Optimus Prime has been a series which has seen a large focus on the meaning of being a “Prime” and the burden not only of leadership, but being worshiped as an idol of sorts. Throughout the series, we have seen flashbacks to the Autobot kingpin’s earlier years of climbing through the ranks and standing up to those who oppress and abuse power. Figures who appear preaching noble intent, but have more sinister and selfish purposes. Optimus Prime has become more than a leader, but one who has come to realize the path he has been on has been one of manipulation and a burden hardest to bear.
IDW took names from popular characters and turned them into titles. Ultra Magnus for example. Magnus is just a title, a mantle passed to worthy Autobots. The title of Prime has been known as a mantle of those worthy for leadership, however it seems the title or Prime had been, or so we thought, a title of an elite cadre of Cybertronians who shaped and guided the evolution and history of the Transformers.
Continuing from last issue, part five of The Falling further elaborates on the sinister scheme which shatters everything we thought we knew about Transformers history. This doesn’t sit too well with me. We’ve been given a larger universe to understand and to accept, only to find out, as this universe nears its end, it has been one big four-million-year plot. It’s weird, yet I believe based on the events of the just released Unicron #1 my guess is someone else was at influence and pulling the strings. The return of a fan-favorite gives us hope all may not be lost, as our beloved Autobot leader learns about the burden he has carried for years.
Optimus Prime #20 gets a 6 out of 10.
