Interesting that you mentioned Arcee, since in some of the fanfic scripts I've written, the chain of command is as follows:

Leader - Rodimus
Second-in-command - Nightbeat
Third-in-command - Arcee
Fourth-in-command - Siren

Of course, there was a period in the scripts where I had Arcee taking over (seasons two and three) and tried to handle her in the leadership role.

 

A question to also ask and important for who becomes the new leader, is how this leader is appointed.

Divine intervention: the matrix chooses the new leader.

Optimus chooses the new leader (like in the movie): in the movie he went with Magnus and in the later Marvel comics he appointed Grimlock, but I can also see him appoint (marvel) Fort Max.

Elected by senior officers: In the marvel US comic the senior officers came together, each gave a characteristic they thought important, and next comes the search for the Autobot who most closely matches this. In this scenario, there are many options.

 

Marvel Rodimus. Though I've never read Marvel Transformers, I could tell from what other people on here tell me that Marvel Rodimus did well.

IDW Bumblebee may work, but since I've never collected comics, I don't really know.

However, from what I can gather, Marvel Rodimus is the better choice.

 

Star Saber or bust! LET'S SAY GO!

 

Me

 

Marvel Rodimus was basically season three Rodimus without the restrictions of 80's cartoon writing (and without the existence of Fight or Flee). The cartoon did as good a job as they could do in terms of 80's cartoons, but in the comics, Furman did a fantastic job with him and it's right up there with the Sunbow season three iteration as my favorite version of the character.

He did have his doubts and uncertainty, like you see here:


However, despite his insecurities and flaws, unlike Optimus, he wouldn't make the mistake of hesitating:


And I know I've shared this before, but I just love this moment:

 

Ah, I see now. Thanks for the background on Marvel Hot Rod.

 

Shockwave. (nah, I voted Rodimus, of course. But wouldn't it be a fascinating story where Optimus and Megatron died and Shockwave leads all Transformers? Not that it would be great for all of them...)

 

Star Saber.

He did that and a lot more in his own series; he safeguarded Earth and all the aligned planets, led all the Autobots in the entire galaxy, and was a single father to a human boy.

 

Cyberverse Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime

 

G2 Rapido

Rapido - Transformers Wiki

 

They should avoid killing Optimus for the next few iterations & perhaps give us different leadership

 

Brawn.

Diesel say, no f**king way.

 

Ultra Magnus. Not even close.

 

Ultra Magnus is the best choice, he's severely underrated

 

Wheelie Prime.

 

Honestly, it would have to depend on which continuity one goes off. I don't feel like the Autobots really have a one true second in command. The Decepticons basically always have Starscream, but I feel like with the Autobots it changes every series.

 

star saber.

 

Awesome description!

+1 to Star Saber.
He did replace Optimus for me.. when I was watching the G1 back in the days. Now, I'd just want to see them side by side!! 

Also, I really loved a 'theory' that G1 Bumblebee was planned to be the next Prime. I'd really be interested in how this storyline would have gone.