Energon-axe

This article is about Optimus Prime's melee weapon. For the Andalite Animorph, see Ax.

Prime's got an axe to grind...right into Megatron.

The energon-axe is an iconic weapon used by Optimus Prime whenever he needs a melee weapon. He retracts his hand, and an emitter for the energy axe projects the blade. Despite only using it when he and Megatron are fighting on a particular dam, it was a very memorable ability, so much so that recent rereleases and redesigns of Prime's toy have actually included the axe as an accessory, either replacing or covering a hand.

Fiction

Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

When duelling Megatron on top of Sherman Dam, Optimus Prime used his energon-axe against the Decepticon's energon mace. Prime lost the fight when he was distracted by Spike Witwicky calling for help. More than Meets the Eye, Part 2

The Battle of the Star Gate

In the mid-1990s, Optimus Prime helped Professor Adle test-drive his new C-X drone in a mock combat session. When C-X ran out of control thanks to the interference of the time-travelling ghost of Starscream (yes, really), Prime was forced to unleash his energon-axe and chop the drone's head off. Divided Views

A little later, while investigating Decepticon-made earthquakes that were striking Japan, Prime engaged Megatron in combat on the bed of the Sea of Japan, and they battled with their axe and mace. Activation

Robot Masters online comic

While in a battle with Megatron and his time-displaced namesake, Prime's right hand was severed by the latter. Luckily, this didn't affect his ability to summon his axe, which he used to take down both Decepticons in one powerful swing. And Then

Marvel Comics continuity

Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.

As they made their way to the Ark, Ratchet described the energon-weapon battle at Sherman Dam to the Dinobots as a way to illustrate the difficulties the Autobots had in relaying their peaceful intentions to the humans. Decepticon Dam-Busters!

Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga

While battling Megatron to save the life of his human ally Wataru Hoshinoumi, Optimus Prime busted out his energon-axe, but was bested by Megatron's energon mace. An energy boost courtesy of Wataru's energon-manipulating powers got him back on his feet, powering up his axe into a mighty sword that he used to cleave open Megatron's chest, winning the fight. Optimus Prime's Secret

Prime got his sword out again for a rematch with Megatron when the Decepticon leader was recuperating from his wounds in a bath of molten energon. Prime went so far as to stab him through the chest and break the sword's blade off inside him, but this only drove Megatron into a frenzy, leading him to use the energon to transform himself into Galvatron. Creation! The New Emperor of Destruction!! Galvatron proved virtually undefeatable, until a well-placed shot from Starscream re-opened his chest wound, allowing Prime to drive his sword into the gash and tear his opponent wide open. Revenge

Universe cartoon

In a skirmish with Decepticons, Optimus Prime used his energon-axe to knock out Cyclonus. Fight for Energon

Prime continuity

Optimus Prime used a double-headed axe since his days at the Hall of Records, learning to transform it from his body while learning to fight. Exodus He could charge it to blow open walls, and would leap into the air with it for finishing moves against Soundwave and Trypticon. Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)

Later, during the evacuation of Cybertron, Prime lost his axe in battle. He created a holographic shrine in memory of his "old friend," which survived the bombardment of Iacon.Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Dark of the Moon

Dam? Bridge? What's the difference? Your face is mine!

Optimus Prime used an energon axe in his fight with Sentinel Prime. During the fight it was knocked out of his hand for a few moments, allowing Sentinel to call in air support on Optimus. With fighter's on his tail, Optimus was forced to put aside his axe and sword and pull out his guns to fight them. After the jets were destroyed, Optimus pulled out the axe again and fought Sentinel again. It was knocked out of his hand again by his former teacher just before losing his right arm and sword. After he was saved by Megatron, he used it to destroy him after refusing his offer of a truce (knowing his true intentions). Dark of the Moon

IDW Generation 1 continuity

Optimus Prime used his energon-axe to cut off Megatron's right arm during the battle for Sherma Bridge. Chaos Theory Part 1

Mars Attacks: The Transformers

Yep, this Optimus has an energon axe as well, which he used against the Martians during a temporary Autobot/Decepticon team-up. Mars Attacks: The Transformers

Toys

The Transformers Collection

• Convoy (2003)
  • Japanese ID Number: 0

The Transformers Collection reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy comes with a new energon-axe accessory that plugs into either of Prime's wrist holes after you remove his hands.

• More information on Transformers Collection Optimus Prime at TFU.info

20th Anniversary/Masterpiece

Masterpiece Optimus Primes (MP-10 and MP-1, back) and Hybrid Style Optimus (front)

• Optimus Prime (2003/2004)

The energon-axe is again a hand-replacing accessory for 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, cast in transparent orange plastic.

• Convoy Complete Edition (2006)

Same as above.

• Convoy (2011)

MP-10 Convoy is an all-new mold. He has a new-mold, soft-plastic, transparent orange axe that slips over his fist, and can store inside the trailer, regardless of which configuration the trailer is in. The axe actually consists of two pieces—the base and the rest of the axe—which tend to detach easily, with the result being that it can be quite difficult to remove the axe from the dedicated storage space in the trailer without just pulling the axe apart.

Robot Masters

• G1 Convoy (2004)

Another clear orange axe that replaces Prime's hand.

• G1 Convoy Limited Black Version (2005)

For this black repaint, the energon-axe was decoed in silver.

Classics

• Optimus Prime (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)

In this redeco of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, the energon-axe remains the same.

Hybrid Style

• Convoy (2006)

An energon-axe that plugs into the ball-joint socket intended for Convoy's many hands.

Dark of the Moon

• Optimus Prime (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)

Deluxe Class Optimus Prime's MechTech weapon is a Blaster that converts into an Energon Axe.

Tranformers (2010)

• Masterpiece Optimus Prime (2012)

This Hasbro Toys"R"Us-exclusive release of MP-10 Convoy still has the Energon axe. It is unchanged.

Generations

• Orion Pax (Deluxe, 2013)

Generations: Thrilling 30 Deluxe Class Orion Pax comes with his Energon Axe, which can peg onto 5mm ports on his hands and vehicle rear sides.

• Orion Pax VS Megatronus (Multi-pack, 2013)

Same as above.

Merchandise

File:HOCPrime axe.jpg

Heroes of Cybertron

• Optimus Prime with Plasma Weapon (2002)

A modification of the first Heroes of Cybertron Optimus Prime, with the energon-axe replacing his right hand.

• Convoy Vs Megatron (2002)

A Tokyo Toy Show exclusive that includes both energon weapons and normal hands for Optimus Prime and Megatron.

Notes

• Generation 1 Prime's energon-axe served as the inspiration for the arm-mounted Dual Energon Swords sported by live-action movie Optimus Prime.

• A redeco of Dark of the Moon Voyager class Optimus Prime comes with a new mold MechTech rifle that converts into a more movie-accurate Battle axe, but is instead made of Cybertanium.