BIG MIKE

The leader of the Autobots in most continuities. Generally considered the opposite to Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. Originally created by the Quintessons as part of their consumer goods line of robots. First named Orion Pax, he admired the Decepticons, unaware of the full extent of their plans. Just prior to the first Cybertronian Civil War, Orion was critically injured in a Decepticon attack. Transfered into a new body by Alpha Trion, he was renamed Optimus Prime. Sometime afterwards, he became the uncontested Autobot Leader. During his 4-million year deactivation period, other Autobots took his place on Cybertron, but upon his return, the leadership was given back to him. Presumably, when he became Autobot Leader, the Autobot Matrix of Leadership was passed on to him from the previous commander.