Prime (Transformers)

Prime (Transformers)

Prime is a title in Transformers fiction, the designation given to the leader of the Autobots and bearer of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. The Japanese equivalent of Prime is Convoy, sometimes explained in Western Transformers folklore as an honorific nickname given to Autobots (called Cybertrons in Japan) who possess the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. The name is retroactively derived from their creator, Primus. An Autobot Supreme Commander may be called "Prime" even if he does not possess the Matrix. In such cases the term is a title only and not part of that Autobot’s name, like in Ultra Magnus's case. In other cases an Autobot may serve as a Matrix Templar without being the Supreme Commander, like Vector Prime, however the honorific “Prime” is still attached to their name. The most notable exception was in Transformers Animated, where Prime was not a title, but a commanding rank amongst the Autobots, as indicated by Optimus to Sentinel, and second only to that of Magnus.