Optimus Prime (Tyran)

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.

Freedom is the right of all sentient—oh, hell, you know the drill.

Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots. Once, long ago, he was co-ruler of Cybertron together with his brother, Lord 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. Lives must be kept free from the threat of Megatron's tyranny, at any cost.

Fiction

Prime Directives prequel comics

All Primes are required to have window boobs.

For 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 built a militia from the civilians around him, but they faired terribly against Megatron's armies. Ultimately, Prime was forced to eject the All Spark into space to keep it from his nemesis.

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

Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday prequel novel

Optimus Prime lead the serach 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, and of Decepticon make. When the vessel fled to the surface of a planet, Prime dispatched Bumblebee to investigate, while he and the Autobots battled the Decepticons from the Nemesis. After losing touch with Bumblebee, Prime went down to locate him, where they were attacked by Starscream and the alien ship. They fell into a cavern network, where they were attacked by indigenous worms.

Coming across the alien vessel, Prime and Bumblebee communicated with its crew. Prime 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, who they called the Ice Man, on their homeworld, Earth. Realizing the destruction Megatron would wreak upon the humans if he escaped, and that the humans would be unable to effectively defend themselves, Prime vowed to see them return to their world to warn it. In the ensuing battle with the Decepticons, the humans saved Prime's life by attacking Starscream, who destroyed them. 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)

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

There have been worse crashes

The leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime came to Earth shortly after Bumblebee sent his comrades a beacon. 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. Transforming before the stunned humans, he introduced himself, his team, and why Sam was important to their search for the All Spark.

Glasses that belonged to Sam's ancestor, Captain Archibald Witwicky, contain 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. 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.

At least Prime didn't throw a rock at your window.

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 Optimus 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 enroute, 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 remind him of the Cybertronians own violent history. He also 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, but Prime had made his decision. The glasses placed the All Spark at Hoover Dam where, luckily, Bumblebee and the young humans were taken.

And in the red corner, weighing in at...a lot, THE TRUCKER!

Optimus decides to walk to avoid rush hour traffic.

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 hate 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. Millennia in the ice had done nothing to lessen Megatron's hatred of his brother, and he launch himself in jet mode at the Autobot leader. Optimus leapt and grabbed ahold of the wings, which was a really bad idea as Megatron drove himself and Prime through an office block. Prime managed to get a shot off at Megatron, but the Decepticon's cannon threw Prime across the street into another building, allowing Megatron to resume the hunt for Sam.

After saving Sam from falling off a building, 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 made his escape, Optimus faced down Megatron and informed him that at the end of the 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 gratitide for saving his life, and granted Bumblebee's request to allow him to remain with Sam Witwicky.

"We lost a great comrade today, we'll miss you, Blues." "His name was Jazz, Prime." "Whatever."

Though Megatron 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 Optimus Prime sent a message to any surviving Autobots in the Galaxy to come to their new home, their search finally having come to an end. As the other Autobots rested (and watched Sam and Mikaela makeout) Optimus Prime looked to the sky, hoping his message had been heard.

Note: The comic book adaptation depicts Prime also defeating Barricade during the highway altercation with Bonecrusher.

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 take the All Spark from Sam. Megatron however awakens, leaping at Optimus with his chain-flail out. Optimus grips 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.

Toys

Transformers (2007)

• Protoform Optimus Prime (Deluxe, 2007)

Japanese ID number: MA-05

Based upon the 'Protoform' (Cybertronian) appearances of the Transformers in the Movie, Protoform Optimus Prime transforms into his 'Entry' mode cybertronic comet thing. 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.

• Optimus Prime (Leader, 2007)

Japanese ID number: MA-01

Y'think Prime got a makeover? We have it on good authority that Movie Roller is a kicked-out low-rider with a jammin' sound system and neon-purple undercarriage lighting.

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 who 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 truck, and unusually 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 a soft, flexible material. 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 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 they push the truck windows part, raises the lever between them and allows 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 (Legends, 2007)

Shortening the smokestacks is good, it makes the toy safer, but removing ONE and keeping the other? Crazy.

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.

• Robo-Vision Optimus Prime (Voyager, 2007)

I'd hate to see what those smokestacks looked like BEFORE Hasbro shortened them.

A Target-exclusive repaint of the Voyager class Optimus Prime (see below), 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.

• Power Hook Optimus Prime (Fast Action Battler, 2007)

Japanese ID number: QC-01

Ironically NOT a Burger King toy.

• Leader for the Ages (Figure two-pack, 2007)

The more things change, the more they, uh, get bigger guns.

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.

• Optimus Prime (Cyber Stompin' Robot, 2007)

Rescue Heroes!

• 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.

• Optimus Prime (Voyager, 2007)

Japanese ID number: MA-13

The last one of you out of here gets a...gets a lead salad!

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 an 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 shut.

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.

• Nightwatch Optimus Prime (Leader, 2007)

As part of the "AllSpark Power" second half of the Movie line, 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 colourscheme 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.

• Allspark Legends (Multi-pack, 2007)

Get ready for the safety recall folks.

A Toys R Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of Optimus Prime, Jazz, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream and Barricade.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available.

• Optimus Prime (Robot Replica, 2007)

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.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available.

• First Strike Optimus Prime (Voyager, 2007)

At long last, Optimus Prime will finally be redecoed into G1 Colors like some of his comrades. That means the truck will have mostly red on it, and no flames, making what some Fans consider a "perfect Prime"...except he uses the Voyager mold. Nobody's perfect.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available.

Titanium Series

• Optimus Prime (3" Robot Masters, 2007)

"Groovy!"

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.

• Protoform Optimus Prime (3" Robot Masters, 2007)

• Optimus Prime (vehicle mode) (3" Robot Masters, 2007)

• Infared Optimus Prime (?, 2007)

Not much is known about this figurine. Judging by its name, it may exist outside of the normal visible color spectrum.

Micro IR Transformers Cars

• Optimus Prime (2007)

That gun doesn't look very safe...

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.

Merchandise

Transformers (2007)

• Optimus Prime Voice Changer (2007)

Hardly anyone was wearing these damn things at BotCon 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)

Nor these!

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 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 uses Nerf N-Strike size darts.

• Optimus Prime Blaster (2007)

Pew, Pew

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 exclusive.

• Transformers Electronic Hand Held Game (2007)

Behold, the Autobot Gameboy of Leadership!

This LCD game features 10 levels and a design based on Optimus Prime.

ZipZaps® Micro RC

• Optimus Prime (2007)

Model Number: 6000182

In Soviet Russia, Prime controls YOU!

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)

Great skin is the right of all sentient beings.

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. 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.

Trivia

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 keeps us safe from the Decepticons, and 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.

• Sadly enough, Optimus was only able to shoot his gun ONCE in the movie.