MTG's Transformers Optimus Prime Card Is Extremely Powerful in Commander

Transformers' Optimus Prime is one of the most effective Jeskai commanders, with artifacts and +1/+1 counters galore.

Magic: The Gathering's Commander format is a casual multiplayer mode with ample room for just about anything, even the Autobots and Decepticons of Transformers fame. These giant cartoon robots are part of MTG's Universes Beyond project, non-canon cards that add a fun new element to gameplay -- even if some players find them frustrating to play against.

In particular, the Jeskai-colored legend Optimus Prime, Hero is an unexpectedly strong card in the Commander format thanks to its deceptively effective design. Transforming into a truck might look like just a gimmick on the surface, but Optimus Prime's real power lies with his artifact synergy, +1/+1 counters, and most of all, his sheer resilience.

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Optimus Prime, Hero is one of the Universes Beyond project's most potent Commander cards thanks to its strong artifact synergy and inability to die. Optimus Prime, Hero is one of the rare legends that can bring itself back to life when destroyed, meaning exile is one of the few ways to get rid of it completely. Optimus Prime, Hero resists effects like board wipes and combat damage, returning transformed as Optimus Prime, Autobot leader to stay in the fight. Optimus Prime, Hero can even be cast transformed if players wish, making the card just as flexible as a true Transformer.

Optimus Prime, Hero also taps into MTG's notorious subthemes of artifacts and +1/+1 counters, both of which can take over a game if left unchecked. All of the Transformer creatures are artifact creatures, so they benefit hugely from countless artifact-themed cards, including many blue cards. This, combined with +1/+1 counters to boost Optimus Prime's team, pushes Optimus Prime, Hero over the top as a highly synergistic, flexible three-color Commander that no one ever sees coming until it's too late. Optimus Prime's deck ranks somewhat modestly on EDHrec.com at #529, meaning it's strong enough to be a viable and effective pick but rare enough to take most Commander players by surprise.

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Optimus Prime, Hero and his Jeskai-colored Autobot friends generally have the same theme, using and removing +1/+1 counters to get stronger or utilize extra effects like dealing direct damage or even generating extra mana. This can be highly effective in any Commander game, and all experienced Commander players know how dangerous artifact-themed decks or +1/+1 counter-based decks can be -- and Optimus Prime's deck is both. The deck has endless options to become even stronger, often using powerhouse cards like Steel Overseer, Arcbound Ravager and Unwinding Clock, but that's not even the worst problem in some players' eyes.

Commander players already find it a hassle to deal with strong artifact decks, but it feels much worse if that overwhelming artifact power comes from something that doesn't "belong" in MTG. The Universes Beyond project has its fans, but also its detractors, with some players disliking cards from Transformers, Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks or Stranger Things intruding into MTG's established lore. To them, it almost feels insulting to lose to something bizarre like an Autobots deck, with all immersion lost in the process.

Playing against these decks is something many MTG players dislike, especially in their favorite casual formats like Commander. This might contribute to Optimus Prime, Hero's relatively low rank on EDHrec.com, despite the deck's undeniable Transformer power. For certain Commander players, immersion-breaking power isn't worth it, even if these decks can win them many games with the overwhelming power of artifacts, +1/+1 counters, and living semi trucks that roll out and attack for lethal.

Louis Kemner has been a fan of Japanese animation since 1997, when he discovered Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z in elementary school. Now he's a bigger anime/manga fan than ever, and is ready to share what he knows with readers worldwide. He graduated high school in 2009 and received his Bachelor's in creative writing from UMKC in 2013, then put his skills to work in 2019 with CBR.com. He's always looking for a wonderful new anime to watch or manga series to read.