Optimus Prime (Movie)
| The name or term "Optimus Prime" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Optimus Prime (disambiguation). |
- Optimus Prime is the Autobot leader from the Movie continuity family.
Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots. Once, long ago, he was co-ruler of Cybertron together with his brother, Lord High Protector Megatron, but Megatron grew greedy and attempted to claim the All Spark for himself. Optimus rose to stand against him. As obsessively as Megatron strives to achieve his objective, Optimus is equally as dedicated to stopping him, even at the cost of his life, his world, and—if necessary—his own people. It was on his order that the All Spark was jettisoned to space, dooming Cybertron to a slow death and his people to nomadism. The sacrifices he has made weigh heavily on his spark, but they must be done, for there is no other choice. He knows the ambitions that lurk in Megatron's spark, and they must never see the light of day. Lives must be kept free from the threat of Megatron's tyranny, no matter the cost.
- Hungarian name: Optimusz Fővezér ("Prime Leader Optimus")
- Cantonese name (Taiwan): Optimum
Fiction
Prime Directives prequel comics
For two generations, Optimus Prime ruled Cybertron side-by-side with Megatron. The two personalities created a balance; Prime was fair while Megatron was firm. However, when Megatron revealed his intentions to steal the All Spark and use it for evil, selfish gain, Prime reacted accordingly. He formed the Autobots, a militia from the civilians around him, but they fared terribly against Megatron's armies, the Decepticons. Ultimately, Prime was forced to eject the All Spark into space to keep it from his nemesis. Unfortunately, Megatron tracked the All Spark to Tyger Pax, where Bumblebee's unit was trying to slow down the Decepticons. Prime and the Autobots were held up in Simfur, and unable to come assist. Fortunately, Bumblebee's unit succeeded, and the All Spark was ejected into space, but Cybertron was sentenced to a slow death. The Autobots were forced to abandon the planet.
Thus the focus of the war between Autobot and Decepticon shifted. The All Spark's ejection was only a stall. No longer did Prime have to keep Megatron from stealing the All Spark, instead Prime and his Autobots must hunt down the All Spark, wherever in the universe it landed, before Megatron could. Prime Directives
Titan Magazines
When war broke out, Optimus studied the entire history of intergalactic warfare from any datatrack he could find - he studied whole campaigns to desperate last stands, gaining a focused "playbook" of warfare strategy. He understands warfare on a practical and psychological level, and in desperate battles knows to show no mercy to opponents beyond a swift death. [1]
Optimus was the focus of constant attacks by assassin drones and killed them all. In the aftermath of one, he witnessed a prophetic vision of the Mission City battle and realised the All Spark's ejection could spread war to other planets—but too late to stop the launch... Transformers Comic issue 1
Almost immediately after the final battle against Megatron, Optimus Prime had to lead the Autobots against a horde of zombie Decepticons. Despite having no idea how they could stopped and having had his power drained by fighting Megatron, Optimus continued to fight the monsters rather than let them run amok. Ratchet worked out a solution just in time before Optimus fell. Transformers Comic issue 7
In the alternate reality of Twilight's Last Gleaming, Megatron defeated Optimus and took the All Spark at Mission City. Prime's body is now partially frozen and in Decepticon hands. He was the last and only hope of the Earth resistance, and so Bumblebee and Mikaela Banes were not happy to find him offline. Transformers Comic issue 9 She's trying to thaw him out while Bumblebee distracts Megatron. Transformers Comic issue 10
Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday prequel novel
Optimus Prime led the search for the All Spark in the Ark, a transport vessel. When they came across an abandoned solar system, they located a vessel of strangely Cybertronian design, seemingly of Decepticon make. When the vessel fled to the surface of a planet, Prime dispatched Bumblebee to investigate while he and the other Autobots battled Decepticons from the Nemesis. Prime managed to defeat Blackout, Scorponok, and Frenzy all on his own. After losing touch with Bumblebee, Prime went down to locate him on the planet, where they were attacked by Starscream and the alien ship. They fell into a cavern network, where they were further attacked by indigenous worms.
During their flight from the creatures, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee came across the alien vessel. Prime realized that they were trying to surrender, so the Autobots communicated with its crew. Optimus explained that they came in peace, "freedom is the right of all sentient beings," Starscream tricks everyone, and so on. However, the creatures, who called themselves "humans", explained that they held Megatron, whom they called the Ice Man, on their home world, Earth. Realizing the destruction Megatron would wreak upon the humans if he escaped, and that the humans would be unable to defend themselves effectively, Prime vowed to see them return to their world to warn it. Prime was able to blast an opening in the cavern, and the group escaped. As they returned to the Ark, Prime began to speculate that the All Spark was what drew Megatron to Earth.
In the ensuing battle with the Decepticons, Prime was in the difficult position of fighting Starscream and protecting the human ship. His distractions allowed Bonecrusher to spear him with his tail. The difficult state nearly gave Starscream the chance to kill him, but the humans saved Prime's life by damaging Starscream, who destroyed them. Optimus Prime was inspired by their courage and sacrifice, and resolved to locate Earth before the Decepticons did—and hopefully before Megatron came back online.
Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday
Transformers (2007) film
- Voice actor: Peter Cullen (English), Tesshō Genda (Japanese), Guilherme Briggs (Brazil), Reiner Schöne (German)
The leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime came to Earth shortly after Bumblebee sent his comrades a beacon. Upon atmospheric reentry, Prime managed to land outside of Tranquility's inhabited areas. After scanning the form of an Earth truck and reconfiguring his body to transform into it, Prime, Jazz, Ratchet, and Ironhide met up with Bumblebee and his human friends, Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes in an alley. In one of the most extended transformations in the multiverse, Prime assumed his robotic form before the stunned humans. After confirming Sam's identity, Prime introduced himself and his team. When Mikaela asked of the Autobots intentions, Prime explained the search for the All Spark, the betrayal of Megatron, and why Sam was important to their search.
Glasses that belonged to Sam's ancestor, Captain Archibald Witwicky, contained the location of the All Spark encoded across its lenses, so Optimus Prime ordered his troops to wait outside Sam's house while Sam and Mikaela searched inside for the glasses. Much to Sam's exasperation, Optimus Prime, in his impatience, clumsily ruined his parents' garden, and the Autobots' heavy footsteps convinced them there was an earthquake. Prime's attempts to hide, such as having the Autobots transform into vehicle mode right in the backyard, were also less than satisfactory. Ultimately, Sam came so close to a panic attack that Prime was forced to order the Autobots to fall back. As Prime lectured his team on their supposed inability to remain quiet, Ratchet got himself shocked by walking into some powerlines, causing further problems. When the parents came to investigate, Prime's attempt to avoid discovery caused the house to shake, though this was to their benefit, as the father assumed that the damage to the yard was the result of an earthquake. Ironhide suggested that they kill the parents, but Optimus scolded his old friend. Despite all this, their presence remained undetected until Sector Seven arrived (in a convoy of GMC Yukon's) and abducted Sam, Mikaela, and Sam's parents.
"You mean me?"
"I am this close to feeding you to Grimlock!"
"Okay, I--I'm getting out."
Optimus Prime sent the Autobots in pursuit of the SUV that contained Sam, Mikaela, and Sector Seven's director, Agent Simmons. Prime intercepted the vehicle carrying their young human friends, ripping the roof of the vehicle off, with the other Autobots disarming the agents, and made it perfectly clear to Simmons how pissed off he was at him for trying to apprehend the two children, regarding this as a bad move on Simmons' behalf. Optimus then ordered his comrades to relieve the agents of their weapons, and attempted to interrogate Simmons. The agents lack of surprise at their appearance indicated that they had seen Cybertronians before, but Simmons refused to reveal any information. With a Sector Seven backup team en route, Prime ordered the Autobots to scatter, while he took Sam and Mikaela. While hiding under a bridge, Mikaela and Sam slipped and fell off Prime's shoulder. Bumblebee managed to catch them before impact, but was captured, and Sam and Mikaela recaptured, by the organization after their retreat.
Optimus Prime, now in possession of the glasses which can tell him the location of the All Spark, regrettably leaves Bumblebee in Sector Seven's hands, knowing that if they went after him, they would have to use deadly force. After regrouping the next day, Prime used the glasses to locate the All Spark. Jazz raised objections to leaving Bumblebee behind, but Prime remained firm in his belief of not harming the humans. Ironhide seemed okay with using deadly force, stating the humans were too violent, but Prime countered that when their time had come, the Cybertronians had been little different. Going to explain the potential he saw in the humans, as well as reminding them that "freedom is the right of all sentient beings", Prime revealed to the Autobots his real plan for the All Spark: if they could not defeat the Decepticons, Prime intended to merge the Cube with his spark. Though this would destroy the All Spark, Ratchet cautioned Prime against this, as it would also kill him. Prime believed that this was acceptable, vowing not to let another race suffer the mistakes of the Transformers. The glasses placed the All Spark at Hoover Dam where, luckily, Bumblebee and the young humans were taken.
Optimus Prime's team met up with Sector Seven, Bumblebee, Sam, and Mikaela en route, who had planned to hide the All Spark in nearby Mission City. While on the highway, he was attacked by Bonecrusher, who managed to tackle Optimus and drag him over the edge of a freeway overpass. During the battle, Optimus struck the rage filled Transformer so hard his optic popped out. As the Decepticon swung his claw wildly, Optimus drew his sword from his right arm and sliced off one of Bonecrusher's arms, before brutally finishing off his enemy by driving the blade through Bonecrusher's neck, severing his head.
Optimus arrived at Mission City just in time to observe Megatron discarding the remains of Jazz, and challenged him. Millennia in the ice had done nothing to lessen Megatron's hatred of his brother, and he launched himself in jet mode at the Autobot leader. Optimus leaped and grabbed hold of the wings, which was a really bad idea, as Megatron drove himself and Prime through an office block. As they flew out of the building onto the street below, Megatron transformed and leapt on top of Prime, declaring the humans undeserving of life. Prime rejected his claims, saying that they deserved to chose for themselves. Megatron threw Prime across the street, declaring that if he wished to defend the humans, Prime could die with them. He then formed his fusion cannon from his forearms. The power up time allowed Prime to draw his ion blaster and fire, hitting Megatron. The Decepticon used the momentum to spin around, then used the fusion cannon to blast Prime across the street into another building. Megatron then resumed the hunt for Sam and the All Spark.
Tracking Megatron to the deserted building, Prime barely managed to catch Sam after Megatron knocked him off the roof. Telling the boy to hold onto the Cube, Prime attempted to scale down the building, but Megatron jumped on Prime, causing them both to fall down hard onto the street below. Sam survived, however, and Optimus told the boy that if he could not defeat Megatron, Sam must put the All Spark into his chest which would destroy it. As Sam sought cover, Optimus faced down Megatron, and informed him that, "At the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall fall". Unfortunately, Megatron, even after years of stasis, proved to be far too powerful for Prime to defeat alone. The unit led by Lennox and the Raptor squadron laid down suppressing fire as Megatron reached for the All Spark, until Optimus finally took him down by sweeping his legs. Still, Megatron continued, crawling toward the cube. Believing he had lost, Optimus implored to Sam to put the All Spark into his chest. Sam instead thrust it into Megatron's chest, eventually killing the Decepticon leader and destroying the All Spark.
As Optimus watched his brother die, he regretfully said there was little other choice. He also told Sam he owed him a debt of gratitude for saving his life, but was then informed that Jazz had not survived. Prime briefly eulogized his comrade, then commented that they had gained new comrades in the humans, and was honored by their bravery. Bumblebee, who had finally regained his voice, requested permission to remain with Sam Witwicky, to which the young human eagerly agreed, and Optimus approved. He noticed a fragment of the All Spark in Megatron's chest cavity and removed it, then permitted the humans to dispose of the Decepticon corpses by dumping them into the deepest part of the ocean.
Though Megatron was killed and his Decepticons were defeated, the All Spark was destroyed, leaving the Autobots unable to restore Cybertron. The Autobots elected to remain on Earth, and Prime sent a message into deep space to any surviving Autobots in the Galaxy to come to their new home on Earth, their long years of searching having finally having come to an end. As the other Autobots rested (and watched Sam and Mikaela make out on Bumblebee's hood) Optimus Prime looked to the sky, hoping his message had been heard.Transformers (2007)
Transformers The Game
- Voice actor: Peter Cullen
Optimus Prime provides intelligence and missions to Bumblebee in his search for the All Spark. Eventually, the clues lead the Autobot to Sam Witwicky. After saving Sam from Barricade, Bumblebee finally completes preparations for the Autobots to arrive on Earth.
Once on Earth, and having informed the two teenagers of their mission, Prime and the Autobots are discovered by Sector 7. Optimus sends Jazz on a high-speed destruction distraction mission, then sends Ironhide to rescue Jazz from a double-threat posed by the government agents and various Decepticon scouts.
When Bumblebee is captured, Prime transforms and chases the chopper which from which the small Autobot is tied. After a lengthy chase, Prime manages to catch the net, only to be thrown off by another Cybertronian meteor. As Bumblebee is carried away, Optimus promises he will not fail him again. Jazz informs him that the meteor is not an Autobot. Prime confronts the new threat, who turns out to be the Decepticon triplechanger Shockwave. The two battle it out across Tranquility before Optimus finally destroys him. But not without overhearing Starscream's transmission revealing the location of the All Spark.
Optimus then returned to an intel role as he guided Bumblebee in his mission to retrieve the All Spark from Hoover dam. Unfortunately, the Decepticons manage to free Megatron, leading to the final battle in Mission City.
As the Autobots battle it out with the Decepticons to protect Sam and the All Spark, things seem to take a turn for the worst as Megatron finally arrives. But before he can claim the cube, Optimus attacks him.
The two battle it out until Megatron is finally on the ground, seemingly devoid of life. Optimus then kneels to as Sam hands it to him. Megatron however awakens, leaping at Optimus with his chain-flail out, and making one last attempt at defeating his adversary. Optimus grabs the chain, pulling Megatron in closer, and with the All Spark clutched in his fist, delivers a punch through Megatron's spark. As Megatron dies, Optimus reflects on the losses and rewards of this battle, as the Autobots have a new home. Optimus plans to guard the humans in secret, "For freedom is the right of all sentient beings."
Note: If played in Decepticon mode, Optimus is beaten to the ground, and as he crawls for the All Spark, Megatron smashes his head with his flail before using the cube to destroy humanity.
Transformers: Autobots
- Voice actor: Peter Cullen
Arriving late on Earth, Optimus meets up with the other Autobots to give further commands to his troops. Create-A-Bot, the new rookie, is eager to help in the cause, but Optimus tells him to sit back while the grown-ups take care of business. Getting fed up with the bureaucracy, Create-A-Bot finally defies orders and completes a mission against Optimus's council. After nearly getting himself and the other Autobots killed, Create-A-Bot apologizes to Optimus personally. Taking pity on the newcomer, Optimus lets him off with a stern warning, and they move out together to face Megatron. During the fight, Create-A-Bot sacrificed himself to save his commander. Megatron defeated, Optimus commended the young Autobot as a war hero, and sent out an interstellar message to any Cybertronians living among the stars.
Transformers: Decepticons
Landing on Earth, Optimus quickly joins the other Autobots to attempt to stop the Decepticons. He doesn't actually appear, however, until Megatron himself is released and Starscream escapes with the AllSpark. He steps in to thwart the maniacal leader of the Decepticons, but alas, is struck down, left in the streets while Megatron gives chase to his traitorous second-in-command. You can ironically cheat by jumping on a building and shoot him then.
Toys
Transformers (2007)
As a tribute to his immense popularity, Optimus Prime is the only Movie transformer with a toy in every regular category (Legend, Fast Action, Deluxe, Voyager, and Leader.) This is excluding his Cyber Stomper and transformable gun toys.
Legends Class toys
- Optimus Prime (Legends Class, 2007)
- Japanese name: EZ Collection Optimus Prime
- Legends class Optimus Prime is an extremely simplified toy of the extremely complex movie design. As such, he features numerous unavoidable inaccuracies, such as not transforming or even looking very much like the original design or the larger toy versions in robot mode. However, proportionally Legends class Optimus Prime is not far off from the real truck and the Leader class toy's vehicle mode, aside from missing a smokestack on the driver's side. he is articulated at the shoulders and upper legs via ball-joints.
- Generations Legends (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
- A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime, Movie Legends Optimus Prime, Legends of Cybertron Megatron and Movie Legends Megatron.
- Battle for the Allspark (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
- A Toys'R'Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of Optimus Prime, Jazz, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream and Barricade.
- Nightwatch Optimus Prime vs. Stealth Starscream (Legends Allspark Battles two-pack, 2008)
- The previously-released Legends Class Optimus Prime toy is redecoed to match the Leader class Nightwatch Optimus Prime deco. He comes with a predominantly black and silver redeco of Starscream.
Deluxe Class toys
- Protoform Optimus Prime (Deluxe Class, 2007)
- Japanese ID number: MA-05
- Accessories: Gun with flame attachment
- Based upon the "Protoform" (Cybertronian) appearances of the Transformers in the Movie, Protoform Optimus Prime transforms into his "entry" mode. This mode somewhat resembles a cybertronic truck, with false wheels sculpted onto the sides, and Optimus Prime's trademark windows in front. A flame decoration piece fits to the back of the "vehicle", creating the illusion of a flaming comet's tail. The bottom of the vehicle has small wheels to roll the toy across smooth surfaces. Oddly, it has NO automorph gimmick at all, a feature most main-line figures have.
- In robot mode he resembles previous Optimus characters: his angular chest windows are reminiscent of Cybertron Optimus Prime, while his near-animalistic limbs and color scheme are evocative of Beast Wars Optimus Primal. He has excellent articulation due to his many ball joints, and is armed with a rifle. The flame attachment can fit onto the end of the (non-firing) gun barrel.
- Some packaging variants of this figure (perhaps a Wal-Mart exclusive) included a free movie poster depicting a Cybertronian eye overlooking Earth. While an added sticker to the outer plastic bubble says "Exclusive movie poster!", it is more of a preview of upcoming figures.
- Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition (C3xHobby Convention exclusive Deluxe, Japan 2007)
- Accessories: Gun with missile and flame attachment
- An extensive redeco of the Protoform Optimus Prime mold that was exclusively available at the Japanese C3xHobby Convention in August of 2007, and later offered by e-Hobby in limited quantities. Most of the body is made out of transparent turquoise plastic in order to mimic its frozen state in the "coldness" of space, while orange paint is used on the front end of the "entry" mode, mimicking the heat effects of sudden atmospheric entry. The flame attachment is made out of clear blue plastic, with the tail end being covered in gold paint.
- Deluxe three-pack (multi-pack, UK 2007)
- This three-pack, which was available at general retail in the United Kingdom, contains an unchanged Deluxe Class Protoform Optimus Prime together with equally unchanged Deluxe Class Decepticon Brawl and Autobot Jazz toys.
Voyager Class toys
- Optimus Prime (Voyager Class, 2007)
- Japanese ID number: MA-13
- Accessories: 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles
- The mid-range Voyager class Movie Optimus Prime toy transforms into an amalgamation of the Kenworth W900 and the Peterbilt 379, making this toy fairly inaccurate to the actual vehicle Optimus Prime turned into. Because of the smaller size and lessened complexity, the Voyager class Optimus Prime features a significantly different transformation sequence compared to the Leader class toy, and indeed, the actual CGI design. However, as the actual truck cabin no longer forms his chest, the cabin now features a small interior with opening doors and a non-removable cowboy-hat-bedecked driver figurine that flips out of the seat when the driver's side door is opened.
- In robot mode, Voyager class Optimus Prime is proportionally more accurate to his CGI design than the leader class toy and has a more accurate headsculpt, but due to the aforementioned lessened complexity significant sacrifices had to be made, such as "cheats" to the transformation sequence to achieve this and thus he is overall less accurate than he initially appears. In addition to previously mentioned changes, he carries much of the truck's front hood, grill and fenders on his back like a backpack. However, he maintains a superb level of articulation and posability.
- Optimus Prime is armed with two large rifles formed out of a combination of both smokestacks and fuel tanks. These rifles peg into lower arms with grips for his open hands. The under-slung fuel tanks can fire spring-loaded projectiles. In vehicle mode, both smokestack rifles can be deployed as twin cannons, and this mechanism can also be used to store the rifles and deploy them as shoulder guns in robot mode.
- Robo-Vision Optimus Prime (Voyager, 2007)
- Accessories: 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles
- A Target-exclusive repaint of the Voyager Class Optimus Prime toy, this limited edition version boasts a "Supermetal finish", resulting in silver metallic paint covering much of his paintable gray/silver plastic, a much higher contrast in his red and blue plastic colors and improved 'flame' paint decorations.
- Unusually for the smaller Voyager Class of toys, Robo-Vision Optimus Prime comes packed in robot mode in a special hexagonal column box with many windows, similar to the original packaging for 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime. The package also includes a Robo-Vision Decoder. Strangely, this Target exclusive preceded the release of the regular Voyager by a large margin, coming out on June 2, 2007 with the initial wave of movie toys.
This toy has been retroactively declared part of the Premium Series of more movie-accurate redecos of core characters from the movie.
- Bumblebee and Optimus Prime (Argos exclusive two-pack, UK 2007)
- A two-pack, exclusiveliy available at Argos stores in the United Kingdom, which contains an unchanged Voyager Class Optimus Prime and an equally unchanged Deluxe Class Concept Camaro Bumblebee.
- Battle damage three-pack (Sam's Club exclusive three-pack, 2007)
- A three-pack, exclusive to Sam's Club stores, consisting of redecos of Voyager Class Optimus Prime and Deluxe Class Arcee, both with a battle damage deco, and an unchanged Voyager Class Starscream.
- Autobot Optimus Prime (Best Buy exclusive? Voyager-sized toy, 2008)
- A single-packed version of the battle damaged Voyager Optimus Prime toy from the Sam's Club exclusive three-pack. Based on the assortment number (and the packaging style), this appears to be a Best Buy exclusive.
- First Strike Optimus Prime (Voyager Class, 2008)
- Accessories: 2 rifle/smokestack-fuel tank assemblies, 2 missiles
- Released as part of the Allspark Power refresh of the movie line, First Strike Optimus Prime is a extensive redeco of Voyager class Optimus Prime in a colour scheme based upon Generation 1 and Classics Optimus Prime. The included toy bio describes this coloring as Prime paying tribute to the markings he wore as a young soldier when the war began. Due to the transformation scheme, this figure actually ends up being less like its G1 counterpart in robot mode, a sacrifice made for the slavish redeco of the vehicle mode. You can't have your cake and eat it too, folks.
Leader Class toys
- Optimus Prime (Leader Class, 2007)
- Japanese ID number: MA-01
- Accessories: Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile
- The largest Movie Optimus Prime toy, Leader Class Optimus Prime features the most accurate representation yet of the CGI designs' complex transformation sequence, the only difference being the arms which are placed behind the cab while they constitute the hood in the CGI model. He transforms into a heavily-customized Peterbilt 379 conventional extended-hood, and unusual for a mainline figure, he has rubber tires on all his wheels. His Ion Blaster weapon is stored in the rear of the truck's bunk, exposed like an engine block. Though Optimus has no trailer, he has hole where the fifth wheel (known among fans as a 'hitch') is sculpted in the rear of the truck, should owners find a suitable trailer to use. Due to safety reasons, the tips of his long smokestacks are made of rubber. A switch on top of the cab roof activates horn sounds and window lights.
- Featuring a complex transformation, essentially the front and back ends of the truck fold and converge to become Optimus Prime's legs, as much of the truck rear is connected to the robot thighs via a series of folding panels. The rear wheel cowlings feature a hinge joint in the middle of them so they do not impede his knee articulation. The rear cabin of the cab, directly connected to the smokestacks, rotate and connect to his torso and unfold into his arms. As with most mainline Movie toys, Optimus Prime features Automorph gimmicks, and due to his pricepoint has three of them. Firstly, during initial transformation, rotating his front fenders to become his heels flips the top parts of the grill to become his toes. Secondly, sliding out the double-barrel cannon in his right forearm flips out his spring-loaded Ion Blaster, which lands into place for his right hand. (The Ion Blaster can actually be popped off his forearm fairly easily, held in place by a simple clip.) Optimus' final Automorph, located in his torso, is activated by flipping the silver lever on his stomach activating a series of spring-loaded actions where the truck windows are pushed apart, and the lever between them is raised, enabling the head to spring up from the chest cavity. At this point yellow LEDs light up the chest windows and Optimus Prime's eyes, accompanied by a 'powering up' sound effect.
- Optimus Prime has a wide range of articulation for a relatively bulky figure. He has ratcheting joints in his shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, with swivel joints and ball joints supporting them in his biceps, lower knee joints and ankles. Again, unusually for a mainline figure, especially at the Leader pricepoint, his hands have individually articulated fingers and thumbs.
- Optimus Prime bonus pack (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
- A Costco exclusive special pack of Leader Class Optimus Prime with Legends Class Bumblebee and Autobot Jazz as bonus figures. None of the three toys is changed from their respective original releases.
- Chrome Optimus Prime (Leader Class, 2007)
- Accessories: Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile
- Two custom-made pieces (presented in robot and vehicle mode) by the Hasbro Transformers team as the grand prize for G4TV and Jumpcut's contest for fans to remix selected Transformers clips. Won by TFW2005.com member James Zahn, this one of a kind (well, two of a kind) piece is a almost fully vacuum-metallized Leader class Optimus Prime in red, silver and blue (based heavily upon Generation 1 Optimus Prime), presented with a custom display base with an embossed silver Autobot insignia and a perspex display case.
- It is certainly one of the rarest Transformers toys ever, and unless you are James, you will never own one.
- Nightwatch Optimus Prime (Leader Class, UK 2007)
- Accessories: Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile
- The first Nightwatch Optimus Prime is an extensive redeco of the previously released Leader-class Optimus Prime, replacing most of his red and blue with different shades of blue and black. In fact, he resembles the original Diaclone Powered Convoy color scheme of Generation 1 Ultra Magnus's truck cab. The previously blue and red flames have been replaced with silver flames, as has various other decos, replaced by copper.
- This version was released in the UK several months before the AllSpark Power version. Available exclusively through Argos stores, it came in an American-style box with the original Movie packaging design.
- Nightwatch Optimus Prime (Leader Class, USA 2008)
- Accessories: Removable Ion blaster, 1 missile
- The second Nightwatch Optimus Prime was released as part of the "AllSpark Power" second half of the Movie line. He is similar to the UK version of Nightwatch Prime, replacing most of his red and blue with different shades of blue and black, retaining his resemblance to Diaclone Powered Convoy in most respects. However, the subdued black and copper on the first Nightwatch Prime have been replaced with gold and a very bright blue, to signify the All Spark energy affecting the Transformers.
- Another difference is that this version comes in an AllSpark Power-style box instead of the original style.
- Optimus Prime ("Premium Series" Leader Class, 2008)
- Accessories: Retractable "energy sword"
- The Premium Series Optimus Prime is both a retool and a redeco of the Leader Class Optimus Prime toy. The major selling point is a more movie-accurate headsculpt with longer ears and detailing based on the final CG head design, and a flip-out energy sword to replace the ion blaster that was included with previous versions of the toy. Because his ears are much longer, the truck roof panel that hides his head now has two holes cut into so the head can fit inside the cabin.
- The paint deco is... unfocused, to say the least. In vehicle mode, the grill, headlights, bumps (thus his feet) are painted silver, yet the red in the small Autobot insignia has been removed. There is silver paint on the fuel tanks (toy battery cover), but not on the other tool boxes and equipment in the same location. There is also silver paint on all 6 wheel rims, the air cleaners and the windscreen visor. In robot mode the silver paint is mainly located on his thighs and crotch, though in order to save on costs, the dark blue and gold paint on his thighs and knee joints have been sacrificed.
- Unlike the initial Premium Series toys, this one will be available as part of the regular mass retail Leader Class assortment.
- Optimus Prime Battle Mode (Leader Class, 2008)
- Japanese ID number: MA-21
- Accessories: Retractable "energy sword"
- The TakaraTomy version of Premium Series Optimus Prime has a considerably different deco to Hasbro's release. Similarly the unique Chrome Optimus Prime, Optimus Prime Battle Mode features vacuum-metallized parts for nearly all of the silver truck parts, for a great resemblance to the polished chrome on the real prop trucks. Unfortunately, as his feet are the front fenders and grill, this will likely lead to chipping. In robot mode he retains several decos that were removed from Hasbro's Premium Optimus Prime for cost reasons, such as the blue and gold decos on his thighs. Finally, the flip-out energy sword is coloured gold to reflect it's "powered up" appearance.
Fast Action Battlers
- Power Hook Optimus Prime (Fast Action Battler, 2007)
- Japanese ID number: QC-01
- Accessories: 1 Missile
"Okay mommy, me got my backback and big gun thingy. Me go to robot school now?"
That's what it looks like this Prime is saying.
- Leader for the Ages (Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack, 2007)
- Accessories: 1 gun, 1 Missile
- This Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack contains the Fast Action Battler Power Hook Optimus Prime toy, designated "2007 Optimus Prime", and the Classics Optimus Prime toy from The Ultimate Battle DVD two-pack. Both toys are identical to their normal individual releases.
- For some reason the Classics Optimus toy is designated "1984 Optimus Prime" on the packaging, even though it was released in 2006... but, well, he looks like Prime from '84, so hey, what the hell.
- Fire Blast Optimus Prime (Fast Action Battler, 2008)
- Accessories: 1 Missile
- Fire Blast Optimus Prime is a redeco of the previously released Power Hook Optimus Prime fast action battler. The color scheme is loosely based upon Generation 1 Rodimus Prime, explained rather oddly in the card bio as being the camouflage Optimus took while hunting Decepticons on Mars post-movie. ...Because there are so many longnose cabs driving around Mars. Yeah.
Cyber Stompin' Robots
- Optimus Prime (Cyber Stompin' Robot, 2007)
He does look like a Rescue Hero.
Robot Replicas
- Optimus Prime (Robot Replica, 2007)
- Accessories: Ion blaster arm
- As part of the Robot Replicas line, this version of Optimus is a non-transforming action figure that utilizes Revoltech-style jointing. The sculpt hews much closer to the movie CGI model than is possible with the full transforming toys, plus the universal jointing of the line allows for his forearm to be replaced with his hand-cannon... or bits from other Robot Replicas.
Other toys
- Optimus Prime (cake topper, 2007)
- Yes, a cake topper. This toy was only available by purchasing a Transformers-brand cake (or set of 24 cupcakes) with delicious blue-and-red flame-pattern frosting. The toy transforms from semi cab to robot.
Micro IR Transformers Cars
- Optimus Prime (2007)
- Made under license by Radio Shack. Three-function infrared remote, in Optimus Prime's signature colors, gives you control of the car with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a car styled after the Movie character, the car also transforms to robot mode. The top of the gun-shaped IR remote's barrel serves as a display stand.
Titanium Series
- Optimus Prime (3" Robot Masters, 2007)
- Partially constructed of die-cast metal, this small three inch figurine of Optimus Prime has a CGI-accurate sculpt compared to the larger toys, owing to the fact it does not need to transform at all. He is sculpted with his Ion Blaster in his right fist, and is articulated at the neck, shoulders and waist. He comes with a small movie-style Autobot sigil display stand.
- Ultimate Optimus Prime 3-Pack (3" Robot Masters multi-pack, 2007)
- This Target-exlusve set contains the normal 3" Titanium Series Optimus Prime figurine (see above), a Protoform Optimus Prime figurine, and Optimus Prime in his Earth-mode truck form, making this the first time a character has appeared in their alternate mode as part of the Robot Masters sub-series.
Merchandise
Transformers (2007)
- Optimus Prime Voice Changer (2007)
- A highly CG-accurate sculpt of Optimus Prime's head with a built in voice-changer. It also has several sound effects and quotes from the movie. The voice-changer has three settings, giving more accurate alteration of the user's voice (though this is still debatable; most voice changing technology is pretty crummy, at least in toys). Much like the Ultimate Bumblebee figure, this toy will hate your wallet too. While it only costs 30 bucks, if it's anything like another Hasbro voice changer, it will suck batteries up like they were some kind of square candy holder.
- There are two versions of the voice changer helmet with two different pre-recorded voices. An earlier release features a voice similar to Garry Chalk, while the later release features the voice of Peter Cullen. The latter version has modified packaging under the 'Try Me!' blurb, stating it has 'Real Movie Voice!', though the updated version has also appeared in the original packaging without the 'Real Movie Voice!' notice.
- Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster (2007)
- The Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster transforms from a superdeformed amalgamation of his Movie truck and G1 Optimus Prime's truck (indeed pulling G1 Prime's trailer) to a fully G1 robotic forearm and hand with a built in Nerf style gun. By simply placing your hand inside the back of the trailer (I need an adult!) and pulling back on the front of the truck, the gun transforms and folds back into a weapon. It comes with three Nerf N-Strike size whistle darts which can be stored inisde the trailer. Although not shown in the image, the truck front splits in half in gun-mode, while the grille acts as a sight. This toy was marketed as 'Optimus Prime Big Rig Blaster' overseas.
- Optimus Prime Blaster (2007)
- An extensive redeco of the Energon Optimus Prime role-play Blaster, this toy "transforms" basically by extending. It fires suction-cup-tipped Nerf darts and is a Wal*mart and asda exclusive.
- Transformers Electronic Hand Held Game (2007)
- This LCD game features 10 levels and a design based on Optimus Prime.
- Optimus Prime Burger King free toy (2007)
- The BK tie in toy of Optimus Prime is essentially two toys in one. The first part of the toy consists of two truck halves, which snap together around a sculpted robot mode Optimus Prime. The truck is squat, and primarily blue, with outbursts of chalk gray paint and red flames. Pulling back and letting go activates the gimmick: Prime "drives" forward and bursts from the truck mode, "transformed" to robot mode. This gimmick has marginal success.
- The "robot mode" of Optimus Prime is where the pullback motor and working wheels of the toys lie. Optimus is sculpted in blue plastic, pre-posed in an odd crouching pose with zero points of articulation. His right knee is bent back, with his right arm touching his knee, while the left side has the leg forward and the left hand holding onto his butt. The toy is as sparsely painted as the truck, with light blue eyes and chest windows, gray hands and feet among other parts, and red forearms. Two panels on his back have red flame tongues on them.
- Optimus Prime Globe (2007)
- A snow globe containing an Optimus Prime figurine based upon one of lower-detail licensing/promotional renders of Optimus Prime, complete with funky munky pose.
ZipZaps® Micro RC
- Optimus Prime (2007)
- Model Number: 6000182
- Optimus Prime is one of the first Transformers characters licensed by Radio Shack for their ZipZaps line of pocket-size radio control cars. As a ZipZap, Optimus can be customized, trimmed, and tuned with any other accessories available for the brand. He has working headlights and requires four "AAA" batteries for the charger.
Battling Robots Bubble Bath
- Optimus Prime (2007)
- Optimus Prime's torso attaches to the bottle of bubble bath. His elbows bend, and his arms have a punching gimmick, to allow him to battle evil even in the shower. Pushing a lever on either side makes the respective fist punch forward. He's removable, though not as easily held without the bottle below his waist.
Robot Heroes
- Optimus Prime vs. Blackout (2007)
- Optimus Prime vs. Scorponok (2007)
- "Battle Damage" Optimus Prime & Cliffjumper (Best Buy Movie DVD Exclusives)
Trivia
- When Optimus' design was first revealed, many fans of the Generation 1 series objected to the flames seen on Prime's body. When asked in an interview why he put the flames on, Michael Bay claimed he liked them because it was "cool". It was later revealed on a special featurette on the DVD that the flames were added to give Prime's red colour a brighter tone, as apparentely red is not very good to film on camera.
- The announcement of Peter Cullen as Prime's voice actor in the movie is credited by some fans as allieving many fan tensions about the movie. Not all tensions, mind you, as there are some who just can't forgive, but it put the fans in a good mood.
- Takaratomy officially recognizes Optimus Prime's vehicle mode as a Kenworth W900 truck, even though the vehicle used for filming was a modified Peterbilt 379, a different model from a different brand, although both are made by the PACCAR company. [2]
- This marks the first time Optimus Prime's US name has also been used in Japan[3], rather than a variation of "Convoy" (or something else entirely).
- Unlike most of the other truck-mode Optimus Primes in other continuities, Movie Optimus Prime does not pull a trailer of any sort. However, if he did, it would most likely be a flatbed trailer, as the rear of Prime's sleeper cabin is protected by a large silver headache rack, a piece of optional equipment installed in trucks that haul heavy loads on flatbed trailers. The rack protects the driver in case the load breaks free during braking.
- When Optimus Prime scans a truck for his new body, the passing truck has what appears to be an Autobot sigil on its grill, but the actual truck that Prime turns into at the end of the scene has a much wider, flatter symbol on the grill which looks rather more like that of Peterbilt.
- As part of the hype buildup to the movie's release, Optimus Prime made a brief cameo at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, interacting with host Sarah Silverman. The scene spliced Silverman into pre-existing movie footage, but featured new dialogue recorded for the event by Peter Cullen. Prime heavily hinted that he wanted to present an award, but was rejected for a regular MTV fan.
- According to the free trading cards from the Boston Globe, Optimus is 28 feet tall, weighs 4.3 metric tons, and his primary weapon is an ion blaster. (Considering Optimus's height however, this weight would seem implausible)
- According to a tie-in advertisement for Burger King, Prime likes his Whoppers with no onions, no cheese, and with extra pickles on the side. However, due to a cruel twist of fate, he can never enjoy the sweet taste of beefy victory. He saved the world from the Decepticons, and still he can't even have it his way?
- The Optimus Prime computer generated model consisted of 10,108 individual parts, 1,830,898 polygons, 27,744 rig nodes, and 2336 texture maps. The volume of all pieces combined came to 5445 cubic feet.[4]
- Sadly enough, Optimus was only able to shoot his gun ONCE in the movie. He makes up for it by using the awesome energy blade, though.
- Optimus Prime (in truck mode) made an appearance at BotCon 2007, alongside the Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit. He was available for pictures all weekend.
- It said in the Autobots game in the DS, Prime's father was killed by Megatron. However, since it is also widely known that Prime and Megatron were brothers, Megatron killed his own dad. Not that this is surprising, though.
- Prime's initial plan to end the war: unite the All Spark with his own spark, destroying it and himself, leaving the Autobots leaderless and further reducing their already dangerously low ranks, and leaving a planet full of squishy, carbon-based life forms at the mercy of a psychotically violent Decepticon conqueror who wouldn't think twice about obliterating the remaining Autobots, the planet and every living creature on it, and perhaps Starscream just for good measure...yeah. Really thought that one through, didn't ya, Prime?
External links
References
- ↑ (Autobot VS Decepticon Smackdown! - Megatron V. Optimus Prime, #4)
- ↑ Article at Edmunds.com on some of the vehicles used in the movie
- ↑ Movie Optimus Prime toy listing on Takaratomy.com
- ↑ Robertson, Barbara (2007). Heavy Metal. Computer Graphics, 30(7), 12-17.
