Prime (rank)
| The name or term "Prime" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Prime (disambiguation). |
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 seven of the Thirteen original Transformers created, by his own hand, at the dawn of the physical universe to crew his planetary form.
In universes where the Transformers speak Japanese, the equivalent rank is 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.
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.
"Prime" is a title/rank similar in use to Marvel Comics. There is a nearly complete linage of Matrix of Leadership bearers taking the rank. They are: Primon, Prima, Prime Nova, Guardian Prime, Zeta Prime, Sentinel Prime, Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and Rodimus Prime. The AllSpark Almanac II
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 Council of Ancients, but the Prime themself 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.
Unicron Trilogy
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. In Galaxy Force, Override (Nitro Convoy), Scourge (Flame Convoy), Evac (Live Convoy), and Metroplex (Megalo Convoy) all hold the title of Convoy as leaders of their respective planets, but this scheme does not carry over into the western translation, and so the Prime appellation does not apply. Likewise, in Super Link, the Japanese version of Energon, Rodimus is known as "Rodimus Convoy", hearkening back to the name of his G1 predecessor. But again, this does not follow through in Hasbro's materials.
IDW Comics continuity
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 #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 Origin (LBJ style), before ultimately dying himself, passing the "Prime" mantle onto Optimus. Spotlight: Blurr
Movie continuity
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 AllSpark just as the Lord High Protector was co-ruler. Optimus Prime held this title before, during and after the war for the AllSpark 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 (uniquely) it is distinctly lower than commander of all Autobots (that would be 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 Cybertron Elite Guard, they are both still Primes of equal rank. 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 on the Elite Guard. The rank of Prime seems to be roughly equivalent to the human naval rank of captain.
In addition to Optimus and Sentinel, there is also Rodimus Prime and Longarm Prime. Longarm was presumably given the rank as head of Cybertron Intelligence, although his predecessor Highbrow was never referred to as a Prime.
In the Animated universe, there is also the rank of "Minor", which lies below Prime. Some sources hint at a "Major" rank lying above Minor, but below Prime.
Fun Publications fan club comics
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. Logos Prime and Prima's function are 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, Ultra Magnus or Thunderclash may very well usurp the title and position in the future.
War for Cybertron
Following the War of the Original Thirteen Primes, the Covenant of Primus decreed there would only be one Prime ruling Cybertron at a time. It was technically Primus's right to appoint the Prime and bestow them the Matrix, but gradually his children became ignorant of his presence. It almost seems Sentinel Prime was the only Prime between the Age of the Primes and Optimus, as he fought off the Quintessons, established the Golden Age and tried to combat its decline by establishing the caste system, to Alpha Trion's displeasure. Sentinel was unworthy of the Matrix, and the Core said it was only after his death that Optimus could receive it for being a Prime was not a status Trion or the High Council could grant. The civil war began and continues as Megatron and Starscream both want to be Prime and bear the Matrix. Transformers: Exodus
In Xbox 360/PS3/PC version of War for Cybertron, the Autobot High Council declare they exist to choose the Primes, and seemingly referencing the Thirteen, note they have watched as many Primes fell to their greed and pride.
Notes
Foreign names
- Japanese: Prime (プライム Puraimu)
