Undoubtedly the most famous hero of the Transformers universe, the leader of the Autobots called Optimus Prime has long been a fan-favorite character and a staple of the franchise. As one of the saga’s central characters, Prime’s ongoing story from his origin to his death has always been central to Cybertronian lore. But there is more to Optimus Prime’s origin story than meets the eye.
For as long as fans can remember, Optimus Prime has led his fellow Autobots into battle against the evil forces of the Decepticons. On more than one occasion, he’s sacrificed everything to ensure that the ideals of freedom and justice are enjoyed by all sentient beings. But the 2011 “Chaos Theory” story arc within the pages of IDW Publishing's The Transformers #22-23 totally changes the way fans may view Optimus Prime, with a surprising figure – his iconic foe, Megatron – actually serving as his ultimate inspiration as a symbol of Cybertronian freedom and equity.
Megatron Schooled Optimus on the Rights of Sentient Beings
Splitting time between the present and the past, issues #22 and #23 of The Transformers by James Roberts and Alex Milne provide readers with a glimpse at Optimus and Megatron’s backstories on pre-war Cybertron. As a precinct officer in charge of the Dead End district, Optimus – then known as Orion Pax – oversees the release of the wrongfully imprisoned and mistreated Megatron, then a miner and burgeoning pacifist revolutionary. Inspired by Megatron’s idealistic manifesto of conscientious objection, the already principled Pax is moved to take even more direct altruistic action in his distric. He even storms into the corrupt Cybertronian Senate and claiming the Autobot mantle when their political machinations cost the lives of two of his fellow officers.
Optimus has long been the most principled and unwavering of his Autobot brethren, but the fact that it is his inevitable foe who helps to ultimately shape this unwavering morality should come as a surprise to many fans. After all, Megatron would eventually become an interstellar tyrant after being fed up with Cybertron’s corruption, seeking to enforce peace through tyranny. As fans well know, this forever puts him at odds with his former friend and secret apostle, with this new layer of backstory deepening their already iconic relationship.
Optimus and Megatron: Allies in Disguise
The rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron is one of the most famous relationships in pop culture. Two opposite sides of the same Cybertronian coin, one represents the ultimate ideal of freedom, with the other forever serving as a symbol of subjugation. Although with this revelation, it’s arguable that Optimus and Megatron’s positions have essentially been reversed since their first encounter millennia ago on Cybertron.
Optimus Prime will forever be one of the Transformers franchise's most iconic characters. And while his moralistic outlook has always been a staple of the character, its surprising origins are sure to reshape the way that fans view the character. And in many ways, fans have Megatron to thank for the Transformers’ greatest hero, Optimus Prime.