Transformers and Parallels of Creation and Messiah Narratives

Those who grew up in the 1980s have fond memories of watching cartoons that defined a generation, especially on a Saturday morning. Some of those they grew up mesmerized by their fun action would later relive those same memories when seeing them become live-action films. One cartoon series that children enjoyed was Transformers.

In 1986, the series had a stand-alone film.  The film was a box office flop, falling short of meeting its $6 million budget, yet it gained a cult following from fans as the years went on.

Like the cartoon, the late Peter Cullen returned as Optimus Prime, who anchored an all-star voice cast that consisted of Orson Welles, Frank Welker, Casey Kasam, and Leonard Nimoy.

The film follows twenty years after the second season of the cartoon. It follows the Autobots and Decepticons fighting for victory as a new antagonist surfaces called Unicron.

The film offers biblical themes that will resonate for years to come. It also has faith messages hidden in a pair of Stan Bush songs that were a part of the film’s soundtrack.

Perseverance and Hope

When Optimus Prime dies, the Autobots didn’t know where to turn.  In his song “Dare”, the opening lyrics go "Sometimes when your hopes have all been shattered / There's nowhere to turn / You wonder how you keep going." It captured the situation perfectly. The chorus gave a bold answer: “Dare to believe you can survive... Dare to keep all your dreams alive." This shift to inner resolve as they needed to look to the light.

Sometimes when we hit rock bottom, we may think all is lost. Yet, Christ wants us to put our trust in him who is the light.

Ultimate Sacrifice

Optimus Prime would lay down his life for the Autobots. It is relevant today that he is seen as how Christ died for our sins. Like Christ, Optimus endured so that the Autobots would live free.

Faith in the Next Generation

Hot Rod would become Optimus’s successor. This symbolizes how Christ passed on the faith to his apostles who would lay down the foundation of the Catholic Church.

Indeed, Transformers teaches us to never give up when the odds are against us. Even Bush would sing You've been put to the test, but it's never enough". "You're at your best when the goin' gets rough". Catholics too can be at their best when we persevere in faith and bring hope to those who live in despair.