Nemesis Prime - Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers: Generation 1

The Nemesis Prime name made its first appearance in the Generation One universe in The Transformers: Devastation. This incarnation of Nemesis Prime is actually not an evil clone of that universe's Optimus, but the new identity of Nova Prime, one of Optimus' predecessors. Motivated by a desire to expand territorially, Nova led the first Ark on a journey of conquest, but ended up in the Dead Universe. The The Transformers: Spotlight issue on Galvatron hints that the ship's crew (including Prime) became undead as a result of this. Nova was possessed by a force called the Darkness, which sustained the Dead Universe and was attracted to the void within Nova created by the absence of the Matrix.

His ultimate goal was to merge the Dead Universe into his home universe, merging the two together with help from the Jhiaxus created Nega-Cores. From there he and his crew would be able to return home properly, as they were unable to survive for long in real space. The resultant universe would adhere to Nova's original ideals, being overseen by the Transformers and shaped in their image. His underlings here included Galvatron, Jhiaxus, Cyclonus, Straxus, and Grindcore. He is aware of Galvatron's ulterior ambitions but is willing to let his agenda be revealed eventually.

Appearing to Optimus in the infraspace between life and death, Nemesis began his plans in earnest, having his troops abduct Nightbeat and turn him into an unaware mole with the eventual intention of assassinating Optimus. His forces constructed the Nega-Cores and their containment facilities in the real universe. Realizing they needed powerful guardians in their absence he had the bodies of Thunderwing and Sixshot taken in preparation for the Expansion, as well as sending Galvatron to Earth to make sure it was not destroyed by the Reapers, as he needed its Energon to power their space bridge network. He then sends Cyclonus into the real universe where, despite drawing the Autobots' attention, he successfully activates the Nega-Core (seen in Spotlight: Arcee) and its guardian - Thunderwing. With this accomplished, Prime prepared to lead his forces into the real universe as the Expansion began. With the elimination of Nightbeat by Hardhead, Nemesis assaulted Garrus-9 personally in an attempt to kill Prime. This proved to be a mistake, as the Darkness attempted to transfer to Optimus. Enraged, Nemesis redoubled his efforts - only to be shot in the back and killed by Galvatron.