Everything about skybound so far is awesome. “You kicked my ravage”. tents were pitched.
I’m not a fan of the already dying though and now sparkplug or whatever is gonna be apart of him now.
Yea, I know there’s such a huge roster still but they’re dropping quick. It’s realistic though. No one died in G1, it was rinse and repeat. Like they’re team rocket. But this makes for damn good story telling. I’d jet fire gone?
Idk I’m waiting for cobra 5 to see what happens to megatron but I’m not sure if cobra 5 comes out AFTER energon 1 and transformers 8. Megatron is fighting Optimus on the cover of energon 1 so 👀👀👀👀👀
Real shit tho, one stands and one falls, no transformers DOTM
On the other hand at least Skybound got it out of their system now so we can just move past the Optimus dying trope, reminds me of when he died in the first episode of Animated and was revived less than two minutes later.
So... basically G1? As G1 Prime pretty much was the only Optimus that had the balance between being the stoic leader and letting his guard down around his allies.
there was a certain brutality in the skybound comics that just wasn't shown in the g1 cartoon
for example i could never see G1 prime wearing Megatron's arm
Large swaths of the g1 cartoon can’t fit into my head canon for the sheer fact that the alien robots directed energy weapons would bounce off the most ridiculous shit. What’s the use of a fusion canon if it can’t kill a T-Rex?
That's why I've always said the the movie and the show are better separate. If they're considered the same continuity, there's really weird inconsistencies and tonal conflicts
The definition of “definitive,” IMO. G1 Toon Optimus is the base that all of us who have been with Transformers from the start have started off with; every other incarnation, *whether better done or worse*, has been spun off of that. That IMO is “definitive.”
Yeah I'll be honest the majority of this poll is gonna be redundant because, with VERY few exceptions the answer will be G1.
Struggling to think of, for example, any Bayverse characters that could possibly be a definitive version. Maybe Keith David Barricade but he is so specifically from the games and not the films (what a waste).
Beast Wars has some definitive characters but they only share the names they're distinct people.
Animated Prowl? I don't really know enough about G1 Prowl to call it.
>
>
> Struggling to think of, for example, any Bayverse characters that could possibly be a definitive version.
Speaking as someone who grew up with the G1 character being my favorite, and someone who can't stand the Bay movies, I think Bumblebee is the obvious answer here.
Just about every major iteration of the character since 2007, except for probably Animated, has been mostly a riff off of that design and character moreso than the original.
He's so heavily saturated a character at this point that most people haven't even really noticed that his only major G1 releases in the Generations lines have been store-exclusives and wildly difficult to get a hold of. Most Bumblebee figures *at least* mix in aspects of Bayverse Bumblebee, such as a Camaro-inspired alt mode instead of a deformed Volkswagen-esque one or that version of his head.
The only real legacy left from the original is that he's yellow, he *might* take some transformation cues from the original design, and he's the kids' appeal character.
This Gen X mother-fu*ker would follow Gen 1 cartoon Optimus to Hell and back. He was a father figure to a lot of us latch-key kids whose dads didn’t have time for us.
Genuinely yes.
Not even 2 volumes in and he's already in my opinion the absolute best version of the character we've ever gotten.
He embodies everything great about G1 prime while also factoring in all the best aspects of the other versions of prime that came after G1.
iconic, yeah. but imo Skybound prime is just G1 Prime+. nothing really fully encapsulated the Optimus Prime name until Skybound came, and i hope they can keep it up.
When I think Optimus Prime my default Prime for who he is would have to be the Prime incarnation from the Aligned Continuity. No lights or gimmicks needed that is who I think of when I think Optimus Prime.
Sure I got others that hold special places in my heart like I loved Armada's whole super modes and combination modes even if both got abused to heck and back to the point they seemed to appear every other week at least. Cybertron was enjoyable even if the face looked weird without the face mask for much the same reasons with even Energon having some fun concepts. Then who can't enjoy Animated's story of personal growth from an inexperienced warrior to a hero and leader. Classic G1's booming voice across the screen making me wish to see more of him and cried for him when I first saw the Transformer the Movie. IDW doing fantastic work fleshing out the character arc and story beyond the war. Hell I'm even looking forward to seeing how Transformers One version grows even if I get the feeling this is going to end in tears.
But Prime incarnation is what I think of when thinking Optimus Prime at the end of the day.
I'm not saying it. It's not about quality or characteristics it's about what specific character is to it's universe.
In my opinion it's wrong to call, say, Starscream in Armada lesser version then G1, 'cause they both from different universes with different back(stabbing)story and development.
Yes, in comparison one version of any character might be better writen or has better design etc. But ever since Hasbro desided to reboot series each time there will never be definitive version of anyone or anything.
While I agree that each universe's slight derivations in a character's quirks and characterizations is part of our favourite transforming robots' core appeal, what with so many different universes, I'd argue that each character should also have "defining traits", so to speak?
Say, Optimus being "strong enough to be gentle", a paragon of goodness, the Autobots' brave leader, badass etc. etc.
Maybe it's more evident in media such as Marvel where different incarnations of Spider-Men vary in many ways, they share the same heart of a character yk? Or DC with its many Batmen. It's what makes these characters recognisable as themselves, rather than an empty name slapped onto a rando.
One way or another, I respect your take on things! I do agree that fresh takes are very much appreciated, cuz how many times can we blindly rehash G1 before the fandom collectively bores of it, haha!
G1 cartoon Optimus, and it shouldn't even be close.
To call him Iconic is selling it short. He is THE Transformer that everyone knows, even people who dont watch/read/collect Transformers recognise his image.
Then there is the voice. Peter Cullen's performance as the compassionate yet strong leader is fondly remembered by all who grew up with the cartoon, and when it was announced that he would return to the role in Transformers '07, people celebrated. It was hands down the thing people were most happy about with Bayformers.
While everyone has their own favourite incarnation of Prime, and really, there is no bad choice. A lot of what makes Prime so beloved to fans started with G1.
Hell, it's so iconic that transformers fansites reported on Larry Cullens' death, who had no direct connection to the franchise, all because he was Peter Cullens' inspiration for Optimus Prime.
Guys, the OP asked which is the definitive version, not the iconic version. G1 is definitely iconic and the original, but he is very far from being definitive. I feel like people are being biased because of nostalgia.
As for the question itself, I’d say it’s a tie between Skybound and Prime. Skybound OP is the best of both worlds: a gentle and compassionate Optimus who can suplex you and ruin you until you are one with the AllSpark. But so is Prime OP.
Ahh, now we're getting down to nitty gritty: Combining elements to make the best canon. I like it.
I'm going to be going with IDW's first run for most of these characters... starting with Optimus. I just really like the uber-diplomatic supercop over a desk clerk or librarian. Let the guy have some actual battle experience instead of just handing leadership over to a noob.
Probly g1
Some versions are nothing but wise quote generators with no personality kther then "im good at fighting and i wish i wasnt"
G1 was wise and "gentle" but he woukd trash talk and not hesitate to throwdown
Oh.
In that sense... I dunno. I haven't learned many incarnations of Optimus.
I know G1, Animated, Armada, Bayverse, BBM, Rescue Bots, Prime, and Energeon.
I can’t say much, but I do know that out of the few I do know, not War for Cybertron, but Fall of Cybertron Optimus was my favorite. Optimus from Transformers Prime is my second but, I may change my mind at a later point
https://preview.redd.it/ko7xslw66nvc1.png?width=1350&format=png&auto=webp&s=779416a33899a264e10af10ee3bda730ba31659d
Here's a version without edited contrast and brightness!
G1. Specifically the 86 movie.
Autobot City has fallen, death and destruction everywhere, Prime arrived too late.
And yet, in the face of absolute defeat, Prime knows he has to succeed, even if it means his death. "Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost." Fucking chills man.
G1 Prime is THE Prime. Only had to be violent when necessary, and always kind when it mattered.
I think it is telling that Marvel Prime became most interesting after TFTM, which had a HUGE influence on writer Simon Furman. His take on Prime is far closer to the movie than the series version of Optimus; the heroism mixed with weariness, the resolve and sense of sacrifice, the "dude is a legit badass, he just holds back most of the time" vibe.
TFTM Prime was only around for a few minutes, but he carried on through the Marvel UK stories, I feel. The return to Cybertron arc - including one of my favourite Prime stories, Distant Thunder - is a great example.
I know it’s the one a lot of people are saying and it is a bit of a repetitive answer… but honestly, I gotta give this to Skybound.
Skybound Optimus perfectly brings the original G1 Optimus given to us in the Sunbow Cartoon by Peter Cullen to the modern day while also seamlessly mixing in various other elements from non-G1 variants of the character.
He’s got lots of awesome action moments, but his best moments are his interactions with others - he perfectly encapsulates the “strong enough to be gentle” energy that Peter Cullen and other VAs over the years have brought to the character.
I think IDW is the most prime prime. He fights for what is right regardless of the side, he is compassionate but he is willing to do what he has to to stop those who wish to harm others.
Marvel Optimus: Unironically immortal and I love it.
Also :
https://preview.redd.it/24u7i6542ovc1.png?width=605&format=png&auto=webp&s=b990dd20779329a55b650e57d7e6aff4ae091e31
90's Optimus
I adore that version of the character. The UK return to Cybertron story arc is fantastic Prime, and some of his later introspective stories like Surrender and The Greatest Gift of All really do wonders for deepening the guy.
I kind of love how his first death was so stupid and pathetic that every one since was more badass than the last.
Me personally, I agree with the Skybound comments not because it's new, but because it's genuinely that good. ROTB and EarthSpark are fresh yet they aren't brought up often either.
Between "strong enough to be gentle" moments like >!reviving Spike with the Matrix (*"No more death."*)!<, >!mourning the deer he accidentally killed!<, >!putting his fellow Autobots' medical attention before his, despite being in a crippling state himself!<, or >!thoroughly grieving the death of his Autobots brothers (Bee, Jetfire)!<, and Michael Bay-esque badassery of >!using Megatron's fusion cannon as his own (*"How do you feel about going on the offensive?"*)!<, >!ripping his own arm off to use as nun chucks!<, or >!solo-ing Devastator himself!<, among others, I myself have grown to love this incarnation of Prime very much despite the short time frame; he's had ***a ton*** of amazing moments since. >!Not to mention something as simple as transforming into a truck just to entertain a kid!< or >!marveling at Earth's beauty!<.
For me, he encapsulates the heart and soul of G1-esque Optimus, as well as the badassery and wow-factor of his later, more gritty takes that we've grown to love.
Then again, to each their own!
For Optimus? For sure G1, any other in incarnation is just a riff off of it. Other characters might be recognizable from other series but Prime is easy
Maybe "definitive" isn't the right word for it, but imo there's core traits that make a character more embodied by some incarnations than others. As fun a take TFP Wheeljack is, he doesn't resembled the "kooky inventor" Wheeljack is known for, like Prime's "strong enough to be gentle" badass leader of the Autobots, akin to "responsible, everyday-man" Spider-Man or "beacon of hope and humanity" Superman.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE new takes, and I do believe the current landscape is too G1/stagnant by a tad, but in my books that still leaves room to define a character's core identity which could be reflected across incarnations with additional differences every time to keep it fresh.
Either way, to each their own!
It’s actually incredible seeing how many people are saying Skybound. I half expected Prime or G1 to get voted the most but it’s pretty crazy how, with only *7* issues, Skybound Prime solidified himself as one of the greats.
But yeah. Skybound it is for me along with a tie with Prime
To me, there are 3 distinct types of Optimus. 1 is young, with no experience, Prime is definitively portrayed by Animated Prime. 2 is "General" Optimus who is now the confident autobot leader, that's portrayed by G1 Optimus, the last is the battle weary I've lost alot of freinds prime but must continue to fight, which I think is best portrayed by TF Prime Optimus.
G1 Cartoon for sure, but I'll echo a lot of comments and also mention Skybound. Only issue with SB's version is we've only had him for 8 months, and while those comics have been ridiculously popular, it'll take a while to overcome the inherent lead G1 has.
Skybound is the producer behind the recent “Energon Universe” line of comic books. It is notable for having a generally G1-derived premise, yet being incredibly visceral in its action and story. It’s also where the image of Optimus with Megatron’s arm comes from.
No worries!
Skybound refers to the latest and ongoing Transformers comic run. I highly recommend giving it a check-out, it's top tier Transformers media imo. Optimus in that is characterized brilliantly, hence the massive love for that incarnation.
Cheers!
I’m not seeing a lot of love for it, so I’ll start; High Moon Prime is phenomenal.
https://preview.redd.it/4p5020lncnvc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4bdb796c869adcf29278b4af2c63181b35836b7
I’d say prime 2010, it’s a perfect mix of bayverse, while staying true to Optimus’s Likable qualities. He’s vicious but he never kills main decepticons, skyquake was completely accidental as he didn’t expect him to die. But he’s also highly intelligent, as prime’s wisdom should be. And for some reason, I like it when Optimus and Megatron are equals. Exception being animated, but mainly because I love some good Optimus and Megatron fights, meaning brute force to win everything.
Even though I personally love the early live action movie, prime and animated incarnations of him. I’d say skybound would be the definitive optimus prime
honestly probably ROTB or FOC, i love the ROTB design but the FOC is a close second. and i really like how both incarnations were done, i just wish there was more of both of them
Cyberverse to me weirdly enough, has the public image of most of the other versions but when he has personal time he is shown to still be just that librarian in training who got major responsibility pushed onto him
Honestly there are too many good ones to choose from. IDW/Skybound or G1 are ones that are really close and personal to me but my fav Optimus is the One from the WFC/FOC games cause that was my favorite game from age 8-15.
As someone that will always have a bias for Armada, I gotta give it to Skybound’s Optimus for being the perfect approach to expanding upon G1 Optimus, though if I can pick to I’d say G1 and Skybound are tied since G1 is the reason Skybound’s version exists.
Armada Optimus is still the best design, though, fight me.
Well with all due respect to every Optimus that has done their due diligence to being the iconic red and blue hero, my default will always fall with the OG. Because it set the pattern for every Prime to come after. Without him, there wouldn’t be a model for the others. And despite the audience that the original cartoon was made for (before my time), I like a more optimistic version of Optimus Prime. As time has rolled on people have tried to add that downcast, tired characterization. With some iterations even having a bloodthirsty, face ripping, psychopath energy. However I prefer him to be more wholesome, someone to aspire to…not someone to stand back from in shocked horror.
For me it’s RID 2001. I just love the design, it’s so unique. The fire truck alt mode also just perfectly displays his heroism. Plus, him being naive actually gives him a proper weakness
I feel like G1 captured the character's creators and Peter Cullen's intentions with the character the best - a friendly, role-model childhood hero type character
but the Aligned Continuity prime (excluding RID because he's barely the same character) had the coolest moments and really felt like it kept every part of Prime that made him special. I say Aligned continuity because I want an excuse to mention the cybertron games as well as Prime
https://preview.redd.it/lux2a8e55mvc1.jpeg?width=2679&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41c528ac28cae29aaf7cb3babf1382bb39ebe96f
Skybound is so good to us. “You know the song” hell yeah!
You have Daniel Warren Johnson to thank!
"You know the song! You know the ly-riiiiiics, YEAH" 🎶
same i think skybound is just the perfect prime
skybound is the perfect balance of violence and gentle
Everything about skybound so far is awesome. “You kicked my ravage”. tents were pitched. I’m not a fan of the already dying though and now sparkplug or whatever is gonna be apart of him now.
i will agree a lot of deaths are too rapid and shocking for you to even properly process them
Yea, I know there’s such a huge roster still but they’re dropping quick. It’s realistic though. No one died in G1, it was rinse and repeat. Like they’re team rocket. But this makes for damn good story telling. I’d jet fire gone? Idk I’m waiting for cobra 5 to see what happens to megatron but I’m not sure if cobra 5 comes out AFTER energon 1 and transformers 8. Megatron is fighting Optimus on the cover of energon 1 so 👀👀👀👀👀 Real shit tho, one stands and one falls, no transformers DOTM
On the other hand at least Skybound got it out of their system now so we can just move past the Optimus dying trope, reminds me of when he died in the first episode of Animated and was revived less than two minutes later.
So... basically G1? As G1 Prime pretty much was the only Optimus that had the balance between being the stoic leader and letting his guard down around his allies.
there was a certain brutality in the skybound comics that just wasn't shown in the g1 cartoon for example i could never see G1 prime wearing Megatron's arm
Have you watched the G1 movie...?
Have you seen the g1 cartoon? The cartoon has megatron's shots bouncing off people, while in the movie they're a one-shot
Large swaths of the g1 cartoon can’t fit into my head canon for the sheer fact that the alien robots directed energy weapons would bounce off the most ridiculous shit. What’s the use of a fusion canon if it can’t kill a T-Rex?
That's why I've always said the the movie and the show are better separate. If they're considered the same continuity, there's really weird inconsistencies and tonal conflicts
Skybound, it aint the most popular but goddamn it balances the best things in all incarnations
G1 Cartoon Optimus.
The definition of “definitive,” IMO. G1 Toon Optimus is the base that all of us who have been with Transformers from the start have started off with; every other incarnation, *whether better done or worse*, has been spun off of that. That IMO is “definitive.”
Yeah I'll be honest the majority of this poll is gonna be redundant because, with VERY few exceptions the answer will be G1. Struggling to think of, for example, any Bayverse characters that could possibly be a definitive version. Maybe Keith David Barricade but he is so specifically from the games and not the films (what a waste). Beast Wars has some definitive characters but they only share the names they're distinct people. Animated Prowl? I don't really know enough about G1 Prowl to call it.
> > > Struggling to think of, for example, any Bayverse characters that could possibly be a definitive version. Speaking as someone who grew up with the G1 character being my favorite, and someone who can't stand the Bay movies, I think Bumblebee is the obvious answer here. Just about every major iteration of the character since 2007, except for probably Animated, has been mostly a riff off of that design and character moreso than the original. He's so heavily saturated a character at this point that most people haven't even really noticed that his only major G1 releases in the Generations lines have been store-exclusives and wildly difficult to get a hold of. Most Bumblebee figures *at least* mix in aspects of Bayverse Bumblebee, such as a Camaro-inspired alt mode instead of a deformed Volkswagen-esque one or that version of his head. The only real legacy left from the original is that he's yellow, he *might* take some transformation cues from the original design, and he's the kids' appeal character.
Fair point, I forgot just how much bleed into other versions Bayblebee had. Especially with the voice thing.
Bumblebee?
This Gen X mother-fu*ker would follow Gen 1 cartoon Optimus to Hell and back. He was a father figure to a lot of us latch-key kids whose dads didn’t have time for us.
No joke. Peter Cullen was the dad I never had.
Skybound Prime
Genuinely yes. Not even 2 volumes in and he's already in my opinion the absolute best version of the character we've ever gotten. He embodies everything great about G1 prime while also factoring in all the best aspects of the other versions of prime that came after G1.
I'm sorry, but g1 cartoon prime is far too iconic
iconic, yeah. but imo Skybound prime is just G1 Prime+. nothing really fully encapsulated the Optimus Prime name until Skybound came, and i hope they can keep it up.
bu-bt-but..he played basketball..
https://preview.redd.it/gvfoco4camvc1.jpeg?width=449&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf9ae86fc4fecb8c2b194aa9189491eb4bbcc5f8
ohh..oh.
Technically it isn't canon to the Skybound continuity, but the fact that the artist made it a cover variant has to say something.
Very proud to say that I own a physical copy of this
Very disappointed to say that I don't own a physical copy of this
Same
I can't believe I just noticed he dunked so hard he pretty much took out Soundwave there.
https://i.redd.it/dr8gn78cqqxc1.gif
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ohh..
Skybound would 100% play basketball if he had the timw
G1, but I do love me some WfC/FoC
When I think Optimus Prime my default Prime for who he is would have to be the Prime incarnation from the Aligned Continuity. No lights or gimmicks needed that is who I think of when I think Optimus Prime. Sure I got others that hold special places in my heart like I loved Armada's whole super modes and combination modes even if both got abused to heck and back to the point they seemed to appear every other week at least. Cybertron was enjoyable even if the face looked weird without the face mask for much the same reasons with even Energon having some fun concepts. Then who can't enjoy Animated's story of personal growth from an inexperienced warrior to a hero and leader. Classic G1's booming voice across the screen making me wish to see more of him and cried for him when I first saw the Transformer the Movie. IDW doing fantastic work fleshing out the character arc and story beyond the war. Hell I'm even looking forward to seeing how Transformers One version grows even if I get the feeling this is going to end in tears. But Prime incarnation is what I think of when thinking Optimus Prime at the end of the day.
Only problem with primeverse is he’s a bit too stoic for me but yeah he’s the one I grew up with
The most boring one?
Skybound has so far, near perfectly mixed the fatherly, kind optimus og G1 with the stoic, sparing with his words optimus of TFP, so that's my choice.
Skybound
Skybound
Skybound
Skybound
G1 cartoon Optimus Prime
None. To each universe it's own version is definitive.
i get where you're coming from, i think another way to word the question is "which version do you feel embodies the character in general the best?"
Surely you can't be saying RiD 2015 Prime and Skybound Prime are equally good incarnations of the character-?
I'm not saying it. It's not about quality or characteristics it's about what specific character is to it's universe. In my opinion it's wrong to call, say, Starscream in Armada lesser version then G1, 'cause they both from different universes with different back(stabbing)story and development. Yes, in comparison one version of any character might be better writen or has better design etc. But ever since Hasbro desided to reboot series each time there will never be definitive version of anyone or anything.
While I agree that each universe's slight derivations in a character's quirks and characterizations is part of our favourite transforming robots' core appeal, what with so many different universes, I'd argue that each character should also have "defining traits", so to speak? Say, Optimus being "strong enough to be gentle", a paragon of goodness, the Autobots' brave leader, badass etc. etc. Maybe it's more evident in media such as Marvel where different incarnations of Spider-Men vary in many ways, they share the same heart of a character yk? Or DC with its many Batmen. It's what makes these characters recognisable as themselves, rather than an empty name slapped onto a rando. One way or another, I respect your take on things! I do agree that fresh takes are very much appreciated, cuz how many times can we blindly rehash G1 before the fandom collectively bores of it, haha!
baysed....
TF Prime
TFP or Skybound
Honestly the new Skybound Optimus is all he should be in 'most' continuities (different takes on the character is a nice change)
G1 Cartoon.
G1 cartoon Optimus, and it shouldn't even be close. To call him Iconic is selling it short. He is THE Transformer that everyone knows, even people who dont watch/read/collect Transformers recognise his image. Then there is the voice. Peter Cullen's performance as the compassionate yet strong leader is fondly remembered by all who grew up with the cartoon, and when it was announced that he would return to the role in Transformers '07, people celebrated. It was hands down the thing people were most happy about with Bayformers. While everyone has their own favourite incarnation of Prime, and really, there is no bad choice. A lot of what makes Prime so beloved to fans started with G1.
Hell, it's so iconic that transformers fansites reported on Larry Cullens' death, who had no direct connection to the franchise, all because he was Peter Cullens' inspiration for Optimus Prime.
Guys, the OP asked which is the definitive version, not the iconic version. G1 is definitely iconic and the original, but he is very far from being definitive. I feel like people are being biased because of nostalgia. As for the question itself, I’d say it’s a tie between Skybound and Prime. Skybound OP is the best of both worlds: a gentle and compassionate Optimus who can suplex you and ruin you until you are one with the AllSpark. But so is Prime OP.
Ahh, now we're getting down to nitty gritty: Combining elements to make the best canon. I like it. I'm going to be going with IDW's first run for most of these characters... starting with Optimus. I just really like the uber-diplomatic supercop over a desk clerk or librarian. Let the guy have some actual battle experience instead of just handing leadership over to a noob.
Prime's Prime for me
Probly g1 Some versions are nothing but wise quote generators with no personality kther then "im good at fighting and i wish i wasnt" G1 was wise and "gentle" but he woukd trash talk and not hesitate to throwdown
Can't go wrong with G1 Prime.
They're all red top blue bottom. They're all Optimus Prime. Same design with slight modifications.
“Red top blue bottom” Rid 2001: “am I a joke to you?”
I never watched RID 2001 so yeah
Technically not false, but I was moreso asking for their personalities, which do derivate more with each incarnation yk?
Oh. In that sense... I dunno. I haven't learned many incarnations of Optimus. I know G1, Animated, Armada, Bayverse, BBM, Rescue Bots, Prime, and Energeon.
G1. He’s a kind warm father who treats his teammates like family. We need more Optimus prime’s like that.
G1
G1 it was the first
Id say G1 or Prime. idk what this skybound thing is but that sounds pretty good from what some ppl here are saying
Skybound's the latest and ongoing comic run. Imo, it is top-tier Transformers media, so I do recommend giving it a read! Cheers!
I can’t say much, but I do know that out of the few I do know, not War for Cybertron, but Fall of Cybertron Optimus was my favorite. Optimus from Transformers Prime is my second but, I may change my mind at a later point
I’d say IDW or skybound.
First image is like a transformers themed mood board I love it! :)
https://preview.redd.it/ko7xslw66nvc1.png?width=1350&format=png&auto=webp&s=779416a33899a264e10af10ee3bda730ba31659d Here's a version without edited contrast and brightness!
Tysm! :D
G1. Specifically the 86 movie. Autobot City has fallen, death and destruction everywhere, Prime arrived too late. And yet, in the face of absolute defeat, Prime knows he has to succeed, even if it means his death. "Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost." Fucking chills man. G1 Prime is THE Prime. Only had to be violent when necessary, and always kind when it mattered.
I think it is telling that Marvel Prime became most interesting after TFTM, which had a HUGE influence on writer Simon Furman. His take on Prime is far closer to the movie than the series version of Optimus; the heroism mixed with weariness, the resolve and sense of sacrifice, the "dude is a legit badass, he just holds back most of the time" vibe. TFTM Prime was only around for a few minutes, but he carried on through the Marvel UK stories, I feel. The return to Cybertron arc - including one of my favourite Prime stories, Distant Thunder - is a great example.
I know it’s the one a lot of people are saying and it is a bit of a repetitive answer… but honestly, I gotta give this to Skybound. Skybound Optimus perfectly brings the original G1 Optimus given to us in the Sunbow Cartoon by Peter Cullen to the modern day while also seamlessly mixing in various other elements from non-G1 variants of the character. He’s got lots of awesome action moments, but his best moments are his interactions with others - he perfectly encapsulates the “strong enough to be gentle” energy that Peter Cullen and other VAs over the years have brought to the character.
I think IDW is the most prime prime. He fights for what is right regardless of the side, he is compassionate but he is willing to do what he has to to stop those who wish to harm others.
G1 of course. He’s the original and best characterized, without him none of the others would even exist.
G1 cartoon
It’s G1
RID 2001 for the Win!! 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥
Finally! Someone else who agrees on this!
Marvel Optimus: Unironically immortal and I love it. Also : https://preview.redd.it/24u7i6542ovc1.png?width=605&format=png&auto=webp&s=b990dd20779329a55b650e57d7e6aff4ae091e31 90's Optimus
I adore that version of the character. The UK return to Cybertron story arc is fantastic Prime, and some of his later introspective stories like Surrender and The Greatest Gift of All really do wonders for deepening the guy. I kind of love how his first death was so stupid and pathetic that every one since was more badass than the last.
G1 Cartoon (Haven’t read the comics)
Skybound
Technically, WFC and TFP OP are the same guy..
Is an appropriate answer any version voiced by Peter Cullen?
Armada optimus fukin rocks
IDW
I do want to say that G1 isn't always the definitive take on a character but in the case of optimus it is. Sunbow optimus is iconic
Definitive? G1 Cartoon. Best? Three-way tie between G1 cartoon, Prime, and Skybound.
Nothing beats the og. But other than him, Skybound
It's way too soon to choose Skybound. People are jumping the gun because it's the fun new thing. I'd say Animated and G1 are good options.
Me personally, I agree with the Skybound comments not because it's new, but because it's genuinely that good. ROTB and EarthSpark are fresh yet they aren't brought up often either. Between "strong enough to be gentle" moments like >!reviving Spike with the Matrix (*"No more death."*)!<, >!mourning the deer he accidentally killed!<, >!putting his fellow Autobots' medical attention before his, despite being in a crippling state himself!<, or >!thoroughly grieving the death of his Autobots brothers (Bee, Jetfire)!<, and Michael Bay-esque badassery of >!using Megatron's fusion cannon as his own (*"How do you feel about going on the offensive?"*)!<, >!ripping his own arm off to use as nun chucks!<, or >!solo-ing Devastator himself!<, among others, I myself have grown to love this incarnation of Prime very much despite the short time frame; he's had ***a ton*** of amazing moments since. >!Not to mention something as simple as transforming into a truck just to entertain a kid!< or >!marveling at Earth's beauty!<. For me, he encapsulates the heart and soul of G1-esque Optimus, as well as the badassery and wow-factor of his later, more gritty takes that we've grown to love. Then again, to each their own!
WFC
You gotta clarify wether you mean the original wfc or the netflix tv series
High Moon games of course
ofc!
For Optimus? For sure G1, any other in incarnation is just a riff off of it. Other characters might be recognizable from other series but Prime is easy
Skybound, it's the perfect mix between the classic G1 and the brutal Bayverse
My personal preference will always go to the war for cyberton games version of Optimus
This is difficult but I might have to go with Prime
I'm split between prime and skybound, but I think I'd go with skybound
I like highmoon’s
TFP is my definitive Prime
Even though I love G1 Optimus, I’m choosing TFP Optimus for this.
Ratchet, Grimlock, Galvatron, Shockwave: Marvel, easily
Skybound or FOC
Armada.
There is no definitive.
Maybe "definitive" isn't the right word for it, but imo there's core traits that make a character more embodied by some incarnations than others. As fun a take TFP Wheeljack is, he doesn't resembled the "kooky inventor" Wheeljack is known for, like Prime's "strong enough to be gentle" badass leader of the Autobots, akin to "responsible, everyday-man" Spider-Man or "beacon of hope and humanity" Superman. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE new takes, and I do believe the current landscape is too G1/stagnant by a tad, but in my books that still leaves room to define a character's core identity which could be reflected across incarnations with additional differences every time to keep it fresh. Either way, to each their own!
It’s actually incredible seeing how many people are saying Skybound. I half expected Prime or G1 to get voted the most but it’s pretty crazy how, with only *7* issues, Skybound Prime solidified himself as one of the greats. But yeah. Skybound it is for me along with a tie with Prime
To me, there are 3 distinct types of Optimus. 1 is young, with no experience, Prime is definitively portrayed by Animated Prime. 2 is "General" Optimus who is now the confident autobot leader, that's portrayed by G1 Optimus, the last is the battle weary I've lost alot of freinds prime but must continue to fight, which I think is best portrayed by TF Prime Optimus.
Prime or G1
War for Cybertron video game.
G1 Cartoon for sure, but I'll echo a lot of comments and also mention Skybound. Only issue with SB's version is we've only had him for 8 months, and while those comics have been ridiculously popular, it'll take a while to overcome the inherent lead G1 has.
Skybound
For me it’s G1 and the War for Cybertron video game series.
Skybound
TFP and G1
Am I missing something? Forgive my stupidity but what is Skybound? (My favorite is tf prime btw)
Skybound is the producer behind the recent “Energon Universe” line of comic books. It is notable for having a generally G1-derived premise, yet being incredibly visceral in its action and story. It’s also where the image of Optimus with Megatron’s arm comes from.
No worries! Skybound refers to the latest and ongoing Transformers comic run. I highly recommend giving it a check-out, it's top tier Transformers media imo. Optimus in that is characterized brilliantly, hence the massive love for that incarnation. Cheers!
Oh cool! I might check it out tbh(I might not though since I don’t usually read the comics) thanks for the info. Cheers!
G1, pre 1986 movie, will always be my Optimus Prime.
To me it's IDW 2005 optimus , G1 cartoon, and marvel g1 comics
I think it’s TFP Optimus.
Skybound is literally the perfect Optimus Prime. (I also think Transformers: Prime Optimus is 2nd place right next to Skybound)
Whichever the individual prefers.
I’m not seeing a lot of love for it, so I’ll start; High Moon Prime is phenomenal. https://preview.redd.it/4p5020lncnvc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4bdb796c869adcf29278b4af2c63181b35836b7
WFC/FOC Prime
I'd say TFP is most definitive. Skybound is probably the best but that doesn't make it definitive (no other optimus has megatron's arm)
Skybound is the definition of peak
I've always liked the honest but stern g1 prime, yet he could still crack a joke unlike the more serious incarnations.
This shouldn’t even be a question
Either g1 or skybound.
Skybound
It’s gotta be prime for me, my two favorite designs, wonderful writing, and the first optimus I ever knew
Imo, alligned continuity (foc, wfc(not siege), prime) is the definitive prime
TF prime
Sunbow.
Skybound
For me, it's between Animated and Prime. I grew up with Animated and love the design. But Prime is such a badass.
Starting with an easy one I see.
I'm personally looking forward to the fandom's consensus on less obvious ones in later days, ngl
The red and blue one
G1 is what every other one has been relatively faithful to. Has to be the winner.
Transformers Prime.
Armada
In terms of design, obviously G1. Character and personality, I'm not sure, tho Bayverse seems too aggressive in my opinion.
G1.
Sky bound
Skybound, Old IDW, Prime, G1, and maybe Animated, but that one is a bit of a stretch.
I’d say prime 2010, it’s a perfect mix of bayverse, while staying true to Optimus’s Likable qualities. He’s vicious but he never kills main decepticons, skyquake was completely accidental as he didn’t expect him to die. But he’s also highly intelligent, as prime’s wisdom should be. And for some reason, I like it when Optimus and Megatron are equals. Exception being animated, but mainly because I love some good Optimus and Megatron fights, meaning brute force to win everything.
I'm not familiar with the comics so I'd have to go with TFP Prime
Animated, Prime, G1, and WFC are the goats ofc. But damn. I think Skybound Prime is my favorite, hands down.
While I'm not a fan of Prime-riding too much, I do gotta say Prime combines most versions of Optimus pretty seamlessly.
War for cybertron, animated, and G1 in my opinion
Even though I personally love the early live action movie, prime and animated incarnations of him. I’d say skybound would be the definitive optimus prime
Skybound all the way
honestly probably ROTB or FOC, i love the ROTB design but the FOC is a close second. and i really like how both incarnations were done, i just wish there was more of both of them
G1 set the tone for the others. Skybound Prime is a very close second.
Skybound
Definitely prime
Skybound
All of them.
Cyberverse to me weirdly enough, has the public image of most of the other versions but when he has personal time he is shown to still be just that librarian in training who got major responsibility pushed onto him
Honestly there are too many good ones to choose from. IDW/Skybound or G1 are ones that are really close and personal to me but my fav Optimus is the One from the WFC/FOC games cause that was my favorite game from age 8-15.
As someone that will always have a bias for Armada, I gotta give it to Skybound’s Optimus for being the perfect approach to expanding upon G1 Optimus, though if I can pick to I’d say G1 and Skybound are tied since G1 is the reason Skybound’s version exists. Armada Optimus is still the best design, though, fight me.
I base all characters off there g1 incarnation.
Well with all due respect to every Optimus that has done their due diligence to being the iconic red and blue hero, my default will always fall with the OG. Because it set the pattern for every Prime to come after. Without him, there wouldn’t be a model for the others. And despite the audience that the original cartoon was made for (before my time), I like a more optimistic version of Optimus Prime. As time has rolled on people have tried to add that downcast, tired characterization. With some iterations even having a bloodthirsty, face ripping, psychopath energy. However I prefer him to be more wholesome, someone to aspire to…not someone to stand back from in shocked horror.
Yes
For me it’s RID 2001. I just love the design, it’s so unique. The fire truck alt mode also just perfectly displays his heroism. Plus, him being naive actually gives him a proper weakness
Skybound
I feel like G1 captured the character's creators and Peter Cullen's intentions with the character the best - a friendly, role-model childhood hero type character but the Aligned Continuity prime (excluding RID because he's barely the same character) had the coolest moments and really felt like it kept every part of Prime that made him special. I say Aligned continuity because I want an excuse to mention the cybertron games as well as Prime
ok so in my opinion character wise tfp popularity its bayverse but if you ask me the best ill say skybound
For me it is bayverse, especially due to voice actor
Either Bayverse, Armada, G1 or IDW.
Look at the sheer anime swagger of Armada Prime. He's my definitive for sure
For me it's a toss up between War for Cybertron, Bayformers, andr TFP. I'm probably going with TFP.
My favourite is Marvel, but the most iconic and definitive has to be Sunbow surely. Cullen's Prime IS Optimus for 98% of people, fans or casual.
Yeah bro the only answer here is transformers prime 🤷🏽♂️that Optimus may be boring but he’s litterly more Optimus than u can get
WfC game
Original Trilogy Optimus
I’m surprised not enough people are saying Armada
G1 always