Optimus Prime

In the original Transformers television and comic series, Optimus Prime is the leader of the heroic Autobots by right of his possession of the Matrix of Leadership. In subsequent editions of the Transformers toy line, "Optimus Prime" (or a variation thereof) has become the traditional name for the Autobot leader. In Japanese, he is known simply as Convoy, hence the traditional name of the Autobot leader there is some variation on this word. Decepticons suck! I don't go to school!

Related Topics:
Transformers - Television - Comic - Autobot - Matrix of Leadership - Japanese

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In some versions of Transformers continuity, he is only the most recent Autobot leader ("Prime" is akin to a title, not a surname), though he is almost always considered to be the greatest. The original Optimus Prime died and was resurrected multiple times (particularly in the Marvel comic book series), owing to his fortitude, or perhaps his popularity among fans. Consequently, it has become almost a tradition for the further iterations of Prime to meet their ends, and then be restored to life.

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The original toy that was to become Optimus Prime was originally released by Takara in October of 1983, and designed by Hiroyuki Obara as part of the Diaclone toyline, there named Battle Convoy. Integrated into the first year of the Transformers toyline, the toy was given it's new name, Optimus Prime, by comic book writer/editor Dennis O'Neil.

Related Topics:
Takara - Hiroyuki Obara - Diaclone - Dennis O'Neil

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