Doctor Who: EVERY Version Of The Cybermen Explained

Alternatively, Cybermen can be led by a Cyber-Planner – a highly intelligent and logical being that analyses situations and dictates battle strategy.

The original Cyber-Planner oversaw the Cybermen’s attack on the Wheel, communicating with them via monitors. It resembled a giant flashing brain inside a fragile metal frame.

Another Cyber-Planner acted as the conduit between the Cybermen and International Electromatics’ director Tobias Vaughan during their attempted invasion of 20th century London.

This version was taller and more elaborate, incorporating a ring of flashing rods and a rotating head. It was ultimately destroyed by Vaughan when the Cybermen betrayed him.

Though the most intelligent of all Cyber models, Planners were immobile and quite fragile, which were both addressed with its next upgrade on Hedgewick’s World of Wonders.

Here the Cybermen required a new Cyber-Planner, initially intending to use a child as their minds have infinite potential. However by this point, the Cybermen had worked out how to assimilate lifeforms other than humans. As such, they instead chose to use the mind of the Eleventh Doctor.

Naturally, the Doctor resisted the process, resulting in a battle of wills between his true self and the Cyber-Planner (who christened himself “Mr Clever”). During this time the Doctor's face was augmented by a flashing, and frankly quite trendy-looking cybernetic implant.