Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is the awe-inspiring leader of the Autobot forces. Originally a civilian, he was chosen by the Matrix to command, the first in a number of heavy burdens he has been forced to bear. Another is his bringing of the Transformers' conflict to Earth. The complete opposite of his mortal enemy Megatron, every casualty, human or Cybertronian, weighs heavily on his spark. He does not show this side to his soldiers, and he never succumbs to despair.
The Autobots need a decisive, charismatic leader, and that is what he gives them. It was that leadership which turned the tide of the Great War. On the battlefield, there are few who rival Optimus Prime's prowess. His ion blaster and his energon-axe are deadly weapons, though lacking when compared to others. He is easily the strongest of any Autobot his size, and what he lacks in raw firepower he easily compensates with guts. He would sacrifice his life to protect his fellow Autobots or those under their care, and has on a few occasions. His compassion for other sentient beings is his only real weakness, and one the Decepticons have taken advantage of time and again... though it's also the source of his strength!
"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." OPTIMUS PRIME is the largest, strongest, and wisest of all Autobots. Feels his role is the protection of all life, including Earth-life. Fights unceasingly to defeat the Decepticons. Splits into three autonomous modules:
- 1) Optimus Prime...the brain center known as the Commander;
- 2) Roller, the autobot scout car...a spy who operates up to 1200 miles away; and
- 3) Autobot Headquarters...the combat deck equipped with a versatile mechanic/artillery robot. Injury to one module is felt by the other two.
To the left and right are the different incarnations of Optimus Prime Transformers toys that have hit the shelves in the US since the toy line's start in 1984.
- G1 - There were four different versions of Optimus Prime released during G1:
- The original Optimus Prime
- The original Optimus Prime (Mail-in and Pepsi box variant)
- Decoy Optimus Prime
- Powermaster Optimus Prime with Hi-Q
- Action Master Optimus Prime with Armored Convoy
The original Optimus Prime - The original Optimus Prime was originally issued before the Transformers, as we know them, appeared in the US in the so-called 'Diaclone' series (also a Takara-owned toy line). Some of the very first issue Primes were left-over stock from the Diaclone line, and can be recognized by metal plates in the trailer where there are usually stickers. Also, the weapons are somewhat 'bloated' when compared to the standard issue Optimus Primes, and Roller color would be either a light blue or grey instead of the standard purple.