Shonen Hero Proposal: Optimus Prime (Transformers One)

He starts as an ordinary miner...

...but with a heart of pure and the mind of a true leader...

he becomes the beacon of hope for all of Cybertron.

“	What defines a Transformer is not the cog in its chest, but the spark that resides in their core. A spark that gives you the will to make your world better. And that spark... Sentinel can never take from us. If we want to be in control of our own destiny, we will have to fight for it. Now is the time for us to stand up. For ourselves. Stand up for this injustice! I promise you, this fight will be worth it. Follow me! Nothing can stop us when we stand together! Together as ONE!	„
	~ Yeah, I guess that he really is like the Optimus we know and love.

Ok, recently, I've watched Transformers One lately, and I pretty much feel that the main character really meets the traits to an 11, so today, we will be proposing Optimus Prime, or better known as his real name, Orion Pax, from the film. This is a collaboration between me and my dear friend Elmtree7945 and in fact, I would allow him to give an introduction below.

Elmtree: I watched Transformers One a month ago. I realized Orion Pax (later known as Optimus Prime) fits this archetype as this film is a coming-of-age origin story of him going from an ordinary miner to the wise and strong leader of the Autobots that we know and love today.

What's The Work?

Transformers One is a computer-animated science fiction film released this year in 2024, that is based on Hasbro's Transformers toyline. It centers on the story of two miner bots named Orion Pax and D-16 and how they went from brothers in everything but name, to archenemies Optimus Prime and Megatron.

Who Is He?

Optimus Prime, or mostly referred to as his real name Orion Pax, is the main protagonist of the film. A humble energon miner (yes I know the meme, but it is spelled with an E) who believed that he could do more than meets the eye, Orion, along with his friend D-16, decides to partake in the Iacon 5000, causing them to catch the attention of Sentinel "Prime", who gives them a reward. However, sadly, they got punished and got sent to sublevel 50, where they meet a robot by the name of B-127, and also find out the location where the Thirteen Primes died, and soon, the three, as well as Orion and D-16's former boss Elita-1, embark on a journey to go there and find what they believe to be the "Matrix of Leadership", and end up getting a reality check that Sentinel is the villain through Alpha Trion. And cogs. And so after that, they return to Iacon with the exiled High Guard and expose and overthrow Sentinel...only that D-16 had gone evil after he found out Sentinel was evil and beheaded his idol Megatronus and took his cog, and was now none other than Megatron, even letting go of his best friend after he protected Sentinel from death (which was in vain as he later became Cybertronian Gojo). However, that wasn't to last, as the Primus gave him the Matrix of Leadership, and allowed him to return as Optimus Prime. As soon as he returns, he battles Megatron, and after emerging victorious, he banishes him and the High Guard. After that, using the Matrix of Leadership, he allowed Energon to flow again on Cybertron, gave everyone their cogs back, and formed the Autobots.

What Makes Him a Shonen Hero?

Basic Traits

• Heroic/Honorable: Optimus has exposed Sentinel's crimes to all of Cybertron and saved Iacon from Megatron's wrath. He is also extremely noble and honorable, as he refused to allow D-16 kill Sentinel as he believed it wouldn't make him any better than him.
• Courageous/Reckless: Orion is extremely brave, to the point he shows no fear over anything at all, and even comes off as reckless with some of his decisions.
• Energetic: While not as hyperactive as Bumblebee, Orion has an adventurous and playful streak.
• Stubborn: Orion doesn't heed to anybody's warnings whenever he really wants to do something.
• Pursues a Big-End Goal: Orion wants to prove he is more than meets the eye and to protect Cybertron.
• Optimistic: As this is after all a major and essential characteristic of Optimus Prime, Orion is known for his blind optimism and sees the good in people.
• Idealistic: Orion believes that he can do more than just meets the eye.
• Determined: Orion is extremely dedicated to his goals, and although he did show some doubt at one point, his determination quickly returns when Elita gives him a pep talk reminding him of his hope.
• Confident: Optimus has the confidence needed to be a great leader to the Autobots.

Bonus Traits

• Believes in the Power of Friendship: Orion cares for his friend D-16 to the point of worrying for his mental well-being after his witnessing of Sentinel's actions. He also cares for Bumblebee and Elita to the point he allows them to lead the Autobots with him.
• Possesses Plot Armor: Orion briefly lost consciousness after being dropped into Cybertron's core by D-16 and would have died, but he was revived by Primus as Optimus Prime by receiving the Matrix of Leadership.
• Has a Rival/Mentor: Megatron is his main nemesis and he was mentored by Alpha Trion
• Has Idols: He looked up to the Thirteen Primes.
• Mischievous: In the first half of the film, Orion has many mischievous moments, such as flipping off Darkwing because he unfairly fired Elita.
• Rebellious: During his days as a miner, he frequently broke protocol, both for fun, such as breaking into the archives, and for more noble reasons, such as so he and D-16 could save Jazz from a mine accident.
• Forgiving: Orion doesn't hold a grudge against anyone, even his enemies.
• Is a Primary-Color Champion: Like every version of Optimus Prime, Orion has blue and red parts on his body.
• Is an Underdog: Orion starts out as an ordinary miner who wants to prove that he isn't inferior to the Transformers who have cogs, and due to his determination and kindness, becomes the heroic leader Optimus Prime.
• Is a True Hero: Out of the desire to give the Cybertronians a better life, Optimus frees Cybertron from Sentinel's tyranny and gives them their Cogs.
• Is a Mascot with Attitude: Optimus is a Transformer who has confidence and a massive amount of optimism, has great leadership skills, is a proficient fighter and can turn into a vehicle.
• Street-Smart: Orion can navigate his way into Cybertron without instantly getting in trouble with authorities by quickly thinking on his feet.

Verdict

Easy yes to TFOne Optimus. Given that the story is a coming-of-age that tells of how he became the wise leader he is known as today, he shows much more Shonen Hero energy than most of his counterparts.

Elmtree: Optimistic yes. Like any other Shonen story, this is a hero's journey of going from a powerless underdog to a respectable leader.