A character overlooked by many.

In 2018 IDW Publishing, the main publisher of Transformers comic books at the time, ended its main storyline with an event of 7 issues. Known as Transformers Unicron, it became an epic conclusion for this take on the Transformers Universe which involved years of character development and storylines that would inspire other stories in the franchise.

Transformers Unicron #6 (2018) cover by Alex Milne

Unicron is a favorite among Transformers fans, often portrayed as this god-like being with incredible power, and this iteration of the character started like that. People on forums were excited to finally see this character in modern tales. But, as the story progresses, this god figure is revealed to be an alien filled with hatred, something completely different from what the character was previously established in other Transformer stories.

The final issue consisted of Optimus Prime alongside a group of Autobots going against this god being before it destroyed the Earth. Simple, action-packed plot, you would expect huge explosions and bullets flying around through the pages. The end of Unicron is expected, after all our heroes must win and save the world. But, the story of Unicron didn't end with a big explosion or a special laser going through his chest. Instead, it ended with a hug delivered by the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime.

I remember reading through forums and Facebook posts criticizing this ending, calling it lame and progressive for some reason. But, for me, this act represents the values of Optimus Prime as a character. Unfortunately, the majority of people would probably associate him with his version from the action-packed movies.

Movie Franchise

Movies are the best promoter for brands and characters, even further than TV shows or comic books. I met Optimus Prime on the big screen. This iteration of the character is recognizable and often made fun of by the fans as being completely insane, violent, and ultimately a psychopath. And it is a shame because this is not what Optimus Prime stands for, it's not the ideal representation of the character for new audiences.

I have met people who are only familiar with Optimus Prime from the movies. They often perceive him as somebody who understands that violence is the only way for peace. In the 2023 film, Transformers Rise of the Beast, the depiction of Optimus Prime doesn't differ from this previously mentioned idea. He is violent, but the story tries to make the point that he is that way because he is struggling with being a leader.

For this installment, the Autobots seem to be stuck on Earth, looking for the first opportunity to leave the planet. Optimus Prime in particular blames himself for the situation and finding something to guarantee to the remaining Autobots they would leave the planet soon. This is a great plot for all the Autobots including Optimus, but the audience can't see that. There are a few instances of this trouble he has, but for the majority of the movie, he makes sure that he wants to kill the villain (Scourge) on the first chance he meets him. His main purpose was to kill Scourge because of pure vengeance. Yes, as a villain he made the atrocity to ''supposedly'' kill Bumblebee who is known for being a close friend of Optimus.

Prime's leadership

There have been other instances throughout other versions of Optimus struggling with being a leader and the loss of his friends. But in every story, he blames himself for these actions, not directly to the antagonists, but to himself. He understands that by being a leader he needs to make the tough decisions despite leaving those who follow getting in trouble. He assumes his responsibility to an extreme.

Transformers #1 (2009) cover art by Don Figueroa

For example, taking the comics from IDW Publishing again, after a long battle against Megatron, the Autobots seemed victorious, but a new threat arose as humans were now hunting them. This led the Autobots to go into hiding for two years. Much of the same plot from Rise of the Beasts happens in this story; Autobots looking for ways to leave Earth. Optimus orders a rescue mission for an Autobot captured by these humans, but as the mission fails, he loses Ironhide a brother in arms for Optimus in this version of the character. With grief and shame, he leaves the mantle of leader of the Autobots and surrenders to these humans.

Of course, he would later return to being the leader he was, but not before going through a spiritual trip to understand who he truly is and what it meant to be a leader, a Prime. Somebody to look over for others than for oneself.

Marvel Comics

Transformers debuted in comic books thanks to Marvel in the 80s. Establishing character personalities that would serve as the basis of what Transformers stories are today. Known as one of the many fathers of Transformers, Bob Budiansky wrote about characters' biographies, abilities, and weaknesses in the mini-series Transformers Universe.

Transformers Universe #2 (1987) cover art by Herb Trimpe, et al.

In issue two of this mini-series he wrote of both Optimus Prime and Megatron. I find it interesting what he had to say about the nemesis of Optimus Prime, after all, he is the main villain, a senior of chaos. He described in the section on weaknesses, ''Megatron has no known weaknesses''. This is odd once you fully meet this character as he has shown from time to time again that he has the weakness of greed and selfishness. The perfect shattered mirror of Optimus Prime.

Now, you would expect the same could be said of Optimus Prime. After all, he is the hero of the story, he is the leader of the Autobots. After describing some physical weaknesses, Budiansky describes his weaknesses, ''...[a] weakness he could be accused of having is being too compassionate and concerned for the safety of others. He would be a more effective military commander if he were more ruthless, but then he wouldn't be Optimus Prime''.

The Transformers #70 art by Andrew Wildman

A great example of what Optimus Prime is can be found in issue 70 of the Marvel Comicbooks. The main plot for this storyline was that Megatron and Autobot medical officer, Ratchet, fuse and make this amalgamation between the two characters. The conflict arose once the Megatron side began to have control over the body causing destruction. Optimus Prime arrives at the scene and manages to calm the amalgamation. As he was ready to take the shot he refused arguing ''it wasn't the Autobot way''. For a brief moment, the Ratchet side took control of the body only for him to take the tip of Optimus' gun and point it at his head. This was an act of begging to end his misery. Optimus refused to do it.

Later on, they managed to separate both characters without the need to kill one of them. Still, this had a huge impact on this version of Optimus Prime. For him, relying on violence and worse, to kill somebody, should be the last action to take.

The Real Optimus Prime

This character has made a huge impact on my life for the values he has shared throughout this 40-year-old franchise. I may have met him in his phase as an edgy violent movie star, but as I got much deeper into the Transformers story I came to realize there's more than meets the eye.

I think more kids and maybe even adults can learn one or two things from this character. He has taught me to be strong enough to be gentle. To respect other cultures and liberties in this crazy world. Now, more than ever, as I am entering into a world with a lot of greedy and selfish people; I think it's important to hold on to our values and make sure to overcome our limits. Not everyone can be Optimus Prime, but it is important to find those Autobots that will help you in your journey.