Doctor Who: EVERY Version Of The Cybermen Explained

The Cybermen have been a thorn in the Doctor’s side ever since their fateful encounter with the First Doctor, which led to his regeneration.

But in terms of their design and appearance, they’ve been anything but consistent.

Part of the reason for this is that, like the Daleks, they have hierarchies, with some units assigned specific roles or given more responsibility.

This issue is compounded by the fact that Cybermen have emerged independently of each other on various different worlds, sometimes overlapping or crossing over with each other.

Basically, the Cybermen’s history is really confusing. Hence this handy list, compiling every variant ever (barring expanded universe stuff, like the Cybermen seen in the Sixth Doctor webcast Real Time and Eighth Doctor comic The Flood).

If you’re unsure about the difference between Mondas or Telos, don’t get why certain Cybermen have a ‘C’ on their chest and some don’t, or just want to upgrade your Cyber knowledge, look no further. 

This is the ultimate guide to the Doctor’s second greatest enemies!

The first Cybermen encountered by the Doctor originated on Earth’s twin planet Mondas (originally the tenth planet in our solar system).

In 1986, Mondas was dying, so the Cybermen attempted to use Earth’s energy to replenish it. But the First Doctor foiled their plans, resulting in Mondas’ destruction.

Following this, the Cybermen became even more fixated on Earth, plotting to sabotage its weather and steal its minerals, before carrying out a full-scale invasion.

They also established a base on the planet Telos, incorporating cryogenic tombs. Another strain evolved on a colony ship, as part of Operation Exodus.

Reflecting the fact that they were merely humanoids who had upgraded their bodies with spare parts, the earliest Cybermen were fairly primitive – their faces covered with cloth, their bodies covered in surgical sheeting and their hands exposed.

But as they spread throughout the universe, the Cybermen became more sophisticated, acquiring proper helmets and bodysuits.

Throughout, two features remained constant: the rod-like “handlebars” that extend from the ears to the top of the head, and the chest-mounted life support unit.

Though built for survival, these Cybermen weren’t unstoppable, their weakness including radiation, solvents and gold.

The latter was a pretty big deal in the Cyber-Wars – a series of conflicts fought in the far future, which brought the Cybermen to the brink of extinction.