Prime (rank)

We are Primus. We are Prima. We are Prime Nova. We are Sentinel Prime. We are Optimus Prime.

Prime is a rank of highest distinction in many Transformers continuities. Typically, it is used as the identification for the leader of the Autobots, something that is bestowed only on those that carry the Matrix of Leadership within them. It is retroactively derived from Primus, the creator of the Transformers.

With the retcon that Primus is one singular entity that exists (and must exist) threaded through all Transformer continuities, the term Prime is likewise given one singular origin. It was, first of all, the designation granted by Primus to the Thirteen original Transformers created, by his own hand, at the dawn of the physical universe to crew his planetary form.

Japanese equivalent: Convoy

Fiction

Marvel Comic continuity

The idea of Prime being a title/rank has its first, fullest expression here. A direct lineage of Creation Matrix bearers is established, each taking on a derivation of the name of their god Primus. They are Prima, Prime Nova, Sentinel Prime, Optimus Prime, and Rodimus Prime.

A later Simon Furman story drawing on this lineage he himself created added Primon to the beginning of this list. Of note is that the name Prime has no real necessary relation to Autobot leadership here. Optimus Prime becomes a Prime long before he becomes the overall Autobot Commander. Rather, Prime is a religious title (as the Creation Matrix is a religious artifact: a relic of their god). The closest human analogue to a Prime might be the Pope.

Cartoon continuity

The evidence for "Prime" being a rank here is weaker than elsewhere but the case can still be made. Though many Matrix-Bearers are seen, and all are by definition Autobot Leaders, only four are ever named; 2 Primes, 2 not: Alpha Trion, Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and Rodimus Prime. Without knowing any other names it is hard to make a concrete case here for "Prime" being a title given only to Matrix-Bearers.

It is of note though that if it were, then "Prime" in this continuity would be a military/political title (since it is the Matrix of Leadership), rather than the religious title of the Marvel Comics.

Note: Not all Convoys are Primes (and vice-versa). If you can lead Ant-droids to a picnic, you're a Convoy in Japan.

Beast Wars continuity

It's only passingly touched on, but may be noteworthy that the phrase, "Who died and made you Prime?" was used by Maximal characters in Beast Wars, implying that, to them, "prime" was roughly equivalent to "leader". They also used the word to mean "great" or "good" in the phrases "That's just prime," (said sarcastically), and "Feeling prime."

Dreamwave continuity

This continuity also establishes Prime as designating the leader of the Autobots, but there is some muddled information. The Prime carried within him the Matrix of Leadership, but it appears that the Matrix doesn't contain the wisdom of past leaders, as that was held on a separate datatrak. Also, the Prime did not appoint his successor. A new Prime was chosen by the Council of Ancients, supposedly through divine authority.

It's unknown what powers the Prime shared with the High Council and the Council of Ancients, but the Prime had several powers. In addition to being commander-in-chief of the Autobot Army, the Prime also had the authority to order a planet wide evacuation. Autobots gave oaths of loyalty to the Prime, and were expected to risk their lives for the Prime's safety (whether the Prime wanted them to or not). The War Within

There are five known Primes in Dreamwave continuity, listed in MTMTE #8. These are Alpha Prime, Guardian Prime, Sentinel Prime, Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime. The list does not specify chronology, and Rodimus Prime never appeared in any actual Dreamwave comics.

Armada/Energon/Cybertron continuity

Prime is indeed a title given to leaders and matrix bearers here, as evidenced by both Vector Prime and Optimus Prime, but no other Primes are ever named.

IDW Comics continuity

Get on it, Hasbro!

Optimus Prime describes Primes as beings that define the eras they ruled. Thus, Nova Prime presided over an era in which the populace believed the Cybertronian race's destiny was in the stars, and commissioned the first Ark spacecraft. Spotlight: Optimus Prime Although certainly a matrix-bearer, as confirmed by Optimus and Galvatron, Nova Prime disappeared into the Benzuli Expanse while aboard the Ark, with the Matrix guiding him into the Dead Universe. Spotlight: Galvatron

Before the Great War, Sentinel Prime served as the head of the Autobot Security Services, the chief law enforcement and military body on Cybertron. However, he stresses that he is ultimately subservient to the will of the Senate who enact the laws he enforces. Megatron Origin issue 3

After Cybertron is rendered uninhabitable, Optimus Prime is the apparent highest ranking Autobot, directing the galaxy-spanning conflict to deny the Decepticons conquest of additional planets. In this task, he occasionally seeks the guidance of the ancient Autobot and weapon of last resort Omega Supreme.

There appear to be at least four Primes predating Optimus Prime. Spotlight: Optimus Prime

There seems to be an Autobot who held the rank of "Prime" between Sentinel and Optimus in the IDW continuity. During an early skirmish during the opening days of the Great War, a pre-Prime Optimus and Blurr discuss a plan to rescue the Autobot commander Zeta Prime. It can be assumed that this "new" Prime was "sworn in" following Sentinel Prime's death in Megatron: Origins (LBJ style), before ultimately dying himself, passing the "Prime" mantle onto Optimus. Spotlight: Blurr

Movie continuity

The following has been retconned during the Revenge of the Fallen phase of the film series.

The title of Prime was bestowed upon the civilian and spiritual leader of Cybertron but at the same time, aided the Lord High Protector in stewarding the All Spark just as the Lord High Protector was co-ruler. Optimus Prime held this title before, during and after the war for the All Spark as leader of the Autobots. Ghosts of Yesterday

According to The Quest For the ALLSPARK paperback's opening paragraph, "...Most revered were Optimus and Megatron. They were twin brothers of the Prime dynasty." This, along with the note from the Autobots version of the same DS game that Megatron "took the spark" of his and Optimus' father, implies that “Prime” may have been their father’s name and that Megatron may have also had the surname "Prime" as well.

Transformers Animated

Prime is still a rank in this continuity, but surprisingly one far lower than commander of all the Autobots (Ultra Magnus - the "Magnus" refers to his rank). This is revealed when Sentinel Prime attempts to give an order to Optimus Prime. Optimus is able to disregard this order because regardless of Sentinel's standing on the Cybertronian Elite Guard, they are both still of equal rank, Primes. The Elite Guard Both Ultra Magnus and Sentinel Prime have bars on their forearms, with more bars present for the superior officer. Optimus Prime lacks these, and as such it is unknown if they are only present in the Elite Guard. The Rank of Prime seems to be equivalent to the human Naval rank of Captain in this continuity.

In addition to Optimus and Sentinel, there is also Rodimus Prime and Longarm Prime. Longarm is head of Cybertron Intelligence. Hilariously, since he's really someone else in disguise.

Fun Publications fan club comics

A component of the Prime of Rarified Energon looks at a portrait of his complete self...

It is revealed that the first Thirteen original Transformers created by Primus to crew his planetary form were all designated Primes. In addition to this designation, each was given a specific task or role in sustaining the multiverse.

Vector Prime was granted guardianship of space-time. The Prime who would become The Fallen was charged to oversee the force of entropy. Another of these Primes was made the guardian of Rarified Energon. Of the known members of the Thirteen, only Prima's function is still unknown.

These Primes are multiversal singularities (like their creator, only one version of each existing across all realities).

Shattered Glass

The title of Prime is not an honorary rank but the title of the diabolical leader of the Autobots. Optimus Prime stands as the current Prime. For now. Rodimus may very well usurp the title and position in the future.

See also

• Autobot Commander
• Supreme Commander
• Convoy
• Magnus