorite. As Laser Optimus and Drift prepared to confront the triumvirate of Megatrons, he declared his Laser Rod stood ready, which Arcee found annoying. Laser Optimus arrival

• Class: Special
• Lowest Star Rating: 2 star
• Weapons: Laser Optimus fires a disc that bounces off two buildings before attacking with his Laser Rod sword.
• Ability: Ricochet Mode! For 15 seconds, fires plasma discs dealing small damage and bouncing onto up to 4 nearby targets, each bounce dealing 20% less damage.
  • Cost: 11 ability points +2 cost increase.

Laser Optimus at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki

Skins

"Armada Optimus Prime" is available as an alternate skin for Generation 1 Optimus Prime in Earth Wars.

Notes

Arise, Bigfootimus Prime.

• According to Garry Chalk, he felt that while voicing Optimus Prime, the character sounded more militaristic, while also citing that Optimus Primal felt more like a caring father.
• Under his various Japanese names, Optimus was three candidates in TakaraTomy's Masterpiece Fan's Choice poll, which asked fans to determine which Autobot/Maximal leader from the franchise's then-30 year history should receive a new toy in the prestigious Masterpiece line. Armada Optimus placed second (with 24.3% of the votes), Energon Optimus placed tenth (with 1.5%), and Cybertron Optimus placed seventh (2.5%).

Armada

• According to the Armada PlayStation 2 game instruction booklet, Optimus Prime's Armada body has the following statistics:

Mass: 18,960 lbs

Robot height: 22' 11"

Robot top speed: 31 mph

Vehicle height: 8' 3"

Vehicle top speed: 125 mph

Vehicle power: 700 hp @ 2500 rpm

• Armada Optimus Prime was the only Optimus design by Aaron Archer. He noted that the toy's motorised transformation prevented a traditional window-chest look. The design for the Super Mode head of Optimus Prime was heavily influenced by Archer's surroundings while working in Japan, including Gundam and Power Rangers.
• One of the earliest Armada Optimus Prime concepts depicts him as being an ENORMOUSLY HUGE MONSTER TRUCK.
• In the cartoon, Optimus Prime has a signature ability of putting his hands together and shoving them forward, launching a trail rainbow colored orbs. How it works is never explained, and he never uses it in the sequel series.

Cybertron

• Cybertron Optimus Prime has some design similarities to GaoGaiGar from The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, such as the chin protrusion and cheekguards. In addition, his Super Mode resembles ChoRyuJin from the same series (having the same chest, shoulder-cabs, and cannons at waist-height), the mouthplate coming up for super mode is similar to GaoGaiGar's helmet deploying, and his combination with Leobreaker recalls GaoGaiGar's combination with Goldymarg. His combination with Wing Saber also invokes the image of Galeon's head on GaoGaiGar's chest. This would not be the first such GaoGaiGar reference Transformers would see... or the last.
  • Said Super Mode also evokes Powermaster Optimus Prime.
• The toy instructions (and the photo on his first toy's box) for Super Mode position Prime's massive cannons over his shoulders. However, in the cartoon, Super Mode instead has the cannons slung under his arms. The toy can go either way (or, indeed, have one up and one down).
• Cybertron Prime sported some different colors in his preliminary design, which found its way into a few shots in the Western version of the first episode. It's not really an "error" as such, because the Japanese version (which features Galaxy Convoy/Optimus Prime in his regular colors in these shots) also features an unfinished shot of the Cyber Planet Keys that merely depicts four glowing lights on a black background, whereas the Western version actually shows the detailed keys against a spinning map of space, so it could be argued that Prime's colors might have been a deliberate choice... for whatever reason.
• Vector Prime has stated in Ask Vector Prime that Optimus could not combine with Wing Saber and Leobreaker at the same time: The power is too much for him!

Foreign names

Armada

• Japanese: Convoy (コンボイ Konboi), Jet Convoy (ジェットコンボイ Jetto Konboi), Magna Convoy (マグナコンボイ Maguna Konboi), Magna Jet Convoy (マグナジェットコンボイ Maguna Jetto Konboi)
• Hungarian: Optimusz Prájm
• Korean: Optimus (옵티머스 Optimeoseu ), Jet Optimus (제트 옵티머스 Jeteu Optimeoseu ), Magna Optimus (매그너 옵티머스 Maegeuneo Optimeoseu ), Magna Jet Optimus (매그너 제트 옵티머스 Maegeuneo Jeteu Optimeoseu)
• Polish: Optimus Pierwszy ("Optimus First")
• Mandarin: Qíng Tiān Zhù (擎天柱, "Pillar that Supports the Sky"), Jiànduì Qíng Tiān Zhù (舰队擎天柱, "Fleet Optimus Prime")

Energon

• Japanese: Grand Convoy (グランドコンボイ Gurando Konboi), Wing Convoy (ウィングコンボイ Uingu Konboi), Omega Convoy (オメガコンボイ Omega Konboi)
• Hungarian: Első Optimusz ("Optimus the First")
• Mandarin: Qíng Tiān Zhù (擎天柱, "Pillar that Supports the Sky")

Cybertron

• Japanese: Galaxy Convoy (ギャラクシーコンボイ Gyarakushī Konboi), Liger Convoy (ライガーコンボイ Raigā Konboi), Sonic Convoy (ソニックコンボイ Sonikku Konboi)
• Hungarian: Első Optimusz ("Optimus the First"), Optimusz Fővezér (second dub, "Prime Leader Optimus")
• Indonesian: Galaxy ConBoy
• Korean: Optimus Prime (옵티머스 프라임 Obtimeoseu Peulaim), Liger Optimus Prime (라이거 옵티머스 프라임 Raigeo Obtimeoseu Peulaim), Ultra Optimus Prime (울트라 옵티머스 프라임 Ulteura Obtimeoseu Peulaim)
• Mandarin: Qíng Tiān Zhù (擎天柱, "Pillar that Supports the Sky"), Xīngchén Qíng Tiān Zhù (星辰擎天柱, "Star Optimus Prime")