The Energon Pub

Just curious as to what folks will say.

The initial BB (g1) is not my interpretation of a Prime but his own motto counterdictates this sentiment right off the bat. His heart/spark was definitely in the right place in terms of both the A/bot war effort and the attempt to get along with the Humans.

His first real upgrade into Goldbug truly changes the situation into a possibility, considering his fighting spirit was already irrepressible as the weaker Volkswagen bot,he knows all about strength in weakness,and is stronger for it.

He was a spy, so he knows what to do with information, suggesting he will be good at moving troops around harms way whenever he has the opportunity.

The movie version cares less about what isn't in front of him because he has other problems but he's grown into the larger Autobot template which he looked up to in his G1 layout,(and watching him fight, I ALWAYS wonder what fantastic combatants Prowl,Bluesteak, Smokescreen and the gang must be in the movieverse-if Sideswipe is any indication...nearly forgot Jazz..)

This time around he's a bodyguard and perhaps counterassassin so he will stand out and fight alone if he must, and will not run even when seriously wounded and Jazz is butchered.

I haven't watched animated yet but I assume the version of Bee there is slightly more carefree (when events allow).I understand he has aspirations if not ties to the royal guard of Cybertron?

Considering the final uprgade for Hot Rod into Rodimus was done for him by the Matrix, the same treatment would be given to 'Bee should the situation arise,meaning we don't have to imagine 'Bee growing fully into the size of a Prime but only halfway.The rest then gets filled in for us.

The idea of a happy-go-lucky little yellow bugger becoming a future (I doubt THE next) Prime strikes me as laughable but his backstory definitely displays all the qualities and hallmarks of a great ascension to Prime-hood.

The question relies on notions such as non-Primes turning into Primes, and the war lasting long enough to see the deaths of Optimus, Rodimus,Ultra Magnus and then some (Excelsior?,Elita-1?) by which time Bumblebee may be somewhere around Ironhides' size if Transformers actually grow "up" as we do.

Furthermore, he served under Zeta and Optimus,and Rodimus where observation allows, so he definitely has had time to already have concluded as to what a Prime should be.

I actually think the little bugger has it in him...maybe in another 25 years...

I actually think that is an great idea!!

Unlikely to happen, but certainly an interesting thing to imagine!

I seriously doubt that he'd be the introspective, self-doubting panzy that Rodimus turned out to be. I'd actually like the comics to go this way, if only for a short time. I'm really curious to see how the Matrix would change Bumblebee. (Yes, I've seen the pic of Bumblemus Prime)

As much as I like Optimus, I think it's time to pass the reigns. Maybe he could become an advisor in the lines of Alpha Trion, possibly going back to Cybertron and helping Alpha Trion rebuild the planet. That saying that Alpha Trion is in the new Transformers Universe...I've read the last Ironhide comic and found it confusing as hell.

I'd also like to see a new Decepticon leader, but that's for another discussion...

Um... No. I think he would make a great leader after all this time, but I don't think he would have to be Prime to do so, just like in the IDW comic. He is in an army after all, and while there is one central leader, they're usually reliant upon other leaders to bring their strategies to fruition. If anything, I'd like to see him rise up to be a leader like bot like Ultra Magnus, stern, but more so easy going.

Also, I think making him a Prime would put certain limitations on what type of leader he can be. Primes always struck me as the Professor Xavier type leaders, where I feel he would make a great field leader, like Captain America.

For all Beast Machine's flaws, I liked the moment towards the end where Cheetor took charge. I don't see why Bumblebee couldn't have a similar moment of clarity and maturity. Mind you, I don't see it happening any time soon (certainly not whilst Optimus is still kicking) but it'd make for an interesting future. Bumblebee has a lot of years fighting left in him, I think.

Absolutely not. He might be a good leader temporarily, but in the long run, he'd fail. Especially as a Prime. In both G1 and the movies he was too care-free and about having fun. Sure, he was also caring and a team player, but he was missing discipline. So he would not make a good Prime.

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I think he could but he should not. As far as primes go its all about Rodimus. Its funny, I think I am the only one that doesn't like Optimus. When I saw him go down in ROTF I felt nothing and I love that in the 86 movie he's only in it for a good 20-25 mins.

Back on topic... Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Rodimus Prime wrote:In both G1 and the movies he was too care-free and about having fun. Sure, he was also caring and a team player, but he was missing discipline.

Bee's still young though, and discipline comes with time. Really, BB's rather exceptionally disciplined and competent for his age, I've always thought. As a potential future, I still think it works.

But the same could be said for a lot of the G1 Autobots, I suppose.

I feel that Bumblebee makes a great stop-gap commander, but does not have the requisite leadership qualities to become a Prime. Beyond Bumblebee and any discussion of Hot Rod/Rodimus, who else from the Autobot ranks could be a potential Prime? Prowl? Jazz?


- Bob

Bobton03 wrote:I feel that Bumblebee makes a great stop-gap commander, but does not have the requisite leadership qualities to become a Prime. Beyond Bumblebee and any discussion of Hot Rod/Rodimus, who else from the Autobot ranks could be a potential Prime? Prowl? Jazz?


- Bob

Brilliant question:
My whims,some stated above:

Elita-1,Exelcior/Exelcion,Sky Linx,General Jetfire (armada),Either Superion or Defensor (in combined mode),G1/2 Perceptor,Override (Speed planet)and the way he's going these days:Ratchet.

Emergency temporary backup "We've got 72 hours to bring Optimus back from the dead and save the storyline as we know it" Primes:
G1 Trailbreaker (tech spec version),Red Alert (armada version as a continuation of G1 version),Movie Arcee (personality/attitude based,but upgraded),Armada triple minicon Perceptor,G1 Wheeljack (Combined Tech spec& Cartoon version-would blow off half his own upgrades accidentally), Most versions of Silverbolt, the Human girl from the Unicron Trilogy in a robo-suit of some design (heretical but would actually work in a substory),Darkmount or Jhiaxus in a forced alliance vs. some doomsday event plot twist,Rodimus Prime as a ghost-thing from within the Matrix in a futurequest.

I think that down the road bumblebee would make a great prime. He has the dedication, loyalty and heart that shows leadership. Hell put himself in any position for anybody, and that shows great character.

He'd be better than Grimlock, that's for sure!

I agree -- I never could understand why the Autobots ever tolerated Grimlock as their commander. Of all of the 'bots I think that Grimlock and his leadership style, especially back in the classic Marvel days, would have the greatest propensity of igniting an Autobot Civil War.

Speaking of such a thing, how would such a conflict play out? Would an Autobot Civil War be a good thing for the TF Universe? Could it even occur?


- Bob

Bobton03 wrote: Autobot Civil War.

Could it even occur?


- Bob

It could, after the Autobot-Decepticon civil war,easily enough,unless the Governor- commanders are supple enough to outmaneuvre it.

Autobot groups could start to argue about which city/planet previously belonged to which subpopulation, and minorities would accuse command of giving preference to some regions over others during either rebuilding or liberation from the leftover Decepticon held territories.

Autobot subgroups could also start to argue amongst themselves regarding pre-story: eg: "Megatron came from YOUR city: YOU started the war,don't tell ME I have to grin & bear the rebuilding work from the slums until supplies are made available,whilst you rebuild the antiorbital defence platforms for your ivory palace",
or
"Our neighbor city surrendered to Megatron and attacked us as part of his slave army,although we fought to the last bastion and retreated to form an underground resistance:we don't want their workers helping us rebuild and we're sure as hell not sending any of ours over to them-stuff you and your all are one pantomime".

Difficulties during rebuilding,amongst the most desperate of the most disadvantaged,(such as cities that considered themselves better off under Decepticon rule) could even go so far as to create a secret underground "Unicron can rebuild us if we ressurect him" cult or subreligion: Trouble for everyone.

Settlements with lower tech levels before the war could be voted to get the latest tech and reject it, or vote to be kept 'traditional' and reject that.

Post-war Town planning,intended to protect during any next war, could move strategic locations such as med-centres and Energon refineries/banks/whatever around and put new communities in charge and in benefit,causing major jealousy amongst the previous groups.

I personally think that would be pretty cool, but my first thought is: What would the name be?


Bumble Prime

Bumblebee Prime

Bumblus Prime

None of those sound too good...

Orion (or "Optronix") became "Optimus." No reason his name can't change quite a bit, so long as it starts with B.

Energon Is My Drug wrote:I personally think that would be pretty cool, but my first thought is: What would the name be?


Bumble Prime

Bumblebee Prime

Bumblus Prime

None of those sound too good...

Since Sam calls him just Bee in the movies, I suppose he could be called Bemus Prime. Kinda flat minus a syllable, but not as awkward as those others, IMO.

Personally, I'm don't mind the idea of Bumblebee at some point becoming a Prime.

I also prefer Rodimus over Optimus. The 86 movie didn't really affect me, but the end of the forest fight in RoTF made me drop my jaw. Not because I have any affection towards Optimus, but just because I didn't expect him to get offed.

As for Ratchet, I agree, he would make a great Prime, especially Ratchet from the latter G1 Marvel comics. Same with Grimlock. He wasn't very good in the early issues, but later, after the Unicron fight when Optimus told Prowl to "make him understand" I was all for it. Under Grimlock, the Autobots would have totally and utterly defeated the Decepticons, regardless who their leader was.

Instead of Bumblebee, what about Goldbug as a Prime? The TF Wiki says that Goldbug is the "rebuilt and 'matured'" form of Bumblebee. In addition, Goldbug not only sports the facial grillwork reminiscient of Optimus Prime, but also is devoid of the horns which -- in my opinion -- makes Bumblebee seem a little juvenile when juxtaposed with other TFs, especially Decepticons. This latter comment is not meant to deride Cliffhanger: his horns seem to suit his demeanor just fine.

Although I don't see IDW attempting this story arc anytime in the near future, I see Goldbug as the perfect step necessary to transform Bumblebee into Prime material. With Goldbug we attain both a body and maturity upgrade to Bumblebee, while also garnering a name which could be easily married with the term "Prime". Just think, wouldn't the name "Aurum Prime" be cool?


- Bob

Bobton03 wrote: Just think, wouldn't the name "Aurum Prime" be cool?


- Bob

I had the impression 'Bee was called Stinger in Japan, at least at some point.
So, Stinger Prime?

But yes, Aurum Prime is a neat one.

Also, I was musing:

Optimus gets the trailer upgrade- upon contact with Earthlings, it's a base, but it can also be used to carry 'earthen grade' equipment.

Rodimus gets the trailer upgrade designed to carry around Human Allies- (VERY flowerchild and an awesome appraisal of his actual personality beneath the soul-searching-he's a 'stay on Earth' Prime, not a 'Return to Cybertron' Prime, same way Ultra Magnus would be an outstanding city defender as opposed to guerilla fighter).

What would Bumblebee become? A school bus?

Bumblebee should become a classic yellow El Camino with the trailer option...


- Bob

Even though that may never happen I think that would be a cool idea. Though I think he would need a form change. I totally thought Bronzimus Prime. XD At least then he could still be a goldish color, even yellow. x3

I never liked Bumblebee until the Bay movies but I do like what IDW has done with him.

Why do Prime names have to echo their past selves?

The Prime prefix or suffix should reflect his attributes.

I think Prime Noble has a nice ring to it and would suit Bumblebee.

At the least Noble loosely rhymes with Goldbug.

I always liked the idea of Prowl as a Prime. I think he'd look like Checkpoint.

Bumblebee as a Prime? No.
Goldbug as a Prime however wouldn't be too bad. I like the name Bobton03 came up with too. Aurum Prime.

As for his form though... That I'm just not sure on... I can't imagine to many things that would make him look good.

He Should become a prime, and there should be an entire spin-off animated series dedicated to it. not a corny kid series either. I'd like to see an MA rated animated series wherein there is more violence, treachery, carnage, and badassness in general. His prime name should be ENTOMO PRIME (taken from the name for the study of insects ENTOMOLOGY). His coming of age story should include events leading up to the Insecticons joining the Autobots and becoming the Insectobots instead. With his legions of Insectobots and alliance with earth, Entomo Prime will rebuild Cybertron, and give the Cybertronian race a new purpose. Unified under one common goal the Cybertronians will explore the universe and protect all sentient life from hostile, predatory species, and other rogue elements. Imagine all of the stories we as fans have not yet heard in the vast Transformers universe!