Matrix of Leadership: Difference between revisions

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It's a start. More tomorrow, I think...
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[[Image:Matrix.jpg|thumb|right|300px|You put the life in the coconut.]]
[[Image:Matrix.jpg|thumb|right|300px|You put the life in the coconut.]]


The '''Autobot Matrix of Leadership''' (sometimes the '''Creation Matrix''') is an artifact of great power. It is traditionally carried by the current [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot]]s.
The '''Autobot Matrix of Leadership''' (sometimes the '''Creation Matrix''') is an artifact of great power, traditionally carried by the current [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot]]s. By most accounts, is holds a part of the essence of the [[Transformer]]s creator, [[Primus]], although much about it, including its exact composition, remains a mystery. It generally appears as a hollow, spherical metal shell with two handles on either side and with a core sphere of blueish crystal at its center. The Matrix is the one thing, the only thing which [[Unicron]] fears.
 
Much about the Matrix remains a mystery, including its exact composition. It generally appears as a hollow, spherical metal shell with two handles on either side and with a core sphere of blueish crystal at its center. According to some, it carries part of the essence of [[Primus]].
 
The Matrix is the one thing, the only thing which [[Unicron]] fears.
 
Things that were related to the Matrix include: the [[Dead Matrix]], [[Energon Matrix]], [[Matrix of Conquest]] and the [[Matrix of Purification]].


{{quote|But one day... an Autobot shall rise from our ranks... and use the power of the Matrix... to light... our darkest hour.|A dying [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}
{{quote|But one day... an Autobot shall rise from our ranks... and use the power of the Matrix... to light... our darkest hour.|A dying [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}
{{note|The exact nature and power of the Matrix varied according to continuity. See individual entries below for details.}}


==Conceptual history==
==Conceptual history==


The Matrix and the concepts associated with it have continuously evolved over twenty-plus years, due to different ''Transformers'' fiction creating new ideas centred on it, which have in turn influenced its representation in ''other'' fiction, and so on, and so forth, and back-and-forth. The current nature of the Matrix as it is understood is beholden to quite a few different sources.
The Matrix and the concepts associated with it have continuously evolved over twenty-plus years, due to different ''Transformers'' fiction creating new ideas centred on it, which have in turn influenced its representation in ''other'' fiction, and so on, and so forth, and back-and-forth. The current nature of the Matrix as it is understood is beholden to quite a few different sources, and its development is described here to minimize confusion. For the specifics on the different interpretations of the Matrix in various continuities, see the "Fiction" section below.


It is not clear precisely where the "Matrix" idea originated{{m-}}if, for example, it was a part of the franchise's original treatment or not{{m-}}but '''the concept first appeared in the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)|Generation 1]] continuity''', where it was introduced as a computer program housed within [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s mind that could bring new Transformers to life, similar to [[Vector Sigma]]'s function in the Generation One cartoon continuity.
It is not clear precisely where the "Matrix" idea originated{{m-}}if, for example, it was a part of the franchise's original treatment or not{{m-}}but the concept first appeared in the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)|Generation 1]] continuity, where it was introduced as the Creation Matrix, a computer program housed within [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s mind that could bring new Transformers to life.


The [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|animated series]] made an attempt at introducing the Matrix concept into its continuity in the episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]", but the line, which dated the creation of the Matrix to 4.5 million years ago (which would ultimately conflict greatly with what would be learned of the Matrix in the future), was deleted during production. Subsequently, the animated incarnation of the Matrix made its debut in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', where it was presented as a physical object housed in the chest of Optimus Prime, and passed to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and ultimately [[Rodimus Prime]]. Nothing of the Matrix's nature was actually divulged in the film, where it was treated as simply a magic talisman of prophecy that was the antithesis of [[Unicron]]. It was the mini-series "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" which revealed the key featre of the animated Matrix{{m-}}it contained the lifeforces of all previous Autobot leaders who had held it, collectively known as the "Wisdom of the Ages," which could be consulted for aid in moments of need.
The [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|animated series]] made an attempt at introducing the Matrix concept into its continuity in the episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]", but the line, which dated the creation of the Matrix to 4.5 million years ago (which would ultimately conflict greatly with what would be learned of the Matrix in the future), was deleted during production. Subsequently, the animated incarnation of the Matrix, known as the "Matrix of Leadership," made its debut in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', where it was presented as a physical object housed in the chest of Optimus Prime, and passed to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and ultimately [[Rodimus Prime]]. Nothing of the Matrix's nature was actually divulged in the film, where it was treated as simply a magic talisman of prophecy that was the antithesis of [[Unicron]]. It was the mini-series "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" which revealed the key featre of the animated Matrix{{m-}}it contained the lifeforces of all previous Autobot leaders who had held it, collectively known as the "Wisdom of the Ages," which could be consulted for aid in moments of need.


Having already cannibalized many of the movie's best elements for use in his comic book stories, writer [[Simon Furman]] contradicted Bob Budiansky's US comic book stories by presenting the Matrix as it had appeared in the film, as a physical object, in his own UK storylines. Eventually, when Furman began writing the US series as well, the two concepts were reconciled and it was explained that Prime's head had merely contained residual Matrix energy, while the true Matrix had resided in his chest. The "lifeforces of previous holders" concept was also adapted into the comics, with the Matrix possessing a genetic memory of those that had held it. Most notably, in both UK and US books, Furman crafted a story to explain the origins of the Matrix, why Unicron was vulnerable to it, and how it could create new life, ultimately revealing it to be the essence of the Transformers' creator-god, [[Primus]].
Having already cannibalized many of the movie's best elements for use in his comic book stories, writer [[Simon Furman]] contradicted Bob Budiansky's US comic book stories by presenting the Matrix as it had appeared in the film, as a physical object, in his own UK storylines. Eventually, when Furman began writing the US series as well, the two concepts were reconciled and it was explained that Prime's head had merely contained residual Matrix energy, while the true Matrix had resided in his chest. The "lifeforces of previous holders" concept was also adapted into the comics, with the Matrix possessing a genetic memory of those that had held it. Most notably, in both UK and US books, Furman crafted a story to explain the origins of the Matrix, why Unicron was vulnerable to it, and how it could create new life, ultimately revealing it to be the essence of the Transformers' creator-god, [[Primus]].
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==Fiction==
==Fiction==
===Generation One===
 
====Marvel Comics continuity====
===Generation 1 Marvel Comics continuity===
 
{{note|Events from the UK-only comics are in italics.}}
{{note|Events from the UK-only comics are in italics.}}


[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Creation Matrix was the [[Leader-1]]'s-head of the Marvel comic.  Can't be drawn the same way twice.]]
[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Creation Matrix was the [[Leader-1]]'s-head of the Marvel comic.  Can't be drawn the same way twice.]]


Called the '''Creation Matrix''' (or the '''Genetic Matrix''' by the [[Keeper]]), it contains the essence of the Transformer's creator-god Primus, making it the one thing that can destroy Unicron. Possessing the Creation Matrix allows the bearer to grant new Transformer life to otherwise unsentient constructs.  Also, when the human [[Buster Witwicky]] was in possession of it, he exhibited telekinetic power over all machines.
When Primus created the Transformer race, before entering voluntary systems shutdown, he bestowed upon them a genetic Matrix containing his essence and the majority of his power, which could be used to give life to more Transformers so that the race might grow without his direct involvement. {{storylink|Primal Scream!}} Known holders of the Matrix throughout history included the first Transformer, [[Prima]], and subsequently, [[Prime Nova]], [[Sentinel Prime]], and in the modern era, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} One account mentions a "[[Primon]]" as the second holder, but no other sources include him. {{storylink|Reaching the Omega Point}}


The fact that the Matrix was a physical object was generally unknown to all but [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] himself by the time of the [[Earth|Terran]] battles. But the powers of the Matrix weren't limited to the shell in his chest anyway.  When his severed head was held captive by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], the Decepticon was able to force Prime to give life to the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], even though the Autobots had his body (and therefore the physical Matrix) in the [[Ark]].  While it's possible that the power was simply being channeled ([[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would do just that to create the [[Stunticon]]s), that seems unlikely given Prime's solution to the problem. When Buster infiltrated the Decepticon base, Prime had him connect electric cables between their heads, and he transferred the Matrix power into the human. Shockwave would later admit that he had been thwarted, as it had become impossible for Prime to create any new life.
By the time of the war on [[Earth]], the fact that the Matrix was a physical object was generally unknown to all but Optimus Prime himself, who kept it within his chest. Operating under the misconception that the Matrix was a program within Prime's mind, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] captured the [[Autobots]] and decapitated Prime, using the residual Matrix energy contained within it to bring life to the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Prime was able to transfer the remaining energy into the mind of the Autobots' human ally, [[Buster Witwicky]], {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}} thereby preventing Shockwave from animated his newest construct, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Deducing that Buster possessed the Matrix, Shockwave programmed the unliving Jetfire to capture the boy, but Buster used the Matrix to bring Jetfire under his control, thwarting Shockwave's plan and saving Optimus Prime. Buster returned the energy of the Matrix within his body to Prime. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}


Eventually Prime was rescued, and Buster returned the power to him, further cementing the notion that actual, usable Matrix energy had existed outside of the shell.  And, as mentioned earlier, Megatron found yet another way to access the power.  [[Bombshell]] planted a cerebro-shell in Optimus, and while it failed to take over his mind, it <i>did</i> provide some kind of conduit to the Matrix.  Using Soundwave's broadcast abilities, Megatron tapped into the Matrix power when Prime gave life to the [[Aerialbot|Aerialbots]]. Thus, the Stunticons were born.
''The Matrix was also known to have an analog on Cybertron, the [[Matrix Flame]], which burned constantly as long as the Matrix still existed, no matter where in the universe it was. It could also be used to channel the energy of the Matrix, which the Autobots on Cybertron did to bring life to their new warrior, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. Not long after, however, the Matrix Flame flickered out when Optimus Prime was shunted into [[limbo]] by time-travelling [[Galvatron (G1)|Decepticons]], leading the Autobots on Cybertron to send Magnus to Earth investigate. Prime was returned in due time, and the Matrix Flame re-ignited.'' {{storylink|Target 2006}}


Not realizing his monopoly on the Matrix had been compromised anyway, Prime kept the secret of its physical shell very (pardon the pun) close to the chest. This would prove an unfortunate choice.  When he died, his Autobot followers launched his body into space in accordance with a funereal rite.  It landed on a distant planet's moon called VsQs, where it lay mostly undisturbed for a while. There, the Matrix exhibited a rudimentary consciousness that was aware of the passage of time and referred it itself as the collective of its past holders. It wasn't <i>literally</i> an amalgam of their souls, but rather a new, childlike, amoral being that had known the goodness of its Autobot bearers and now wanted more.
Having deduced a new means of tapping the Matrix's power, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had [[Bombshell]] plant a cerebo-shell within Optimus Prime. Megatron was able to use the shell to channel the energy of the Matrix when Prime used it to give life to the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], employing it to animate his own new creations, the [[Stunticons]]. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}
 
Prime's persistence in keeping the physical shell of the Matrix a secret proved to have been a mistake when the Autobot leader died. In accordance with Cybertron funerary practises, Prime's boaded was loaded into a funeral bier and launched it into space, unwittingly sending the Matrix with it. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} The craft eventually crashed on the distant moon of [[VsQs]], where it lay undisturbed for a time. Left in solitude, the rudimentary consciousness of the Matrix formed from the genetic memory of its past holders began to desire new sensations, and began to hunger for new experiences. {{storylink|
 
It got a chance at new experience when a dying mechanoid crashed on VsQs and touched the Matrix. The mechanoid was a Deathbringer, which had been dedicated to ending unnecessary suffering, and was warped by the Matrix into a new and very powerful being who sought to destroy ''all'' life.  Though he left the Matrix in Prime's body, he still carried some of its energy, and the Matrix reveled in the vicarious experience of evil. The Deathbringer found its way to Earth, where it rained destruction down upon a human city. ''Sensing the Matrix's power within the creature, Optimus Prime (since resurrected) was hesitant to destroy the only link they had discovered to the lost Matrix, but [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] solved the problem by convincing the Deathbringer that since the Matrix's power was eating away at it, it should destroy itself.'' {{storylink|Deathbringer (comic issue)|Deathbringer}}


[[Image:Geneticmatrix.jpg|right|thumb|150px|No one can be told what the Matrix is.  Because Optimus is an idiot.]]
[[Image:Geneticmatrix.jpg|right|thumb|150px|No one can be told what the Matrix is.  Because Optimus is an idiot.]]


It got a chance at new experience when a dying [[Deathbringer]] crashed on VsQs and touched the Matrix.  The Deathbringer{{m-}}who had been dedicated to ending unnecessary suffering{{m-}}was warped into a new and very powerful being who sought to destroy ''all'' life.  Though he left the Matrix in Prime's body, he still carried some of its energy, and the Matrix reveled in the vicarious experience of evil.
Back on VsQs, the Matrix's curiosity found new expression when an insectoid creature crawled into Prime's corpse's chest cavity and became the next recipient of the Matrix's powerDissecting and studying the beast, the Matrix was fascinated that the creature seemed to be meant to do nothing but destroy, so it re-created the thing into a larger, more powerful predator. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} The monster attacked a team of astronauts that had set up a research station on VsQs, killing nearly all of them, but at least one escaped and crashed in the seas of [[Pequod]], another planet in the same solar system. His body infused with Matrix energy from the beast that had attacked him, the astronaut was swallowed by a [[klud]], which ingested the energy. {{storylink|Deadly Obsession}}


That curiosity found more expression when an insectoid creature crawled into Prime's corpse's chest cavity and became the next recipient of the Matrix's power. The Matrix was fascinated that the creature seemed to be meant to do nothing but destroy, so it re-created the thing into a larger, more powerful predatorThe monster attacked a team of astronauts that had set up a research station on VsQs, killing nearly all of themAt least one escaped, who crashed in the seas of [[Pequod]], another planet in the same solar system.  "Awash with Matrix energy," he was swallowed by a [[klud]], which ingested the energy.
Meanwhile, Optimus Prime became aware of the threat of Unicron, and realized that the Matrix would be necessary to defeat the Chaos-Bringer. Search parties were dispatched to track down the funeral barge, which piqued the curiosity of new Decepticon leader [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], who possessed an affinity with the Matrix and desire to possess its power for his ownAs the opposing teams dodged each other, they eventually set their sights on Pequod, where the klud had been attracting attention because its species was supposed to have been extinctThunderwing used his Matrix affinity to psychically link with the Matrix-infused beast and see the memory of swallowing the dying scientistRecognizing the "VsQs" stamp on his equipment, Thunderwing set out for that moon. {{storylink|Deadly Obsession}}


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


Once there, both sides battled the creature the Matrix had created, which had grown to enormous sizeAnd it was Thunderwing who killed the beast and took the Matrix itself.  The Decepticon immediately attacked the spaceborne [[Ark]], manifesting the Matrix power in the form of a giant, vaguely humanoid energy field around himself. The Matrix began to speak through him, delighting in the firsthand experience of evil. When he realized he was being possessed, he tried to mentally battle the Matrix, but to no avail. The Autobots managed to win the fight only barely, getting Thunderwing off the Ark and then leaving him stranded in space.
The Matrix took time to heal Thunderwing's body, then set out for CybertronCoincidentally, it arrived just as Unicron was trying to destroy the planet.  The Matrix-creature fought Unicron, but Unicron soon realized that the Matrix had been tainted with evil, and that it was no longer a threat to him, given the infinitely greater magnitude of his own evil nature. Thunderwing was destroyed by Unicron's attack and Optimus Prime was able to recover the Matrix, cleansing it of the taint of evil and restoring its purity. Rocketing into Unicron's gaping maw, Prime released the Matrix's energy within the planet-eater's body, destroying him. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} The explosion should have killed Prime as well, but his devastated body was saturated with Matrix energy, keeping it alive long enough for the suffering Prime to pass on leadership of the Autobots to [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. {{storylink|Still Life!}} Prime's consciousness, however, was transferred to his [[Nebulan]] partner, [[Hi-Q]], who was later recreated into a new Optimus Prime by the [[Last Autobot]]. {{storylink|End of the Road! (Marvel US comic)|End of the Road!}}


The Matrix took time to heal Thunderwing's body, then set out for Cybertron. Coincidentally, it arrived just as Unicron was trying to destroy the planet.  The Matrix-creature fought Unicron, but Unicron defeated it because it had become evil, and Unicron was more powerful in that realm.  It took Optimus Prime's touch to cleanse the Matrix of its taint and reveal once again its essential purity.  Rocketing into the Chaos-Bringer's maw, Prime opened the Matrix, destroying both it and Unicron.
[[Image:MatrixCoconut1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Will I become a great Autobot leader?" <br> "All signs point to no."]]


And it should've killed Prime too, but when his decimated body was found, it was still kept alive by that pesky leftover Matrix energy.  That body <i>did</i> soon die, but Prime's consciousness transferred to [[Hi-Q]], who was later re-created into a new Optimus by the [[Last Autobot]].  This new body still contained Matrix energy, which the Decepticons coveted. Megatron defeated him in battle and sucked the energy into a siphon, which became the de facto new Matrix.  He used it to create many new warriors, such as the [[Laser Rod]]s and [[Rotor Force]].
''In the alternate future timeline of [[Earth-120185]], a dying Optimus Prime passed the Matrix to Ultra Magnus in 2006, and it was then used by [[Hot Rod]] to destroy Unicron, in the process transfiguring Hot Rod into Rodimus Prime. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Transformers: The Movie}} Subsequently, in 2008, Unicron attempt to eningeer his resurrection, but Rodimus Prime trapped his mind within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}


Then Starscream took it and used it on himself, merging with the [[Warworld]] and reshaping the interior of the ship.  However, unlike with Thunderwing, Starscream found his own evil being subverted by the Matrix's goodness. Afraid of being changed, he returned the Matrix to Prime, and when Prime was consumed by the [[Swarm]], he gave the Matrix to <i>it.</i>  This completely reversed the nature of the Swarm.  It had previously been a physically dark, destructive cloud, but it suddenly became a bright "force for life" that made all the Transformers totally blissed out. It also re-created Prime, though it's unclear whether this new body still contained Matrix energy, or what form the Matrix then existed in at all.
''Later in 2008, the [[Quintesson]] [[General Ghyrik]] was able to steal the talisman from its owner at that time, [[Rodimus Prime]]. Ghyrik used the power of the Matrix to enhance his strength as he battled [[Hot Rod]], but was duped by some impromptu ventriloquism from his opponent and soon lost the talisman. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}} Later, in 2009, Rodimus and several other Autobots travelled back in time to 1989. As the Matrix was unable to exist in two places in time at once, Optimus Prime was again shunted to limbo, but used the power of the Matrix to communicate with the other Autobots through Rodimus. When Rodimus was then defeated in battle, Optimus risked the security of the space-time continuum to use the Matrix as a stepping stone to return to reality, battling [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}


[[Image:MatrixCoconut1.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"Will I become a great Autobot leader?" <br> "All signs point to no."]]
''Return to Cybertron after their time-travel adventure, Rodimus and the Autobots found that the disruption of space and time had altered theire future, and that Galvatron was waiting for them. Galvatron attempted to force Rodimus Prime into a savage battle, hoping to corrupt the Matrix, but Rodimus realized his plan and stopped before it was too late.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}


So, when it's all said and done, the known Matrix-bearers are:
''Later, Rodimus and the Autobots were on a hyperspace trip to Earth when they discovered that their craft's guidance systems had been damaged. During the flight, Rodimus Prime vanished {{storylink|The Void! (UK)|The Void!}}, and Kup discovered that he was the saboteur, {{storylink|Edge of Impact}} deducing that he had been corrupted by an evil force from within the Matrix. {{storylink|Shadow of Evil}} Inside the Matrix, Rodimus battled with the essence of Unicron, trapped there since the events of 2008, until Kup wrenched the Matrix from his chest, freeing from the chaos-bringer's influence. But now, Rodimus knew that the evil of Unicron will be waiting for him within it... {{storylink|White Fire}} and in 2010, Unicron's essence succeeded in taking over Rodimus's body, transforming it into a duplicate of his own and attacking Cybertron once more, until Rodimus was able to defeat him from within and re-seal him within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}
*[[Prima]]
*[[Prime Nova]]
*[[Sentinel Prime]]
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Buster Witwicky]]
*<i>[[Rodimus Prime]]</i>
*[[Thunderwing_(G1)|Thunderwing]]
*[[Starscream_(G1)|Starscream]]
*<i>[[Ghyrik|General Ghyrik]]</i>


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


{{note|In the later [[BotCon]] text story [[Reaching the Omega Point]], [[Primon]] is added to the list though he is never mentioned elsewhere.  Not even by the Matrix itself.<p>The Matrix was originally portrayed as a life-granting computer program within Optimus Prime's mind, which accounts for the incongruous early comic stories.  After ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' established it as a physical object, [[Simon Furman]] [[retcon]]ned it into being such in the comics as well, first in the UK then the US books.  Powermaster Prime's ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]'' profile clarified that the program was encoded in light patterns within the Matrix's crystal core.}}
====Generation 2====


{{-}}
Although recreated by the Last Autobot, Prime's new body still contained Matrix energy, which was coveted by the Decepticons in order to bring they new warriors to life. Megatron defeated him in battle and drained the energy from his body with a siphon, {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} then used it to give life to the [[Laser Rod]]s and [[Rotor Force]]. {{storylink|New Dawn}} Subsequently, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] used the power of the Matrix on himself, merging himself with the [[Warworld]] and reshaping the interior of the ship.  However, unlike with Thunderwing, Starscream found his own evil being subverted by the Matrix's goodness, and he returned the Matrix to Prime, for fear of being changed beyond recognition.
 
When Prime was consumed by the [[Swarm]], he channelled the Matrix's purity and goodness into it, completely reversing the nature of the Swarm. Suddenly transformed from a destructive force into a force for life, it re-created Prime and departed into space. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven}}


====Animated continuity====
===Generation 1 animated continuity===


[[Image:Matrix_5faces4_7.jpg|left|thumb|200px|My preciousssss!]]
[[Image:Matrix_5faces4_7.jpg|left|thumb|200px|My preciousssss!]]


Called the '''Autobot Matrix of Leadership''' (or simply the '''Matrix of Leadership''', '''Autobot Matrix''', yadda, yadda, yadda...) is an artifact of great power which holds within it the accumulated wisdom of past Autobot leaders.  As such, it is traditionally carried by the current Autobot Leader.
The origins of the Matrix of Leadership are almost entirely unknown. Some rather unusual evidence suggests that it may be linked in some way to the [[Oracle (G1)|assitant]] of the ancient genius [[Primacron]], who created Unicron ''(see the character's own article for details)'', but even if that is true, it is wholly unknown how it came to be held by the Autobots and how it was elevated to the position of power it is known for.


Why the Matrix is the one thing, the <i>only</i> thing, which [[Unicron]] fears is not quite clear, but it seems to be in some way connected to [[Oracle (G1)|Primacron's Assistant]]. It generally displays no powers beyond granting wisdom/visions and acting as a key to [[Vector Sigma]]. However it does, on occasion, seem capable of empowering and upgrading a Transformers physical form.
Traditionally carried by the current Autobot leader, it serves as a receptacle for the lifeforces of past holders, known collectively as the "Wisdom of the Ages." Virtually all of its holders have been unnamed, but are known as the "[[Ancient Robot]]," the "[[Brooding Robot]]," the "[[Powerful Robot]]," the "[[Pre-Transformer (character)|Pre-Transformer]]," the "[[New Narrator]]" and the "[[U-Haul Robot]]." Many other Autobots have been seen within the Matrix, but their identities are unknown.


[[Image:MovieMagnus_matrix.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"Will I at least get to <i>use</i> the Matrix?"<br>"No! Quit asking."]]
Following the death of the U-Haul Robot at the hands of Megatron, the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion]] kept the Matrix safe and hidden away, until a damaged [[Orion Pax|young robot]] was brought to his workshop. Trion recreated him as Optimus Prime, new leader of the Autobots, and gave him the Matrix. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}


In the distant past, the scientist [[Primacron]] and his [[Oracle (G1)|assistant]] created some of the first, primitive Transformers ''(how exactly this connects to their Quintessonian origin revealed elsewhere in the Cartoon is unrevealed).'' Primacron eventually created Unicron, who rebeled against his maker. In the ensuing conflict Primacron was badly injured and his robotic-seeming assistant appeared destroyed. His Assistant survived however and out of his remains rose what appeared to be the Autobot Matrix of Leadership which then flew off into space.  
[[Image:MovieMagnus_matrix.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"Will I at least get to ''use'' the Matrix?"<br>"No! Quit asking."]]


{{note|The exact meaning and importance of this flashback is unclear, but it seems to suggest the Matrix began as the essence of Primacron's assistant.}}
The Matrix of Leadership's first documented appearance in modern times occurred in 2005, when a dying [[Optimus Prime]] passed it and leadership of the Autobots to his chosen successor, Ultra Magnus. Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy{{m-}}that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, [[Unicron]], who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Megatron as Galvatron, he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into Rodimus Prime, before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within.


The Matrix of Leadership first documented appearance in modern times occurred when a dying [[Optimus Prime]] passed it, and Autobot Leadership to his chosen successor, [[Ultra Magnus]].
[[Image:Dark_awakening_matrix.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"Swap Matrix for braaainnns?"]]


[[Image:Dark_awakening_matrix.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"Swap Matrix for braaainnns?"]]
Later, when injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself and witnessed a vision that led him to believe that the answer to the mystery of the alien Quintessons currently plaguing the Autobots was held within it. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} To find his answer, Rodimus deliberately short-circuited himself and entered the Matrix a second time. Guided by the ancient Autobots within, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron and discovered the Quintessons' role in the creation of the Transformers. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}


Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy{{m-}}that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, [[Unicron]], who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into [[Rodimus Prime]], before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within.
The Matrix weighed heavily upon Rodimus, and he was all to eager to return it to Optimus Prime when it seemed that the Autobot leader had returned from the dead in 2006. It transpired, however, than Optimus had only been reanimated as a robotic zombie by the Quintessons, but the Matrix overrode the evil intentions the aliens had programmed him with, and he returned it to Rodimus before apparently sacrificing himself again. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}


Later, when injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself, and he discovered that it was more than a mere source of energy{{m-}}it, in fact, contained the amassed wisdom of deceased Autobot leaders throughout history. Venturing into the Matrix a second time, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron by the ancient Autobots whose consciousnesses existed within the Matrix, revealing to him the [[Quintessons]] role in the creation of the Transformers. When he was resurrected, Optimus Prime later did the same thing when faced with the [[Hate Plague]], (which he ALSO seemed to claim as their "darkest hour"). To cure the madness of the plague he expelled all of the wisdom from within the Matrix, saving the universe, but emptying the Matrix and leaving only a shell. He claimed they would have to start filling it with wisdom again, from that moment on.
[[Image:Matrix_burden_2.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Decepticons using the Matrix either become disgusting freaks...]]


Optimus Prime eventually used the shell of the Matrix as a substitute key to access [[Vector Sigma]].
At one point, Rodimus was ambushed by the Stunticons, who stole the Matrix from him and brought the it to Galvatron, who attempted to use its energy to power his cannon, only to be tormented by the spirits of the Autobots within it. Galvatron instructed [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] to dispose of the Matrix, but Scourge understood the true nature of its power and placed it within his own chest. Warped by its power, Scourge took control of the Decepticons and led them in an attack on Earth, only to be bested by Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix once more. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}


[[Image:Matrix_burden_2.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Decepticons using the Matrix either become disgusting freaks...]]
[[Image:Matrix_burden_1.jpg|left|thumb|150px|...or get harassed by the ghosts of Optimus Prime, Robocop, and [[Boba Fett]].]]
[[Image:Matrix_burden_1.jpg|right|thumb|150px|...or get harassed by the ghosts of Optimus Prime, Robocop, and [[Boba Fett]].]]
 
The only named robots known to have possessed the Matrix of Leadership in the cartoon are:
*[[Alpha Trion]]
*[[Optimus Prime]]
*[[Rodimus Prime]]
*[[Ultra Magnus]]
*[[Scourge_(G1)|Scourge]]


Over a dozen more past Autobot leaders were seen within it at various points, but none of them were ever given names.
When Optimus Prime was at last truly resurrected, he was forced to battle the [[Hate Plague]]-infected Rodimus in order to reclaim the Matrix from him, in hopes of consulting the Wisdom of the Ages to find a cure for the disease. Communicating with the mysterious [[It]], he learned that the only way combat the madness of the plague was with wisdom, and opened the Matrix, expelling all of the wisdom within it to extinguish the disease (in the process claiming that this was also the Autobots' "darkest hour"). Although the Matrix was empited, leaving only a shell, Optimus claimed they would have to start filling it with wisdom again, from that moment on. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}


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


Line 125: Line 110:
*[[Big Convoy]]
*[[Big Convoy]]


====Dreamwave comics continuity====
===Dreamwave comics continuity===


[[Image:Ancients.jpg|thumb|left|Matrix-shaped platform above the Oracle Tank]]
[[Image:Ancients.jpg|thumb|left|Matrix-shaped platform above the Oracle Tank]]
Line 139: Line 124:


{{-}}
{{-}}
===Beast Wars===
===Beast Era===
 
====Beast Wars====
In the [[1990]]s animated series, [[Beast Wars]] and [[Beast Machines]] series, the nature of the Matrix was explored and evolved.
In the [[1990]]s animated series, [[Beast Wars]] and [[Beast Machines]] series, the nature of the Matrix was explored and evolved.


Line 154: Line 141:


{{-}}
{{-}}
====Beast Machines====
===Unicron Trilogy===
===Unicron Trilogy===
====Animated continuity====
====Animated continuity====
Line 174: Line 164:
*'''New Year Convoy''' (2002)
*'''New Year Convoy''' (2002)
: He comes with the Matrix of Leadership!
: He comes with the Matrix of Leadership!
*'''[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]''' (2005)
: He comes with the Creation Matrix!  It's gold.


*'''[[Galvatron II]]''' (2005)
*'''[[Galvatron II]]''' (2005)
Line 221: Line 208:
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*When asked about the visual design of the Matrix in an interview, [[Floro Dery]]'s reply was, "The inspiration for the Matrix of Leadership is a thermonuclear bomb."<ref>[http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery]</ref>  "Light our darkest hour" indeed.
*When asked about the visual design of the Matrix in an interview, [[Floro Dery]]'s reply was, "The inspiration for the Matrix of Leadership is a thermonuclear bomb."<ref>[http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery]</ref>  "Light our darkest hour" indeed.


{{-}}
{{-}}

Revision as of 02:58, 16 December 2007

The name or term "Matrix" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Matrix (disambiguation).
You put the life in the coconut.

The Autobot Matrix of Leadership (sometimes the Creation Matrix) is an artifact of great power, traditionally carried by the current leader of the Autobots. By most accounts, is holds a part of the essence of the Transformers creator, Primus, although much about it, including its exact composition, remains a mystery. It generally appears as a hollow, spherical metal shell with two handles on either side and with a core sphere of blueish crystal at its center. The Matrix is the one thing, the only thing which Unicron fears.

But one day... an Autobot shall rise from our ranks... and use the power of the Matrix... to light... our darkest hour.A dying Optimus Prime, The Transformers: The Movie

Conceptual history

The Matrix and the concepts associated with it have continuously evolved over twenty-plus years, due to different Transformers fiction creating new ideas centred on it, which have in turn influenced its representation in other fiction, and so on, and so forth, and back-and-forth. The current nature of the Matrix as it is understood is beholden to quite a few different sources, and its development is described here to minimize confusion. For the specifics on the different interpretations of the Matrix in various continuities, see the "Fiction" section below.

It is not clear precisely where the "Matrix" idea originated—if, for example, it was a part of the franchise's original treatment or not—but the concept first appeared in the Marvel Comics Generation 1 continuity, where it was introduced as the Creation Matrix, a computer program housed within Optimus Prime's mind that could bring new Transformers to life.

The animated series made an attempt at introducing the Matrix concept into its continuity in the episode "Cosmic Rust", but the line, which dated the creation of the Matrix to 4.5 million years ago (which would ultimately conflict greatly with what would be learned of the Matrix in the future), was deleted during production. Subsequently, the animated incarnation of the Matrix, known as the "Matrix of Leadership," made its debut in The Transformers: The Movie, where it was presented as a physical object housed in the chest of Optimus Prime, and passed to Ultra Magnus and ultimately Rodimus Prime. Nothing of the Matrix's nature was actually divulged in the film, where it was treated as simply a magic talisman of prophecy that was the antithesis of Unicron. It was the mini-series "Five Faces of Darkness" which revealed the key featre of the animated Matrix—it contained the lifeforces of all previous Autobot leaders who had held it, collectively known as the "Wisdom of the Ages," which could be consulted for aid in moments of need.

Having already cannibalized many of the movie's best elements for use in his comic book stories, writer Simon Furman contradicted Bob Budiansky's US comic book stories by presenting the Matrix as it had appeared in the film, as a physical object, in his own UK storylines. Eventually, when Furman began writing the US series as well, the two concepts were reconciled and it was explained that Prime's head had merely contained residual Matrix energy, while the true Matrix had resided in his chest. The "lifeforces of previous holders" concept was also adapted into the comics, with the Matrix possessing a genetic memory of those that had held it. Most notably, in both UK and US books, Furman crafted a story to explain the origins of the Matrix, why Unicron was vulnerable to it, and how it could create new life, ultimately revealing it to be the essence of the Transformers' creator-god, Primus.

It was the Beast Machines animated series which made the next big addition to the growing mythology of the Matrix when it introduced the Allspark, the extradimensional source of all Transformers sparks living or dead, which was also known as "the Matrix." Although it did not explicitly make any callbacks to the Matrix as seen in the Generation 1 cartoons or comics, the implication was obvious—rather than contain anything, the physical Matrix object from those continuities was a gateway to the Allspark. Where the animated "Matrix of the Leadership" and the comic book "Creation Matrix" had previously seemed incompatible, this revelation united them conceptually—the lifeforces of the dead from the cartoon and the ability to bring new life from the comics could now both be tied to the features of the Allspark dimension.

Fiction

Generation 1 Marvel Comics continuity

Events from the UK-only comics are in italics.


The Creation Matrix was the Leader-1's-head of the Marvel comic. Can't be drawn the same way twice.

When Primus created the Transformer race, before entering voluntary systems shutdown, he bestowed upon them a genetic Matrix containing his essence and the majority of his power, which could be used to give life to more Transformers so that the race might grow without his direct involvement. Primal Scream! Known holders of the Matrix throughout history included the first Transformer, Prima, and subsequently, Prime Nova, Sentinel Prime, and in the modern era, Optimus Prime. Dark Creation One account mentions a "Primon" as the second holder, but no other sources include him. Reaching the Omega Point

By the time of the war on Earth, the fact that the Matrix was a physical object was generally unknown to all but Optimus Prime himself, who kept it within his chest. Operating under the misconception that the Matrix was a program within Prime's mind, Shockwave captured the Autobots and decapitated Prime, using the residual Matrix energy contained within it to bring life to the Constructicons. The Next Best Thing to Being There! Prime was able to transfer the remaining energy into the mind of the Autobots' human ally, Buster Witwicky, The Worse of Two Evils! thereby preventing Shockwave from animated his newest construct, Jetfire. Brainstorm! Deducing that Buster possessed the Matrix, Shockwave programmed the unliving Jetfire to capture the boy, but Buster used the Matrix to bring Jetfire under his control, thwarting Shockwave's plan and saving Optimus Prime. Buster returned the energy of the Matrix within his body to Prime. Prime Time!

The Matrix was also known to have an analog on Cybertron, the Matrix Flame, which burned constantly as long as the Matrix still existed, no matter where in the universe it was. It could also be used to channel the energy of the Matrix, which the Autobots on Cybertron did to bring life to their new warrior, Ultra Magnus. Not long after, however, the Matrix Flame flickered out when Optimus Prime was shunted into limbo by time-travelling Decepticons, leading the Autobots on Cybertron to send Magnus to Earth investigate. Prime was returned in due time, and the Matrix Flame re-ignited. Target 2006

Having deduced a new means of tapping the Matrix's power, Megatron had Bombshell plant a cerebo-shell within Optimus Prime. Megatron was able to use the shell to channel the energy of the Matrix when Prime used it to give life to the Aerialbots, employing it to animate his own new creations, the Stunticons. Aerialbots over America!

Prime's persistence in keeping the physical shell of the Matrix a secret proved to have been a mistake when the Autobot leader died. In accordance with Cybertron funerary practises, Prime's boaded was loaded into a funeral bier and launched it into space, unwittingly sending the Matrix with it. Funeral for a Friend! The craft eventually crashed on the distant moon of VsQs, where it lay undisturbed for a time. Left in solitude, the rudimentary consciousness of the Matrix formed from the genetic memory of its past holders began to desire new sensations, and began to hunger for new experiences. {{storylink|

It got a chance at new experience when a dying mechanoid crashed on VsQs and touched the Matrix. The mechanoid was a Deathbringer, which had been dedicated to ending unnecessary suffering, and was warped by the Matrix into a new and very powerful being who sought to destroy all life. Though he left the Matrix in Prime's body, he still carried some of its energy, and the Matrix reveled in the vicarious experience of evil. The Deathbringer found its way to Earth, where it rained destruction down upon a human city. Sensing the Matrix's power within the creature, Optimus Prime (since resurrected) was hesitant to destroy the only link they had discovered to the lost Matrix, but Nightbeat solved the problem by convincing the Deathbringer that since the Matrix's power was eating away at it, it should destroy itself. Deathbringer

File:Geneticmatrix.jpg
No one can be told what the Matrix is. Because Optimus is an idiot.

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

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime became aware of the threat of Unicron, and realized that the Matrix would be necessary to defeat the Chaos-Bringer. Search parties were dispatched to track down the funeral barge, which piqued the curiosity of new Decepticon leader Thunderwing, who possessed an affinity with the Matrix and desire to possess its power for his own. As the opposing teams dodged each other, they eventually set their sights on Pequod, where the klud had been attracting attention because its species was supposed to have been extinct. Thunderwing used his Matrix affinity to psychically link with the Matrix-infused beast and see the memory of swallowing the dying scientist. Recognizing the "VsQs" stamp on his equipment, Thunderwing set out for that moon. Deadly Obsession

Once there, both sides battled the creature the Matrix had created, which had grown to enormous size, with Thunderwing ultimately killing the beast and taking the Matrix. Dark Creation The Decepticon immediately attacked the spaceborne Ark, manifesting the Matrix power in the form of a giant, vaguely humanoid energy field around himself. Soon, however, Matrix began to speak through him, delighting in the firsthand experience of evil, and Thunderwing realized he was being possessed. Thunderwing tried to mentally battle the Matrix, to no avail, but the Autobots exploited his erractic behaviour to impale him with a harpoon and blow him out the Ark's airlock into space. All Fall Down!

The Matrix took time to heal Thunderwing's body, then set out for Cybertron. Coincidentally, it arrived just as Unicron was trying to destroy the planet. The Matrix-creature fought Unicron, but Unicron soon realized that the Matrix had been tainted with evil, and that it was no longer a threat to him, given the infinitely greater magnitude of his own evil nature. Thunderwing was destroyed by Unicron's attack and Optimus Prime was able to recover the Matrix, cleansing it of the taint of evil and restoring its purity. Rocketing into Unicron's gaping maw, Prime released the Matrix's energy within the planet-eater's body, destroying him. On the Edge of Extinction! The explosion should have killed Prime as well, but his devastated body was saturated with Matrix energy, keeping it alive long enough for the suffering Prime to pass on leadership of the Autobots to Grimlock. Still Life! Prime's consciousness, however, was transferred to his Nebulan partner, Hi-Q, who was later recreated into a new Optimus Prime by the Last Autobot. End of the Road!

"Will I become a great Autobot leader?"
"All signs point to no."

In the alternate future timeline of Earth-120185, a dying Optimus Prime passed the Matrix to Ultra Magnus in 2006, and it was then used by Hot Rod to destroy Unicron, in the process transfiguring Hot Rod into Rodimus Prime. Transformers: The Movie Subsequently, in 2008, Unicron attempt to eningeer his resurrection, but Rodimus Prime trapped his mind within the Matrix. The Legacy of Unicron!

Later in 2008, the Quintesson General Ghyrik was able to steal the talisman from its owner at that time, Rodimus Prime. Ghyrik used the power of the Matrix to enhance his strength as he battled Hot Rod, but was duped by some impromptu ventriloquism from his opponent and soon lost the talisman. Space Pirates! Later, in 2009, Rodimus and several other Autobots travelled back in time to 1989. As the Matrix was unable to exist in two places in time at once, Optimus Prime was again shunted to limbo, but used the power of the Matrix to communicate with the other Autobots through Rodimus. When Rodimus was then defeated in battle, Optimus risked the security of the space-time continuum to use the Matrix as a stepping stone to return to reality, battling Galvatron. Time Wars

Return to Cybertron after their time-travel adventure, Rodimus and the Autobots found that the disruption of space and time had altered theire future, and that Galvatron was waiting for them. Galvatron attempted to force Rodimus Prime into a savage battle, hoping to corrupt the Matrix, but Rodimus realized his plan and stopped before it was too late. Aspects of Evil!

Later, Rodimus and the Autobots were on a hyperspace trip to Earth when they discovered that their craft's guidance systems had been damaged. During the flight, Rodimus Prime vanished The Void!, and Kup discovered that he was the saboteur, Edge of Impact deducing that he had been corrupted by an evil force from within the Matrix. Shadow of Evil Inside the Matrix, Rodimus battled with the essence of Unicron, trapped there since the events of 2008, until Kup wrenched the Matrix from his chest, freeing from the chaos-bringer's influence. But now, Rodimus knew that the evil of Unicron will be waiting for him within it... White Fire and in 2010, Unicron's essence succeeded in taking over Rodimus's body, transforming it into a duplicate of his own and attacking Cybertron once more, until Rodimus was able to defeat him from within and re-seal him within the Matrix. Aspects of Evil!

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

Generation 2

Although recreated by the Last Autobot, Prime's new body still contained Matrix energy, which was coveted by the Decepticons in order to bring they new warriors to life. Megatron defeated him in battle and drained the energy from his body with a siphon, The Gathering Darkness then used it to give life to the Laser Rods and Rotor Force. New Dawn Subsequently, Starscream used the power of the Matrix on himself, merging himself with the Warworld and reshaping the interior of the ship. However, unlike with Thunderwing, Starscream found his own evil being subverted by the Matrix's goodness, and he returned the Matrix to Prime, for fear of being changed beyond recognition.

When Prime was consumed by the Swarm, he channelled the Matrix's purity and goodness into it, completely reversing the nature of the Swarm. Suddenly transformed from a destructive force into a force for life, it re-created Prime and departed into space. A Rage in Heaven

Generation 1 animated continuity

My preciousssss!

The origins of the Matrix of Leadership are almost entirely unknown. Some rather unusual evidence suggests that it may be linked in some way to the assitant of the ancient genius Primacron, who created Unicron (see the character's own article for details), but even if that is true, it is wholly unknown how it came to be held by the Autobots and how it was elevated to the position of power it is known for.

Traditionally carried by the current Autobot leader, it serves as a receptacle for the lifeforces of past holders, known collectively as the "Wisdom of the Ages." Virtually all of its holders have been unnamed, but are known as the "Ancient Robot," the "Brooding Robot," the "Powerful Robot," the "Pre-Transformer," the "New Narrator" and the "U-Haul Robot." Many other Autobots have been seen within the Matrix, but their identities are unknown.

Following the death of the U-Haul Robot at the hands of Megatron, the ancient Autobot Alpha Trion kept the Matrix safe and hidden away, until a damaged young robot was brought to his workshop. Trion recreated him as Optimus Prime, new leader of the Autobots, and gave him the Matrix. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4

File:MovieMagnus matrix.jpg
"Will I at least get to use the Matrix?"
"No! Quit asking."

The Matrix of Leadership's first documented appearance in modern times occurred in 2005, when a dying Optimus Prime passed it and leadership of the Autobots to his chosen successor, Ultra Magnus. Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy—that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, Unicron, who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Megatron as Galvatron, he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into Rodimus Prime, before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within.

File:Dark awakening matrix.jpg
"Swap Matrix for braaainnns?"

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

The Matrix weighed heavily upon Rodimus, and he was all to eager to return it to Optimus Prime when it seemed that the Autobot leader had returned from the dead in 2006. It transpired, however, than Optimus had only been reanimated as a robotic zombie by the Quintessons, but the Matrix overrode the evil intentions the aliens had programmed him with, and he returned it to Rodimus before apparently sacrificing himself again. Dark Awakening

Decepticons using the Matrix either become disgusting freaks...

At one point, Rodimus was ambushed by the Stunticons, who stole the Matrix from him and brought the it to Galvatron, who attempted to use its energy to power his cannon, only to be tormented by the spirits of the Autobots within it. Galvatron instructed Scourge to dispose of the Matrix, but Scourge understood the true nature of its power and placed it within his own chest. Warped by its power, Scourge took control of the Decepticons and led them in an attack on Earth, only to be bested by Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix once more. The Burden Hardest to Bear

...or get harassed by the ghosts of Optimus Prime, Robocop, and Boba Fett.

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

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

Japanese animated continuity

For further information, see: Energon Matrix

In Japan, the original Matrix held by Optimus and Rodimus Prime was portrayed more as a power source than anything else, though its power did apparently determine which faction Vector Sigma would obey. (Once the Matrix was depowered in Return of Optimus Prime, Vector Sigma became open to either Autobots or Decepticons controlling it, and by extension the planet.)

In later Japanese continuity a Matrix was seemingly carried by any individual with high rank. Therefore, there are many distinct Matrices. (It is unknown what relation, if any, these have to the original.) They tend to be weapons of extreme power and last resort. Accessing them, or having two of them in close proximity, can "power-up" their possessors into temporarily enhanced forms.

Dreamwave comics continuity

Matrix-shaped platform above the Oracle Tank

Prior to Optimus, the Matrix was held by Sentinel Prime, an Autobot leader killed by Megatron in an attempt to gain possession of the artifact, intending to use it to power the planetary engine turbines he had discovered. But Sentinel had already given up the Matrix for reasons unknown (perhaps foreseeing his own death), passing it to the Council of Ancients, who chose a data archivist named Optronix as the new bearer. Optronix and the Matrix were lowered into the Oracle Tank, with the words "Fill this sacred vessel with the wisdom of the ages", though it may be that the council was referring to Optronix and not the Matrix. Like Hot Rod, Optronix—now Optimus Prime—is physically changed by the installation of the Matrix, his frame altered to become larger and more powerful. Soon after, he is attacked by Megatron who cracks open his form and exposes the Matrix, which shows both Optimus and Megatron visions of the future, seeming to transport them to Earth, then to Nebulon. It is implied that Optimus somehow uses the Matrix to force Megatron to forget these visions, though how much knowledge he himself retains is unknown.

Before the Autobots leave for Cybertron on the Ark II, Optimus Prime gives Spike Witwicky a piece of the Matrix to safeguard during their journey. The Ark II crashes, but when Spike and Optimus are reunited, Spike returns the piece to him. Optimus uses the complete Matrix of Leadership to awaken his deactivated troops and call them to him.

A Dreamwave newsletter provides us a seldom-seen image of the back of the Matrix.

After returning to Cybertron, a chain of events ultimately leads Optimus Prime to a confrontation with Shockwave in the chamber containing Vector Sigma. Shockwave transforms and blows open Optimus Prime, claiming the Matrix for himself and using it to access Vector Sigma's databanks. Shockwave was defeated by Ultra Magnus and the Matrix returned to Optimus Prime, but the forceful removal of the Matrix from his body combined with the long period of time spent without it caused a great deal of trauma to his systems, necessitating an extended session in a CR chamber to recover, and suggesting that at least in the Dreamwave comics the Matrix actually integrates with the systems of its holder to some degree rather than merely residing inside them.

It appears that this Matrix does not hold the wisdom of past Autobot leaders, as another datatrak contained its wisdom.


Beast Era

Beast Wars

In the 1990s animated series, Beast Wars and Beast Machines series, the nature of the Matrix was explored and evolved.

These series used "the Matrix" as a term that referred not merely to the physical object, but to an actual other-dimensional realm—the Transformer afterlife also called the Allspark, the well of all sparks that are, have been, or ever shall be. From the Allspark springs all Transformer life, and when a Transformer dies, their spark returns to the Allspark, sharing its life experience with the collective, creating a huge store of accumulated wisdom and knowledge. Understanding this, it can be retroactively assumed that the physical Matrix object wielded by Autobot leaders in the cartoon continuity is not simply a storehouse of knowledge itself, but rather, a gateway to this afterlife realm. Similarly, this also explains its ability to bestow life as seen in the comic book continuity—by transferring a spark from the Allspark through its connection to the realm.

According to the story editors, the Matrix was also used as a nickname in the Beast Wars series for the facility which produced Maximal protoforms, though this information was never introduced in the show.

Universe: Primeval Dawn

The Matrix, beneath Prime's "spark holder".

After the Beast Wars, Tarantulas was reborn, intending to use his new Vok powers to steal the Matrix and warp reality to his liking. To protect the timestream, the Vok took the Matrix of Leadership from the unconscious Optimus Prime residing within the Ark, used it to create Primal Prime, then gave the Matrix to their new creation. In the following battle, however, Tarantulas was able to overpower Primal Prime and rip the Matrix from his body.

In the Beast Wars cartoon, Prime's spark was shown to be contained in a Matrix-like vessel. In Primeval Dawn, that vessel was shown to be merely a container for his spark, and the actual Matrix was hidden underneath.


Beast Machines

Unicron Trilogy

Animated continuity

A Unicorn designed this. (see the rainbows?)

Optimus Prime tried to pass the Matrix on to Hot Shot before he warped into space with Jetfire, but Hot Shot refused it, not feeling himself worthy.

When Optimus died standing purposefully in the path of the Hydra Cannon blast meant for Earth, Prime's Mini-Con partner Sparkplug held on to the Matrix, floating helplessly until rescued.

Later, it was the Mini-Cons who resurrected Prime, entering the Matrix and reconstructing a new body for him. Some time later, Unicron forced Prime to face the fact that on some level he enjoyed the thrill of combat. Following Unicron's defeat, Galvatron challenged Optimus to one final, furious battle. Prime choose to discard the Matrix at this time, flinging it into the void of space, so that he could battle Galvatron not as the leader of the Autobots, but as himself. How Optimus Prime got the Matrix back after this is uncertain.

Although in Energon, Optimus Prime appears to have a permanent Matrix-like structure (complete with handles and all) in his chest, this is not the case. The device located in his chest is the Spark of Combination and not the Matrix of Leadership.

During the quest to stop the Unicron Singularity, Optimus Prime used the Matrix of Leadership to widen Vector Prime's dimension gates, allowing transport for larger numbers of troops.


Toys

Generation 1

  • New Year Convoy (2002)
He comes with the Matrix of Leadership!
He comes with the Creation Matrix! It's green.
  • Revoltech Convoy (2007)
He comes with a Matrix accessory which does not open or store inside his chest.

Robots in Disguise

  • Optimus Prime (2000, 2001)
Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime has a little door on his chest that hides a sculpted Matrix. It cannot be removed.

20th Anniversary/Masterpiece

  • Optimus Prime (2003/2004)
Japanese ID number: MP-01
20th Anniversary Optimus Prime includes a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.
  • Ultra Magnus
Japanese ID number: MP-02
He had it too.
  • Convoy Perfect Edition (2006)
Japanese ID number: MP-04
He still had it here.


Armada

  • Optimus Prime (Super Base, 2002/2003)
Japanese ID number: MC-01
The large version of Armada Optimus Prime has a non-removable Matrix of Leadership behind the grill on his chest. This feature was kept for the various redecos of this mold.

Cybertron

  • Optimus Prime (Leader, 2005)
Japanese ID number: GC-01
Cybertron Optimus Prime has a removable Matrix of Leadership in his chest. This feature was kept for the "Galaxy Force Optimus Prime" redeco.

Classics

  • Optimus Prime (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
Yep, this version of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime mold still has the Matrix.


Trivia

  • When asked about the visual design of the Matrix in an interview, Floro Dery's reply was, "The inspiration for the Matrix of Leadership is a thermonuclear bomb."[1] "Light our darkest hour" indeed.



Footnotes