Following the news that Robert Kirkman gender-swapped Tech Jacket in Invincible, now it’s learned in Kirkman’s Transformers comics that Optimus Prime is no longer leading the Autobots and has been replaced by Elita-1.
In Skybound’s Transformers #30 released last week, the issue ends with Optimus giving up the Matrix of Leadership to Elita-1, who is upgraded into Elita Prime and takes command.
Optimus drops the “Prime”
The issue also makes clear that Optimus drops the “Prime” title after surrendering the Matrix.
It’s a major shake-up for the Energon Universe, especially because this isn’t some fake-out death or temporary battlefield loss.
Optimus willingly steps aside after Elita-1 challenges him over his decision to keep the Autobots focused on protecting Earth instead of returning to Cybertron.
Rather than continue the fight, he hands over the Matrix, and the Autobots split into two sides.
Elita-1 Is Now Elita Prime
According to the current issue details, Elita argues that Optimus has lost sight of the Autobots’ real mission by putting Earth ahead of Cybertron.
After their clash, Optimus agrees that his choices may be hurting the war effort, surrenders the Matrix, and Elita is transformed into Elita Prime.
Several Autobots choose to leave with her for Cybertron, while others stay behind on Earth with Optimus.
That means the Autobots are now split, with Elita Prime leading one side and Optimus remaining on Earth without the title that defined him and minus the Matrix of Leadership.
Fans Are Calling Out The Name Change Problem
The change is also getting attention from fans online for another reason.
As one X user pointed out, if Optimus is no longer a Prime, a lot of Transformers fans think he should go back to being called Orion Pax, which is the character’s original name before becoming Optimus Prime in classic lore due to the Matrix.
That complaint taps into a bigger issue some readers have with the new direction.
It’s not just that Elita-1 replaces him as leader. It’s that the comic appears to strip away the “Prime” identity without fully leaning into what that should mean for the character. It’s as if the creatives behind the series aren’t familiar with the lore, or they are and just don’t care for the sake of “diversity.”
Robert Kirkman Is Steering The New Era
This is all happening in the current Skybound run of Transformers, which is now being written by The Walking Dead and Invincible creator Robert Kirkman, with art by Dan Mora starting from issue #25.
Skybound, in partnership with Hasbro, took over the Transformers and G.I. Joe comic license after IDW lost it, and Kirkman has been a central architect of the larger Energon Universe.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Transformers: The Movie, which is being celebrated by Hasbro.
