Affiliation: Autobot
Function: Leader

First comic appearance (in this form): War Within #1 (Dreamwave Comics)

Comic art by Don Figueroa

Profile: Optimus Prime is the new leader of the Autobots. The mantle was passed to him during difficult times, and he was able to heed the call. He was originally known as Optronix, a simple archivist from Iacon. The power of the matrix increased his size and strength to an incredible magnitude. Originally known as a book-smart leader, he had to win the loyalty of his comrades through battle. He has realized his destiny as leader and defender of all life.

Abilities: He is the strongest single Autobot, and nearly the equal of Megatron. Optimus is also highly intelligent, and able to adjust quickly in battle.

Weaknesses: As a new leader, Optimus is still unsure about himself. Also, there is much about leadership and battle that he still needs to learn.

Strength: 10
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 6
Endurance: 8
Rank: 10
Courage: 8
Fireblast: 7
Skill: 8

History: Once an archivist named Optronix, Optimus Prime was thrust into the role of leader by Gravitas and the members of the Chamber of the Ancients. This was a role he certainly did not desire. He felt that the Autobots would be better off if they left Cybertron and ended their war with the Decepticons. Especially after Megatron had destroyed a number of leaders, including the previous leader Sentinel Prime. Optimus proved capable against Megatron's assassins, but did not have the full support of the Autobot warriors. It was during a battle with Megatron that the matrix caused them to see across space and time. They saw themselves in the future, fighting on an alien world. This event made Optimus realize that Cybertron was indeed worth fighting for, and that leaving Cybertron would not stop the Decepticons' thirst for conquest. Optimus Prime would eventually become considered the greatest leader of all time.

Other appearances: Chronologically speaking, he would become the original Optimus Prime from 1984. He would be upgraded to Powermaster Optimus Prime and Action Master Optimus Prime. G2 would see a repaint of Optimus Prime, a Combat Hero Optimus Prime, fan favorite Laser Optimus Prime, and Gobot Optimus Prime. Different characters with the same name include Machine Wars Optimus Prime, Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime, Armada STD Optimus Prime, Super Optimus Prime and Powerlinx Optimus Prime, Energon Optimus Prime and Cybertron Optimus Prime.

More comic pix:
robot mode
throwing Megatron