Rodimus Prime

Rodimus Prime is a fictional character in the Transformer Universe introduced in . He is the form which Hot Rod takes when he has possession of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, and the leader of the Autobots. He transforms into a streamlined truck and trailer with a red paint-job and flame details on the sides.

Generation One

Upon the death of Optimus Prime following the Battle of Autobot City on Earth, The Autobot Matrix of Leadership was passed to Ultra Magnus by Optimus Prime. Magnus was hesitant, claiming unworthiness, but Prime reassured him that he had not been worthy either, and that a Chosen One would rise from the ranks of the Autobots to wield the Matrix's power. Magnus held the matrix for a short time, but it was stolen by the Decepticon leader Galvatron. Shortly thereafter, in a battle inside Unicron, the Matrix was recovered from Galvatron by the young, brash Hot Rod. Hot Rod was revealed as the Chosen One that Optimus has prophesied about, and was transformed by the power of the Matrix into Rodimus Prime. He hurled Galvatron into space, and used the Matrix to destroy Unicron.

Related Topics:
The Battle of Autobot City - Autobot Matrix of Leadership - Ultra Magnus - Optimus Prime - Decepticon - Galvatron - Unicron - Hot Rod

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However, even with the accumulated knowledge of the ancients contained in the Matrix, his relative inexperience and the sudden burden of leadership caused him to doubt his own abilities, and led to many incidents, including his loss of the matrix to a team of decepticons, which ended with Scourge possessing the matrix for a short time and Rodimus reverting to Hot Rod. These events were chronicled in the third season episode "The Burden Hardest to Bear."

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When the Hate Plague swept the galaxy, Rodimus became infected while holding the Matrix, which Optimus Prime, who was revived by a Quintesson, felt was vital to solving the crisis. These events were related in the third season finale "The Return of Optimus Prime."

Related Topics:
Hate Plague - Quintesson

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In the Japanese continuity, Optimus Prime died again soon after in an attempt to stabilize Vector Sigma. With the Matrix recharged by Alpha Trion's spirit, Hot Rod once again rose to the position of Prime and led the Autobots once more. (Ref: Headmasters, Episode 3, Birth of Double Convoy). However, when Cybertron was razed by explosions, leaving it an uninhabitable husk, Rodimus Prime was last seen (with the Matrix) leaving with Kup and Blurr to find a new home - leaving Fortress Maximus in charge.

Related Topics:
Vector Sigma - Alpha Trion - Kup - Fortress Maximus

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