Fans often debate if Optimus Prime and Megatron were ever friends. Their rivalry is one of the biggest in Transformers history, but it started with a real bond. Knowing they were once close makes their fights feel more sad and meaningful.
This article looks at their friendship across different Transformers stories and why it matters.
The Origins of Their Friendship
In most Transformers stories, especially comics and newer shows, Optimus Prime and Megatron were friends before the big war. They weren't always called by those names though.
Optimus was first Orion Pax, a simple worker in a library on Cybertron. He sorted records and dreamed of a better world. Megatron started as D-16 (in some versions), a fighter in underground arenas.
They met because Orion liked Megatron's ideas about fixing Cybertron's unfair system. During this time:
- They talked a lot about changing society.
- Both wanted equality for everyone.
- Orion respected Megatron's strong ideas.
- Megatron liked Orion's smart thinking.
When Did Optimus Prime and Megatron Used to Be Friends?
Their friendship happened before Cybertron's big war, in a time called the Age of Rust. This was hundreds of years before the fighting started in some stories.
They teamed up to challenge the leaders. Orion brought facts and history, while Megatron brought energy and support from regular bots. They worked well together at first.
What Broke Their Friendship?
Their friendship ended during a big meeting with Cybertron's leaders. Both shared their plans to fix things, hoping to get support and a special item called the Matrix of Leadership.
What happened:
- Megatron wanted to use force to change things.
- The leaders said no to his violent ideas.
- They chose Orion instead and gave him the Matrix.
- Megatron felt betrayed by everyone, including his friend.
- Orion became Optimus Prime, leader of the good guys (Autobots).
- Megatron started the bad guys (Decepticons) and declared war.
Different Versions of Their Relationship
Transformers has many versions, like cartoons, comics, and movies. Their friendship isn't the same in all.
|
Continuity |
Friendship Status |
Key Details |
|
IDW Comics |
Yes, close friends |
Most detailed exploration of their pre-war friendship |
|
Aligned Continuity (Prime/WFC) |
Yes, brothers-in-arms |
Deep bond forged through shared revolutionary goals |
|
G1 Cartoon |
No established friendship |
Depicted as adversaries from the start |
|
Bayverse Films |
Unclear |
Hints of past connection but not explicitly friends |
|
Cyberverse |
Yes, former allies |
Showed cooperation before ideological split |
The comics give the best look at their friendship. It makes their fights feel more emotional.
Why Their Friendship Matters
Knowing they were friends makes their war sadder. It's not just good vs. evil—it's old friends who lost their way.
They could have changed Cybertron together. But their different ideas turned them into enemies, causing a war that lasted forever.
Exploring Their Story Through Collectibles
For fans who want to celebrate this complex relationship, Transformers toys offer a tangible connection to these characters. Collecting both Optimus Prime and Megatron allows fans to display their legendary rivalry alongside each other.
The Blokees features various Transformers collections that capture different aspects of these characters' designs and eras. Whether you prefer their classic appearances or modern interpretations, these collectibles help tell their story.
Why They Split: Different Ideas About Change
Their friendship fell apart because they disagreed on how to fix Cybertron's problems. Both wanted things better, but they had totally opposite plans.
What Megatron believed:
- You have to take power by force
- Fighting back against unfairness is justified
- Strong control brings peace
- The end goal matters more than how you get there
What Optimus believed:
- Try peaceful change first
- Everyone deserves respect and rights
- People should follow you because they want to, not because they're scared
- Being fair means being kind too
These different views made staying friends impossible. Small arguments turned into huge disagreements that eventually tore their whole planet apart.
When the Past Breaks Through
Even though they're enemies now, sometimes you see flashes of their old friendship. In various shows and comics, they pause right before going for the kill.
Optimus keeps trying to talk sense into Megatron, hoping to reach the guy he used to know. He gives him chances to stop fighting and make peace. Part of him still remembers what they had.
What Fans Can Learn
Their relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron teaches real lessons about friendship, beliefs, and what wars actually cost. It hits home because we've all dealt with friendships that change or end over different values.
Knowing their backstory makes every Transformers episode or comic better. When you see them fight, remembering they were once friends makes it hit harder. It's not just action—it's tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were Optimus Prime and Megatron always enemies?
No. In many stories, they were friends before the war. They worked together to make Cybertron better.
Were they friends in every Transformers version?
No. The old cartoon shows them as enemies from the start. But newer comics and shows make them old friends.
What ended their friendship?
Different ideas about change. Megatron wanted violence; Optimus wanted peace. A big decision by leaders made Megatron feel betrayed.
Why does their friendship matter?
It makes their fights more than battles—it's a sad story of lost friends.
Could they be friends again?
In some stories, they team up against bigger threats. Megatron sometimes tries to change, but it usually doesn't last.
