Matrix holder

The Matrix holder is a piece of hardware from theMarvel portionof theGeneration 1 continuity family.

TheMatrix holderhouses the crystals on which the intricate program known as theCreation Matrixis encoded in patterns of light. Since the start ofthe warbetweenAutobotsandDecepticons,guardianship of the Matrix holder has typically been entrusted to anAutobotcommander.^[1]

The existence of the Matrix holder as a physical storage device for the intangible Creation Matrix has not always been common knowledge. During his guardianship,Optimus Primekept that secret even from his fellow Autobots.^[2]

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

After Optimus Prime'sdeath,the Autobots launched his body into space as part of their funerary practices.Funeral for a Friend!Ashes, Ashes...They were unaware that the Creation Matrix was fully intact, encoded within the Matrix holder hidden in Optimus Prime's chest.

Later, due to the imminent arrival ofUnicron,it became imperative for the Transformers to retrieve the Creation Matrix.Emirate Xaaroncontacted Optimus Prime assuming he, as the current guardian of the Matrix holder, would be readily available to bring the Creation Matrix back toCybertron.The rebuilt Optimus Prime explained the situation and the two of them organized search parties to discover the final resting place of Optimus Prime's original deceased body.Bird of Prey!

Notes

• In the Marvel Comics, the Creation Matrix itself was an intangible force that was not necessarily restricted to residing within the Matrix holder. In early issues, the Creation Matrix was temporarily transferred to the mind of the humanBuster Witwicky.Truth be told, the existence of the Matrix holder was aretconestablished after the physical object was borrowed fromThe Transformers: The Movie.
• In other continuities, the "Matrix of Leadership" is synonymous with the physical object.

References

1. ↑Powermaster Optimus Prime'sUniverseprofile.
2. ↑Bird of Prey!