Though the basic design has remained the same, the Cybermen have evolved over the years. Several different evolution theories and naming conventions, such as those found in the David Banks' book, Doctor Who magazine, and the unproduced "Genesis of the Cybermen" script, have been proposed over the years. Since no canon materials (i.e., the television stories) discuss the reason for the modifications, no speculative explanations will be offered here. Also, I have divided the Cybermen up according to the simplest family tree possible. Minor costume differences, such as a boot change, will not be considered a new generation of Cybermen by this site.

The original Cybermen. Cloth covered exterior with extremely large metabolic control system mounted on the chest. No exterior tubing on appendages, but metal bands present. Five fingered hands.

Head completely encased in metallic armor. Cloth covering replaced with flexible metallic material. Reduced metabolic control system. Large exterior tubing found on outer arms and legs. Five fingered hand replaced with three fingered claw. Mark II Cybercontrollers can be identified by an illuminated conical head without the side tubing, and are also lacking a chest unit.

Head very similar in design to the Mark II. Introduction of the "teardrop" into the corner of the eyes and the bottom of the mouth. Stiffer joint construction than the Mark II, with a form fitting body covering. Tubing strapped to thighs with large bands.

Cranial area increased by addition of accordian-like side structures on the head. "Teardrop" removed from mouth. Metabolic control system further reduced in size. Body covering remains more streamlined. Flexible tubing on outer arms and legs replaced with stiff tubing. Five fingered hands reintroduced.

Head very similar to the Mark IV, but with ribbed tubing instead of smooth. A four barrel gun in visible in the forehead. Tubing on the appendages is once again flexible. The body covering has a looser fit, especially pronounced in the legs. Knee joints and elbows covered in ribbed metallic material. Metabolic control system slightly larger than Mark IV. Mark V Cyberleaders can be identified by black tubing on the head.

Head, shoulder armor, and a vastly reduced metabolic control system incorporated into one unit. Lower mouthpiece semi-transparent. Body covered in metallic mesh material. Large tubing on the appendages replaced with a series of smaller tubes. Mark VI Cyberleaders can also be identified by black tubing on the head. Cybercontrollers have a domed head without the side tubing.

Face has very pronounced "cheekbones". Eyes are oval rather than circular in design, and can glow red. Shoulders feature large armored plated. Metabolic chest units are very small an incorporated into the should armor. Energy weapon located in the top of the head.

These Cybermen originate in an alternative universe to our own. "Checkbones" very similar to the Mark VII of our universe. No accordian-like elements on the head. Heavily armored body, including arms and legs. Cybus Industries logo on chest. Energy weapons built into forearms. The CyberController can be identified by his glowing eyes and the clear plate on his head that allows his brain to be seen.

Cybermen, Cyberman, Doctor Who, and the Daleks are all property of BBC television and/or their respective creators. This is a nonprofit, fan site for Doctor Who's Cybermen, and is in no way affiliated with the BBC, the Doctor Who television show, or the Cybermen's creators, Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis. However, it took a lot of time and energy to find all these Cybermen photos and details, so please ask for permission before using any of my content. If you're willing to credit my site and provide a link back I'm usually willing to accommodate you.