Most influential Transformer?
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 12:35 amI know in the Comics / Cartoons section, there's a running thread on "Greatest Leader of All Time," and seeing some of the responses there has lead me to an altogether not-so-unexpected conclusion:
Optimus Prime might be the most influential character in the (relatively short) history of the Transformers. Not so much on the story itself...but on the lives of those who spent a part of childhood watching the 80s cartoon or reading the old Marvel books. No doubt many of us who grew up watching that cartoon saw in Prime a hero unlike most of the Saturday-morning fare: compassionate, almost to a fault; willing to fight, but only when there was no other option; and humble, despite his abilities as a leader and a warrior. It even seems like, more than any other cartoon character ever, Optimus has served as an outstanding example of honor, compassion, and justice for many people, to the point where a brave young man felt it necessary to change his name and enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces, to honor Prime and follow his example. Optimus was, and still is for some, the greatest hero ever created, and an embodiment of those qualities for which all people hope to strive.
And I was curious...even if you don't share the same sentiment, is this at least a somewhat-accurate description of Prime's role? Is it possible for one figure in pop culture to embody such high ideals? Or am I just reading too much into a very passionate fanbase at a somewhat-late hour?
Optimus Prime might be the most influential character in the (relatively short) history of the Transformers. Not so much on the story itself...but on the lives of those who spent a part of childhood watching the 80s cartoon or reading the old Marvel books. No doubt many of us who grew up watching that cartoon saw in Prime a hero unlike most of the Saturday-morning fare: compassionate, almost to a fault; willing to fight, but only when there was no other option; and humble, despite his abilities as a leader and a warrior. It even seems like, more than any other cartoon character ever, Optimus has served as an outstanding example of honor, compassion, and justice for many people, to the point where a brave young man felt it necessary to change his name and enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces, to honor Prime and follow his example. Optimus was, and still is for some, the greatest hero ever created, and an embodiment of those qualities for which all people hope to strive.
And I was curious...even if you don't share the same sentiment, is this at least a somewhat-accurate description of Prime's role? Is it possible for one figure in pop culture to embody such high ideals? Or am I just reading too much into a very passionate fanbase at a somewhat-late hour?