Ion blaster

I'm a pacifist, but only to a point.

The ion blaster is Optimus Prime's primary weapon. Only used by the leader of the Autobots when all attempts at peace have failed, the ion blaster ensures that freedom is the right of all sentient beings, and strikes fear in the sparks of the Decepticons who are foolish enough to challenge him.

Except Megatron. Only Primus knows how many times Optimus has shot Megatron and failed to kill him. Starscream knows that frustration all too well.

Notes

• In the original toy and the original cartoon, Prime's weapon was referred to as a laser rifle, but many newer toys have called it an ion blaster.

• One notable aspect of Optimus Prime's Generation 1 and Generation 2 toys is that the handle of his weapon was unable to fit in Prime's hand, and can only be held by the ammo casing. Also, the gun's rifle butt is too large to hold it straight, and must be held at an angle. Strangely, this has never been altered in reissuings.

Replacement ion rifle hinges: hard to find.

• Seemingly, when the Optimus Prime of IDW's comic continuity transforms, his ion blaster collapses into itself and is then thrown into his back, and subsequently his engine cab. So that is where it goes. Now if only we can figure out where the trailer goes...

• The Japanese-exclusive Robot Masters toy packaging calls this weapon the Convoy Gun. Wow, really original.

• In the 2007 movie, the Ion Blaster is seen only once being used against Megatron. ONCE.

• It's used more often in the 2009 movie, but on one occasion by Prime SHOOTING A HELPLESS ENEMY IN THE HEAD.