Doctor Who: EVERY Version Of The Cybermen Explained

In some cases Cyberman squads answer to a more senior Cyberman, the most common example being a Cyber-Leader.

This was true for many types of Cybermen, including the original Mondasian variants, whose leader, Krail, was indistinguishable from his comrades.

Beginning with their encounter with the Fourth Doctor on Nerva Beacon, Cyber-Leaders were distinguished by black headpieces, or simply just black handlebars.

Leaders were subsequently encountered by the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Doctors, all assisted by Cyber-Lieutenants, who didn’t look any different to a regular Cyberman.

Cyber-Leaders also operated during the Battle of Canary Wharf. By this point it was possible for a standard Cyberman to be upgraded to Leader when the previous Leader died, as was the case when Jake Simmonds destroyed the existing Leader inside the Torchwood Institute.

The Cyber-Leader encountered by the Tenth Doctor in Victorian London had a more embellished helmet, with additional black detailing and an uncovered brain (a feature previously reserved for a more senior rank).

It's unclear how Cyber-Leaders are chosen or what exactly distinguishes them from regular Cybermen, but they carry higher levels of authority than your standard soldiers, and appear to be a bit more intelligent to boot.