The following text is an excerpt from the official Beast Wars Story Bible, written by Bob Forward and Larry DiTillio. It's from a draft of Dec. 1995, before the first show aired...

Name: OPTIMUS PRIMAL. Leader of the Maximals

Beast Form: A stocky 800 pound Gorilla.

Robotic Form: Gray/Purple Humanoid w/giant bat wings (Flight Capability)

Weaponry: Mini-Double-Barreled Missile Launcher (left forearm), Mega Missile Launchers (Wing mounted), Dual Ninja-style sonic swords.

Skills: Leadership, Strategy & Tactics, Ranged and Melee Combat, Computer, Pilot, Biology, Zoology, Ancient Cultures, Astro-Navigation, Acute Sonar

Interests/Hobbies: Optimus is an avid reader, mainly philosophy and non-fiction. Unhappily the crash destroyed all the computerized texts and he has nothing to read. He would be most happy to run across some form of book. He also likes to play chess, but this activity too is curtailed by his circumstance.

Attitude: Optimus is charismatic, confident, decisive, quick on his feet and pound for pound one of the most powerful of the Maximals. He is a natural leader. He is firm but gentle and less given to roaring displays of anger than some of the Maximals. All the Maximals respect his leadership, with the single exception of DinoBot who feels he should lead. But underneath the heroic mantle, Optimus has problems. He does not like the fact that he is embroiled in the Beast Wars. He is basically a peaceful being with a great respect and curiosity about life in all its forms. He would have preferred to go to space to explore, to seek knowledge and to meet new life forms. He never expected to wind up on a hostile world in constant struggle with an unreasonable enemy and it has given him grave doubts. He would much rather negotiate with the Predacons than trade missile fire and this is one reason he allowed DinoBot to defect to their side. He feels great concern for each member of his team and will put himself in jeopardy every time to save one of them. At the same time, this is a heavy responsibility and there are times he would like to just find some quiet jungle and hide there. Of course he doesn't. There is a war to be won and he is determined to win it whether it be by power or negotiation. Think of Optimus as a Philosopher King, who must suddenly be a Warrior as well. He does the job but its a job he'd rather not have had to do.

Despite these problems, Optimus is not a brooder. He doesn't have the time or the inclination to feel sorry for himself. He is definitely the most responsible of the Maximals and hence usually the most sober. This does not mean he doesn't enjoy a good laugh but he is the least likely of any of our heroes to make a joke.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Dinobot is a thorn in his side but knowing the importance of having an ally familiar with the enemy he will not remove him. At best he hopes he can trust DinoBot to remain with them and perhaps tone down his more savage side.

Rattrap's attitude and behavior often irk Optimus but he has great respect for his ability and likes his jokes.

Cheetor is something like a son to Optimus. They have the closest relationship on the team. Though he quietly disapproves of Cheetor's rambunctious nature and cockiness he counts on him a lot.

Rhinox is a good friend, though his slow way of doing things sometimes irritates Optimus. However there is no Maximal Optimus would rather have watching his back.