I wish Prowl would have been the Autobot nemesis of Shockwave. Both rely on logic and are in charge of military operations.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

The second-in-command of the Primal Vanguard, next to Optimus Prime. The strategic head of the Primal Vanguard. Quiet and logical. He's gifted when it comes to planning, preparation, and strategy, but he tends to be clumsier with improvisation.

 

Animated

 

Who would be Kirk then?

 

I want to say Optimus, but we all know he's a Picard.

 

He ought to be a Sisko, but that's just me.

Back to the topic at hand, I'd probably go with the Spock/early Cyclops ideas, making Prowl the cool-headed, practical, squared-away man with a plan. He'd be awkward outside of work, but he's the guy you rely on to get things done. Even when Optimus doesn't go with Prowl's plan, he still relies on Prowl as a devil's advocate. In my fan continuity, Prowl's been dead for a long time, but in life, he was my Optimus's right hand man. Their antagonistic relationship in IDW wouldn't even be a thing - first, my Optimus doesn't play around or spout platitudes, he focuses on getting the job done. And Prowl's actually allowed to have his viewpoint aired without being labeled a prick. Even when they disagree, they still have enormous respect for each other.

@Rewind Eject, your idea of having Prowl pick a police vehicle for infiltration and freedom of movement is frankly brilliant.

 

Cyberverse Prowl, but with a bit of IDW and Animated Prowls blended in.

 

Optimus was the balance between the two, like Kirk was.