My Thoughts on the Characterization of Bayverse Optimus Prime

I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of the Bayverse movies. They aren't as heartfelt to me as a lot of other pieces of Transformers media. But that isn't to say I dislike them entirely. Looking at them from an artistic standpoint, they're cinematic masterpieces! Optimus Prime, the other Autobots, and the Decepticons are badass. Many of the fight scenes are very well done, the CGI is amazing considering the time the movies were made, and I was able to watch the movies without falling asleep (which is always a plus.) 

However, the main thing that irks me is the characterization of Optimus Prime. It isn't uncommon for characters to be largely changed between different continuities. As I've consumed more Transformers media, I've gotten pretty used to that. But you'd think that the biggest, most well-recognized character in the entire franchise would be characterized more consistently. 

Optimus Prime is a character I, among many others, look up to. He's the strong leader everyone wants to be, yet with his strength comes compassion. One of his most famous quotes "One shall stand, one shall fall." Often overshadows another quote which speaks much more integrally to his character, "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." 

As much as Bayverse portrays Optimus as a badass leader (and does good job at achieving that.) They are missing his compassion, his kindness towards all beings: humans, Autobots, and even the Decepticons. In Bayverse he's so much more brutal, even towards humanity. Often times he feels more driven by hate and revenge rather than freedom and justice. 

Recently, I've begun reading Transformers by Daniel Warren Johnson (apologies if there is a more common name these comics go by, I do not know it.) As I've been going through it, I can't help but think this should have been the Transformers movies. It's just as gritty and brutal as the movies can be, but even then there is so much hope. Optimus Prime feels much like a father figure, he's strong, but still so compassionate. Especially towards humans and the nature of Earth. He is not revenge driven like Bayverse Optimus, he's genuine and (pardon the pun) optimistic. 

Another one of my favorite interpretations of Optimus Prime was in Transformers: Prime. I am a little biased in this regard, as it is one of my favorite shows. But Optimus Prime was done really well throughout it. Although more emotionally closed off compared to the other characters, his kindness and hope still shows through on many occasions. Crucially when it comes to the Decepticons, he holds a strong belief they can change for the good. This is another thing I believe Bayverse Optimus was missing, his mercy towards the enemy. Oftentimes, this detail is what is meant to set apart Autobots and Decepticons. The Decepticons are brutal killers, while the Autobots are merciful freedom fighters. (Although this isn't the case for all continuities, the general idea is usually present.)

In the beginning of Revenge of the Fallen, Optimus Prime mercilessly killing a Decepticon genuinely shocked me. In the context of the scene, the Con wasn't initially doing anything wrong. Optimus Prime, the Autobots, and the humans actively hunted him down and killed him. It's one of the many things that felt very out of character throughout these movies, as I can't imagine any other versions of Optimus being so brutal.  

Although a more cold-hearted Optimus is an interesting character to explore, I don't think it should've been done through the movies. The movies should have reflected more of his compassion and optimism, rather than only revenge, brutality, and guilt. It can be argued that the films were meant to be more "adult," but out of all people, the adults of the world need to be reminded that leadership is not pure strength. It is the ability to understand and be kind, to lend a hand a guide others, to allow yourself to be weak in order to grow. 

As much as I'd like to see a more compassionate Optimus in the upcoming live action movie, I doubt it'll happen. Though, I'm excited for the movie regardless, and any more new Transformers media to come!

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Feel free to express your own opinions on Bayverse in the comments! I know there's a bit of a divide in the fandom about these movies, so all I ask is that you remain kind and polite to me, others, and yourself! <3