Well That’s Just Prime: Transformers’ Optimus Primal Explainer
Optimus Primal is the descendant of Optimus Prime and the leader of the Maximals who takes the form of a silverback gorilla.
Since 2007, we’ve seen a steady stream of live-action Transformers movies hit the big screen every few years. While some of us kids of the 80s (and early 90s) have a borderline encyclopedic memory of these robots in disguise, younger and even older audiences may not recognize all of these characters.
Not to mention anybody in that sweet spot age-wise who was busy focusing all their mental energy on some other cartoon series. So it’s easy to watch trailers for the upcoming Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and think, “Who are the animal robots? Who’s the gorilla!?” Don’t worry, we have you covered. Those are the Maximals and the gorilla is their leader, Optimus Primal.
The Basics
Optimus Primal is the leader of the Maximals. Who themselves are a lot like the good and noble Autobots. Only instead of being ‘robots in disguise’ as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and the like, they transform into giant robotic likenesses of various animals. Optimus Primal is the direct descendant of Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, and takes on the form of a gorilla.
In some versions, in addition to fighting Megatron and the Decepticons, primal is also dedicated to protecting the environment, fighting poachers, and especially protecting endangered species.
History
Originally the caption of the Maximal exploration ship, Axalon, Optimus Primal received word that a group of “Predacon” criminals including Megatron had fled Cybertron. Primal followed the Predacons through a portal and both ships ended up crash-landing on what was later identified as a pre-historic Earth. Both parties struggled for supremacy for years, fighting to obtain all of the energy source ‘energon’ and defeat the other.
After his return to Cybertron, Optimus Primal found the planet not as he had left it and himself unable to transform back into his robotic form. but by finding inner calmness and his spiritual center, Primal was able to help himself and three other Maximals find their lost art of transformation before later discovering that Megatrom was responsible for a planet-wide purge of their home. In their battle over their homeworld, both Megatron and Optimus Primal fell into the core of Cybertron, but Primal’s spark joined the Matrix.
Powers & Abilities
Though we often see Optimus Primal transformed into a silverback gorilla, he first took the form of a Cybertronian monster truck. While trapped on Earth he was forced to take on an organic form. And though it was hinted that he was originally supposed to take on the form of a bat, a gorilla was thought to be more powerful and imposing.
Primal has twin paces for melee combat as well as dual-barreled cannons on his forearms, rocket launchers on his shoulders, and jets on his back that allow him to fly.
Optimus Primal has taken on many forms though as old versions are destroyed and replaced or updated. His Transmetal form had enhanced abilities, weapons, and strength, while his Technorganic Form allowed him to make an energy barrier around himself to deflect and absorb attacks.
Are you looking forward to seeing Optimus Primal on the big screen? Do you have a favorite Primal moment or story? Let us know in the comments!
Roll out, adventurers!
