Optimus Prime - Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers: Generation 1

Orion Pax/Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime box art showing his original G1 toy design
Autobot/Maximal
Information
Sub-group Action Masters, Autorollers, Combat Heroes, Deluxe Vehicles, Go-Bots, Masterpiece, Primes, Powermasters, Voyagers
Function Autobot Leader, Supreme Commander, Chief Commander
Rank 10
Partner Roller, Hi-Q, Ironhide, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Jazz, Wheeljack, Prowl, Elita-1, Marissa Faireborn, Ultra Magnus, Rodimus, Barrelroller, Apex Bomber, Ginrai
Motto "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." (Generation 1)
"No sacrifice is too great in the service of freedom." (Classics)
Alternate Modes Freightliner Cab-over-engine Class 8 truck, Cybertronian truck, COBRA Sentry & Missile System tank, 1920s style truck, Peterbilt Truck, Mid-90s Peterbilt 4964EX Tanker Truck, Lamborghini Diablo, Dump truck, Dodge Ram SRT-10, Nissan GT-R, Bat
Series Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 2
Beast Wars
Machine Wars
Robot Masters
Transformers: Titanium
Transformers: Alternators
Transformers: Classics
Transformers: Universe
Smallest Transformers
Transformers: Masterpiece
Transformers: Music Label
Transformers: Sports Label
Transformers: Alternity
Transformers: Reveal the Shield
English voice actor Peter Cullen (most appearances)
Roger C. Carmel (when disguised as Motormaster in the episode Masquerade)
Ron Hayden (20th Anniversary toy sound base, Universe Flash cartoon)
Japanese voice actor Tesshō Genda

The first generation Optimus Prime transforms into a Kenworth K100 cab over truck. Within his chest is a mystic talisman, known as the autobot matrix of leadership or the "creation matrix", carried by all autobot leaders.

When Optimus transforms, his cab becomes an ion blaster and his trailer disconnects, forming a combat deck. The combat deck supports a mobile battle-station and command headquarters armed with assorted artillery and beam weapons that fire automatically. The combat deck can also serve as a radio antenna for battlefield communications between the autobots. The combat deck also included "Roller", a mobile scout buggy meant to scout behind enemy lines. When Roller is deployed, Optimus can see and hear what Roller sees and hears. Injury to one component is felt by each of the others. If the combat deck or Roller were to be destroyed, Prime could survive. However, despite the slight degree of autonomy they possess, the combat deck and Roller would not be able to survive without Optimus.

In the animated series, Optimus is able to fire short-range optic blasts, project holographic maps, and deploy hydro-foils, designed by Wheeljack, to traverse bodies of water with ease. In the animated series, Optimus was also given the ability to retract his right hand unit and replace it with a glowing axe.

Across the assorted continuities of the original Transformers universe, there have been various interpretations of Optimus Prime. One of Prime's most notable characteristics over all continuities his unswaying commitment to leadership by example. The animated series' version of Optimus Prime is depicted as a straightforward, wise, and upbeat battlefield general. Additionally, the animated series' version of Optimus dislikes rap music, putting him at odds with music-loving characters like Blaster and Jazz.

In the Marvel Comics series, in addition to these characteristics, Prime is secretly plagued by self-doubt and a conflicted sense of pacifism that often makes him an extremely reluctant warrior.

Read more about this topic:  Optimus Prime

Famous quotes containing the word generation:

    The contemporary thing in art and literature is the thing which doesn’t make enough difference to the people of that generation so that they can accept it or reject it.
    Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)