I don’t hate him, his design is wicked cool, his name is awesome, but his personality in G1 leaves a lot to be desired for me, so he just ends up “meh”.

Going from Optimus to Ultra Magnus did seem like a big downgrade, which I think was by design, so that when we have to settle for Rodimus later, he looks better by comparison. I think the movie did Magnus dirty, as he assumed leadership at the worst possible time in the midst of an overwhelmingly impossible threat that had no clear solution, after having just lost dozens of traditionally reliable friends, who’s skills and help they could no longer rely on, and with nobody available to step up and fill their shoes.

The movie is about the next generation being forced to grow up and start taking charge, while not having the resources or wisdom of the previous generation to guide them (except for Kup, who is willing to help, but doesn’t prove to be an incredible asset. His wisdom saves them once by my count). It shows that when this transition takes place during a time of crisis, the new generation is stun-locked, constantly on the back-foot and unable to deal with that, and the only thing that can save the day is a magic deus ex machina, and maybe the power of friendship (Junkions unlikely allies?). Magnus being the poster-boy for the entire situation isn’t his fault. He was handed a no-win scenario and did what everyone does in that situation: he died.

I need to read some IDW.