Is Hot Rod only the chosen one because he touched the Matrix first?

[STL]

I think Magnus is simply the safekeeper of the Matrix. I never see him as being the leader. Since there was prophecy uttered from very own Prime's mouth, I guess the only explanation is then that Hot Rod was the chosen one. If the first two minutes of TFTM on Earth, did tell you that, then I don't know what would. It's quite clear that he was being steered in that direction all along.

[GoktimusPrime]

But who here thinks that Ultra Magnus would've been a way better leader than Rodimus Prime anyway?

Heh, makes me wanna watch DrSmoov's "The Rude Awakening of Optimus Prime" again.

[STL]

But who here thinks that Ultra Magnus would've been a way better leader than Rodimus Prime anyway?

Not I. I think one of the particular features that I enjoyed post TFTM was the structure of the cast. The cast actually meant something with specific roles. Granted not all the stories were that great but I liked Magnus as the ever so capable 2nd in command. Inspiring, brave and compassionate yet not able to lead. It makes him unique in that sense as most with those qualities lead. Instead he faithfully serves Rodimus.

[Bartrim]

Not I. I think one of the particular features that I enjoyed post TFTM was the structure of the cast. The cast actually meant something with specific roles. Granted not all the stories were that great but I liked Magnus as the ever so capable 2nd in command. Inspiring, brave and compassionate yet not able to lead. It makes him unique in that sense as most with those qualities lead. Instead he faithfully serves Rodimus.

I agree with that completely. I'm a great 2nd in command. Was so when I played indoor cricket, then my brother was sick for about 3 months and I had to captain and I couldn't deal with it... Kinda like someone else

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Not I. I think one of the particular features that I enjoyed post TFTM was the structure of the cast. The cast actually meant something with specific roles. Granted not all the stories were that great but I liked Magnus as the ever so capable 2nd in command. Inspiring, brave and compassionate yet not able to lead. It makes him unique in that sense as most with those qualities lead. Instead he faithfully serves Rodimus.

He provided a nice counterpoint to Cyclonus in that regard as well. They're both bigger and more competent but just quietly get things accomplished while the leaders do their respective angsty/schizoid routines. The Grand Viziers of the Transformer world.

[GoktimusPrime]

I seriously thought that Ultra Magnus fumbled the Matrix when he was putting it in because he was unco.

Hey! It was 1986 and I was still in primary school okay!

[Sam]

I don't believe in the "destiny" thing.

I think if Ultra Magnus decided not to try and use the Matrix on the planet of Junk, and didn't get blasted (why he decided to simply say "Never!" to Galvatron instead of whipping out his gun and trying to blast him is something I still don't get) to bits, he may have been the one to unleash the Matrix inside Unicron.

But I also think Ultra Magnus has the whole "I am stressed" thing with it comes to leadership and taking charge of the overall situation.

[GoktimusPrime]

I think if Ultra Magnus decided not to try and use the Matrix on the planet of Junk, and didn't get blasted

or the comic adaptation where he was quartered!!

(why he decided to simply say "Never!" to Galvatron instead of whipping out his gun and trying to blast him is something I still don't get)

blind faith?

[AussieJason]

I think Magnus is simply the safekeeper of the Matrix. I never see him as being the leader. Since there was prophecy uttered from very own Prime's mouth, I guess the only explanation is then that Hot Rod was the chosen one. If the first two minutes of TFTM on Earth, did tell you that, then I don't know what would. It's quite clear that he was being steered in that direction all along.

I agree. Magnus was a safekeeper, until the chosen one was able to "light their darkest ..." you know the drill.

If Rodimus hadn't been portrayed as so lacking in the self-confidence department, do you think the "Bring back Optimus" call would have been as loud ?