Dark Cybertron (IDW)

This article is about the comic book event. For the titular prophecy, see Dark Cybertron (prophecy){{#switch:{{#sub:Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|-1}}|!=|.=|?=|.}} For a list of other meanings, see Dark Cybertron (disambiguation).
Look Dave, I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.

"Dark Cybertron" is an "event" storyline published across 2013–2014 by IDW Publishing. A simultaneous celebration of the Transformers brand's 30th anniversary and the second anniversary of IDW's most recent relaunch of their Transformers comic books, the storyline takes place in alternating issues of More than Meets the Eye and Robots in Disguise, with special one-shots released for the first and final chapters. It was produced in conjunction with Hasbro's Transformers: Generations toyline, and both the prelude and the event itself (eighteen issues in all) were packaged with Generations figures, all of which were incorporated into the story.

"Dark Cybertron" was followed by the "Dawn of the Autobots" post-event branding, marketed as a jumping-on point for new readers and introducing the new Windblade mini-series.

{{#if:IDW's hyperbolic promotion for "Dark Cybertron" makes some big promises!|
“ THE END OF EVERYTHING! SHOCKWAVE makes a move millions of years in the planning—an ultimate plan to remake Cybertron and destroy both the Autobots and Decepticons! The biggest Transformers event in comic book history! ”
{{#if:IDW's hyperbolic promotion for "Dark Cybertron" makes some big promises!|

—IDW's hyperbolic promotion for "Dark Cybertron" makes some big promises!{{#if:|, {{{3}}}}}

}}

}}


{{#if:|[[{{{prev}}}|«]]|}} style="color:{{{headertextcolor}}}"}}|{{#if:|{{#switch:{{{series}}} micromasters=Transformers: Micromasters{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:Micromasters issues{{#if: yes *}}]] joevstf1=G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issues{{#if: yes *}}]] joevstf2=G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issues{{#if: yes *}}]] joevstfaow=G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers:
The Art of War{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issues{{#if: yes		 *}}]] joevstfbh=G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers:
Black Horizon{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issues{{#if: yes		 *}}]] tfgijoedf=[[{{#ifeq:{{{series}}}|tfgijoedf|Transformers/G.I. Joe: Divided Front|Transformers/G.I. Joe}}]]{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:Transformers/G.I. Joe issues{{#if: yes *}}]] regeneration one=The Transformers: Regeneration One{{#if: | #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}[[Category:Regeneration One issues{{#if: yes *}}]] {{#ifeq:{{#switch:{{{series}}} transformers spotlight|transformers: spotlight|the transformers spotlight|the transformers: spotlight=The Transformers: Spotlight transformers infiltration|transformers: infiltration|the transformers infiltration|the transformers: infiltration=The Transformers: Infiltration transformers stormbringer|transformers: stormbringer|the transformers stormbringer|the transformers: stormbringer=The Transformers: Stormbringer transformers escalation|transformers: escalation|the transformers escalation|the transformers: escalation=The Transformers: Escalation megorigin|megatron origin|transformers megatron origin|transformers: megatron origin|the transformers megatron origin|the transformers: megatron origin=The Transformers: Megatron Origin transformers devastation|transformers: devastation|the transformers devastation|the transformers: devastation=The Transformers: Devastation maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1 transformers bumblebee|transformers: bumblebee|the transformers bumblebee|the transformers: bumblebee=The Transformers: Bumblebee wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers transformers ironhide|transformers: ironhide|the transformers ironhide|the transformers: ironhide=The Transformers: Ironhide transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|the transformers: drift=The Transformers: Drift the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation infestation 2=Infestation 2 heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers vol. 2 drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=The Transformers: Windblade|The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2 transformers autocracy|transformers: autocracy|the transformers autocracy|autocracy=The Transformers: Autocracy transformers monstrosity|transformers: monstrosity|the transformers monstrosity|monstrosity=The Transformers: Monstrosity transformers primacy|transformers: primacy|the transformers primacy|primacy=The Transformers: Primacy sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers transformers punishment|transformers: punishment|the transformers punishment|the transformers: punishment|punishment=The Transformers: Punishment transformers redemption|transformers: redemption|the transformers redemption|the transformers: redemption|redemption=The Transformers: Redemption transformers salvation|transformers: salvation|the transformers salvation|the transformers: salvation|salvation=The Transformers: Salvation transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe combiner hunters|combiner hunters (comic)=An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters titans return|titans return (comic)=Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=The Transformers: Till All Are One lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=The Transformers: Lost Light optimus prime|optimus prime (comic)=Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime annual2017|transformers annual 2017=Ghost Stories|Transformers Annual 2017 revolution=Revolution revolutionaries=Revolutionaries action man=Action Man (comic)|Action Man gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5 hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza first strike=First Strike ROM rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers transformers unicron|transformers: unicron=Transformers: Unicron {{{series}}} |{{#ifeq:{{#switch:{{{series}}} war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) {{{series}}} [[{{#switch:{{{series}}} war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)  #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}{{#ifeq: | Category [[Category:IDW {{#switch:{{#switch:{{{series}}} war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) {{{series}}}}} {{#switch:prime war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) {{#switch:primeadaptation war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) {{#switch:ragedinobots war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) ragedinobots}}=Prime {{#switch:rid2015 war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic) fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic) transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel) prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series) primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots beast hunters|transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic) fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire! rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic) rid2015}}=Robots in Disguise (2015) {{#switch:{{{series}}} war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=War for Cybertron fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Fall of Cybertron transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)|primeadaptation|prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Prime primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Prime – Rage of the Dinobots transformers prime: beast hunters (comic)=Prime – Beast Hunters fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Prime – Beast Hunters Special rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Robots in Disguise (2015) Aligned}}}} issues{{#if: yes [[{{#switch:{{{series}}} transformers spotlight|transformers: spotlight|the transformers spotlight|the transformers: spotlight=The Transformers: Spotlight transformers infiltration|transformers: infiltration|the transformers infiltration|the transformers: infiltration=The Transformers: Infiltration transformers stormbringer|transformers: stormbringer|the transformers stormbringer|the transformers: stormbringer=The Transformers: Stormbringer transformers escalation|transformers: escalation|the transformers escalation|the transformers: escalation=The Transformers: Escalation megorigin|megatron origin|transformers megatron origin|transformers: megatron origin|the transformers megatron origin|the transformers: megatron origin=The Transformers: Megatron Origin transformers devastation|transformers: devastation|the transformers devastation|the transformers: devastation=The Transformers: Devastation maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1 transformers bumblebee|transformers: bumblebee|the transformers bumblebee|the transformers: bumblebee=The Transformers: Bumblebee wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers transformers ironhide|transformers: ironhide|the transformers ironhide|the transformers: ironhide=The Transformers: Ironhide transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|the transformers: drift=The Transformers: Drift the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation infestation 2=Infestation 2 heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers vol. 2 drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=The Transformers: Windblade|The Transformers: Windblade vol. 2 transformers autocracy|transformers: autocracy|the transformers autocracy|autocracy=The Transformers: Autocracy transformers monstrosity|transformers: monstrosity|the transformers monstrosity|monstrosity=The Transformers: Monstrosity transformers primacy|transformers: primacy|the transformers primacy|primacy=The Transformers: Primacy sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers transformers punishment|transformers: punishment|the transformers punishment|the transformers: punishment|punishment=The Transformers: Punishment transformers redemption|transformers: redemption|the transformers redemption|the transformers: redemption|redemption=The Transformers: Redemption transformers salvation|transformers: salvation|the transformers salvation|the transformers: salvation|salvation=The Transformers: Salvation transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe combiner hunters|combiner hunters (comic)=An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters titans return|titans return (comic)=Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=The Transformers: Till All Are One lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=The Transformers: Lost Light optimus prime|optimus prime (comic)=Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime annual2017|transformers annual 2017=Ghost Stories|Transformers Annual 2017 revolution=Revolution revolutionaries=Revolutionaries action man=Action Man (comic)|Action Man gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5 hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza first strike=First Strike ROM rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers transformers unicron|transformers: unicron=Transformers: Unicron  #{{{issueno}}}| }}{{#if: yes|issues:}}{{#ifeq: | Category [[Category:{{#switch:{{{series}}} premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection|idwcollection|the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=IDW Collection transformers spotlight|transformers: spotlight|the transformers spotlight|spotlight=Spotlight transformers infiltration|transformers: infiltration|the transformers infiltration|infiltration=Infiltration transformers stormbringer|transformers: stormbringer|the transformers stormbringer|the transformers: stormbringer=Stormbringer transformers escalation|transformers: escalation|the transformers escalation|escalation=Escalation megorigin|megatron origin|transformers megatron origin|transformers: megatron origin|the transformers megatron origin|the transformers: megatron origin=Megatron Origin transformers devastation|transformers: devastation|the transformers devastation|devastation=Devastation maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|maximum dinobots=Maximum Dinobots all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|all hail megatron=All Hail Megatron the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)|the transformers (idw)=IDW The Transformers transformers bumblebee|transformers: bumblebee|the transformers bumblebee|bumblebee=Bumblebee wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|last stand of the wreckers=Last Stand of the Wreckers transformers ironhide|transformers: ironhide|the transformers ironhide|ironhide=Ironhide Infestation (IDW)=Infestation Infestation2|Infestation 2=Infestation transformers drift|transformers: drift|the transformers drift|drifteos|drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: origins and empires|transformers drift: origins & empires|origins and empires|origins & empires=Drift heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|heart of darkness=Heart of Darkness tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=The Death of Optimus Prime more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye=IDW More than Meets the Eye robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise|ongoing2|exrid|the transformers (idw) vol. 2=IDW Robots in Disguise (2012) dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron the transformers: windblade|windblade2|windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=Windblade transformers autocracy|transformers: autocracy|the transformers autocracy|autocracy=Autocracy transformers monstrosity|transformers: monstrosity|the transformers monstrosity|monstrosity=Monstrosity transformers primacy|transformers: primacy|the transformers primacy|primacy=Primacy transformers punishment|transformers: punishment|the transformers punishment|the transformers: punishment|punishment=Punishment transformers redemption|transformers: redemption|the transformers redemption|the transformers: redemption|redemption=Redemption transformers salvation|transformers: salvation|the transformers salvation|the transformers: salvation|salvation=Salvation marsattackstransformers|mars attacks: the transformers=Mars Attacks: The Transformers transformers deviations|transformers: deviations=IDW crossover synergy: a hasbro creators showcase=IDW crossover transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe sotw|wreckers2|sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=Sins of the Wreckers combiner hunters|combiner hunters (comic)=Combiner Hunters titans return|titans return (comic)=Titans Return optimus prime|optimus prime (comic)=Optimus Prime annual2017|2017 Annual|Annual 2017=Transformers Annual 2017 lost light|transformers lost light|the transformers lost light|transformers: lost light|the transformers: lost light=Lost Light till all are one|Till All Are One|transformers till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=Till All Are One revolution=Revolution revolutionaries=Revolutionaries action man=Action Man gijoe5|g.i. joe vol 5|g.i. joe vol. 5|g.i. joe volume 5|g.i. joe (vol. 5)|g.i. joe (volume 5)=G.I. Joe vol. 5 g.i. joe idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection first strike=First Strike hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook micronauts=Micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza rom=ROM rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs. transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Requiem of the Wreckers transformers unicron=Unicron IDW (2005)}} issues{{#if: yes *}}]]}}}}}} "Dark Cybertron" chapters:}} {{#if:Dawn of the Autobots|»|}} {{#if:
"Syndromica"

"Dark Prelude"

"Dark Cybertron Prelude"

"Dark Cybertron"
 style="text-align:left;"|}}|
"Syndromica"

"Dark Prelude"

"Dark Cybertron Prelude"

"Dark Cybertron"


IDW Publishing's comic book events
Inter-company crossovers
Transformers events
Hasbro Universe events

Prequels

[edit]
Planning for "Dark Cybertron" began with Robots in Disguise #6.

The storyline of "Dark Cybertron" was built to almost from the inception of the More than Meets the Eye and Robots in Disguise comics—specifically, in "Syndromica", the side-plot occurring in occasional issues of Robots in Disguise which focused on Orion Pax as he pursued Jhiaxus across the galaxy. In these issues, unexplored and unfinished plot threads from Simon Furman's time as chief architect of the IDW universe six years prior came to the fore, as the extent of Shockwave's Regenesis program was explored and characters that had fallen by the wayside like Bludgeon and Monstructor returned. More than Meets the Eye chose to focus on supplementary material surrounding Shockwave's origins in the "Shadowplay" story arc, as well as acting as a sequel to "Chaos Theory".

Build-up increased at the end of 2012 with the return of the Spotlight series of one-shots, which soon revealed themselves to be pack-ins for upcoming Generations toys. That these issues were preludes to "Dark Cybertron" was not immediately apparent (aside from the fact that they were eventually collected in a trade paperback named Dark Prelude), with all that seemed to link them being a common theme of the Metrotitans and their space bridge capabilities (serving to promote the new Generations Metroplex toy). Once the crossover was underway, however, it became apparent that in addition to the Titans, the Spotlights had been used as a means of stealth-introducing to toy-buying readers unfamiliar with the IDW universe several characters and concepts that would play important roles in Dark Cybertron, such as Nightbeat, Megatron's internal space bridge, and perhaps most significantly, the introduction of Metroplex's severed thumb.

Backstory on the Titans and Crystal City were featured in the Primus annuals.

Following the conclusion of Robots in Disguise's first long-form story arc with its sixteenth issue, active promotion for the story's imminent beginning commenced, with all six of the subsequent issues of the title bearing a "Dark Cybertron Prelude" cover box, three of which were used as pack-ins for the next wave of Generations figures. In addition to introducing this new batch of toy characters into the storyline, these issues returned to the Prime side-plot and expanded on Shockwave's involvement in it, and moved other characters into position for the event. Further still, like the Spotlights before them, the issues used as pack-ins also served to provide for buyers a pocket summary of all the relevant IDW history needed to fully appreciate Dark Cybertron—Shockwave's Regenesis program, the general history of Nova Prime and Jhiaxus's era, a basic recap of Robots in Disguise's story up to that point, the Dead Universe, and more. At the same time as this was happening, More than Meets the Eye brought its own first "season" to a close, then followed up with a single "Dark Cybertron Prelude" issue of its own (also a pack-in, introducing new elements that would be key to the event's story) before both series dived into the crossover.

Overview

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To bring together the final strands of a long-germinating plan that has been his life's work, Shockwave orchestrates a series of events that cause havoc for the Autobots, Decepticons, and NAILs on three separate fronts. At his behest, Jhiaxus manipulates Orion Pax—the once and former Optimus Prime—into awakening a slumbering Metrotitan on the planet Gorlam Prime. Bringing the Titan to Cybertron, Shockwave combines his Regenesis ores of Regeneration and Death to transform the giant into a zombie "Necrotitan", through which he makes contact with Nova Prime and Galvatron in the Dead Universe. Requiring a space bridge to free the two ancient Cybertronians from their undead realm, Shockwave has the titan unleash a "death plague" upon Iacon; in the chaos that follows, the reanimated Metalhawk is used to retrieve the captive Megatron so that Shockwave can employ the space bridge within his body. The united forces of Bumblebee's Autobots and Soundwave's Decepticons storm Shockwave's Crystal City base and prevent Nova Prime's emergence in the living universe, but Galvatron manages to make the crossing.

Simultaneously, the awakening of the Titan causes Gorlam Prime to collapse into a portal to the Dead Universe, and Pax and his team are only saved from being sucked inside by the timely arrival of the Lost Light. Conferring with Iacon leader Starscream and learning of events on Cybertron, Pax leads a team through the portal into the Dead Universe to try and stop Shockwave's plot from the other side. They encounter and are tricked into a trap by Nova Prime's mind-controlled thrall Nightbeat, but are able to free him, along with Nova's other captive, Kup; Pax destroys Nova, retaking the name of Optimus Prime in the process.

Meanwhile, the Lost Light, charged with tracking down Jhiaxus, is pulled off-course by a summons from the badly-wounded Metroplex, via a severed portion of his thumb the ship had previously encountered. Finding the ancient Autobot and his companions Windblade, Chromia, and Nautica on the ocean planet Hydrophena, the crew defends him and themselves against an army of Shockwave's Ammonite minions and use their ship's engines to give him enough of a power boost to teleport them all back home to Cybertron. They return as the Necrotitan is in the middle of razing Iacon at Shockwave's command; Megatron, having fallen in with Bumblebee, uses his space bridge to teleport Metroplex's thumb—revealed to contain another of Shockwave's ores—from the Lost Light back into its owner's hand, giving him the energy to defeat the Necrotitan and heal the plague.

Unfortunately, all has transpired according to Shockwave's plans: the Ammonites, Lost Light, and Necrotitan were pupeteered to ensure that Metroplex would return to Cybertron and bring the last of the ores with him, while Optimus Prime was deliberately lured into the Dead Universe so that he could destroy Nova Prime and remove his control over its necrotic energies. Using the combined powers of all his ores, fueled by the energy of the Dead Universe—channeled by Jhiaxus's chronal drive, through an unwitting Galvatron—Shockwave intends to bend space and time to his will, collapsing all of reality into a singularity that will be used to feed Cybertron for eternity. As the majority of the Autobots and Decepticons battle the colossal Ammonite army Shockwave summons to the planet, a small team ventures into Crystal City to confront the villains, where they are soon rejoined by Optimus Prime's team, who emerge through a portal to the Dead Universe within the unknowingly-undead Brainstorm. Metalhawk sacrifices himself to unbalance the ore equation, destroying the Ammonites, while Bumblebee is killed by Shockwave; inspired by the words and the sacrifice of his new friend, Megatron dons the Autobot symbol, an action that throws Shockwave into confusion. The scientist's loss of focus causes him to lose control of the chronal drive, setting his mind adrift in time and resulting in the re-emergence of his pre-Shadowplay self. Horrified at what he has become, Shockwave allows Optimus and Megatron to kill him, destroying the drive and bringing an end to his plan.

The event led into a jumping-on point event for the Transformers books titled "Dawn of the Autobots", beginning in Robots in Disguise #28, More than Meets the Eye #28, and the first issue of the new Windblade mini-series, and taking place six months after the end of "Dark Cybertron".

Consequences

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Several plot lines were resolved as a result of the crossover, and many characters were repositioned for the IDW universe going forward:

  • A number of major and supporting characters were killed, including Bumblebee, Shockwave, Hardhead, Jhiaxus, and Nova Prime.
  • Galvatron, Kup, and Nightbeat were re-introduced into the IDW universe after several years' absence.
  • Female Transformers other than Arcee, including the "fan-designed" Windblade, were introduced.
  • Orion Pax reassumed the mantle of Prime.
  • Megatron made the major decision to join the Autobots, and Galvatron took command of the now-leaderless Decepticons.
  • The Autobots of the Lost Light and Cybertron reconnected for the first time since the current series began.
  • The ongoing plots involving the Dead Universe and the Regenesis ores, introduced in the first few months of IDW's Transformers line in 2005-06, seemingly were permanently resolved.
  • The universe still hates Waspinator.

Creative team

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"Dark Cybertron" is co-written by Robots in Disguise and More than Meets the Eye authors John Barber and James Roberts. The nature of the issues as toy pack-ins necessitated that work begin on them at the same time as other regular issues of the two ongoings were being produced; as such, with regular artists Andrew Griffith and Alex Milne occupied on their normal issues, artistic duties for the event were primarily divided up between Atilio Rojo, who drew the scenes set on Cybertron, James Raiz, who covered scenes featuring the Lost Light crew, and Livio Ramondelli, who illustrated the portion of the story set in the Dead Universe. Brendan Cahill contributed pages to the first and eleventh chapters, before illustrating the finale, while Nick Roche and newcomer Robert Gill chipped in towards the midpoint of the story. Later into the event, their schedules freed, Milne and Griffith returned to provide art for their respective books final few chapters.

Much was made of the involvement of preeminent mainstream comic book artist Phil Jimenez, who collaborated with Roberts and Barber on the plot, provided layouts for Chapter 1 (finished by Griffith) and 12 (finished by Cahill) and drew several pieces of package art for the Generations toys that were used as "Retailer Incentive" or subscription variant covers for each of the twelve issues. Jiminez's covers initially corresponded to the toy with which each comic came packaged, but this wavered as the crossover went on; this, coupled with some evidently mis-matched pack-ins (Rattrap's and Skywarp's issues were almost certainly switched) suggests that Hasbro may have reshuffled the toyline's wave assortments after the storyline had been organized in advance.

Casey Coller provides a cover for each issue, usually in the regular cover slot, with additional subscription and RI covers provided by a variety of artists, including Griffith, Milne, Raiz, Cahill, Roche, Ramondelli, E. J. Su, and Marcelo Matere.

Collections

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  • The Transformers: Dark Prelude (August 14, 2013) ISBN 1613777167 / ISBN 978-1613777169
    • Collects Spotlight: Orion Pax, Thundercracker, Megatron, Bumblebee, Trailcutter & Hoist.
    • Each of the characters receiving the Spotlight also had new Deluxe Class toys as part of the 2012–2013 Generations line, 'Thrilling 30'.
    • Bonus material includes covers from each issue.
    • Trade paperback format. New cover art by Nick Roche and Josh Perez.
  • The Transformers: Dark Cybertron Volume 1 (April 16, 2014) ISBN 1613778910 / ISBN 978-1613778913
  • The Transformers: Dark Cybertron Volume 2 (June 11, 2014) ISBN 1613779984 / ISBN 978-1613779989
    • Collects Robots in Disguise issues #25–27, More than Meets the Eye issues #26–27, and Dark Cybertron Finale.
    • Bonus material includes covers from each issue.
    • Trade paperback format.
  • The Transformers: Dark Cybertron (February 11, 2015) ISBN 163140072X / ISBN 978-1631400728
    • Collects Dark Cybertron #1, More than Meets the Eye issues #23–27, and Robots in Disguise issues #23–27, and Dark Cybertron Finale.
    • Bonus material includes a 26-page "Behind the Scenes of Transformers: Dark Cybertron #1" by John Barber, with additional commentary by James Roberts, Brendan Cahill, Phil Jiminez, Andrew Griffith, and Carlos Guzman. This in-depth page-by-page breakdown includes script extracts, various stages of lineart, character/location/ship designs, and more!
    • Bonus material includes a cover gallery.
    • Hardcover format.
  • Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 60: Dark Cybertron, Part 2 (February 21, 2018)
    • Collects Robots in Disguise issues #25–27, More than Meets the Eye issues #26–27, and Dark Cybertron Finale.
    • Bonus material includes a "blow-by-blow account of Dark Cybertron's hidden secrets", a cover gallery and a forward by Simon Furman.
    • Hardcover format.
  • The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 60: Dark Cybertron, Part 2 – cover art by Mark Brooks (Brainstorm) and Andrew Griffith (retro)
    The Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 60: Dark Cybertron, Part 2 – cover art by Mark Brooks (Brainstorm) and Andrew Griffith (retro)

Japanese reprints

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The Japanese reprints have been published from Villagebooks, translated by Akihisa Koike. Bonus material includes art from all covers, appearance character commentary, includes a booklet with a commentary written by Akihisa Koike and Eugene Ishikawa.

  • The Transformers: Dark Cybertron Volume 2 (March 25, 2022)
    • Collects Robots in Disguise issues #25–27, More than Meets the Eye issues #26–27, and Dark Cybertron Finale.
    • Trade paperback format.
  • Dark Cybertron Volume 1 – cover art by Kazumasa Yasukuni.
    Dark Cybertron Volume 1 – cover art by Kazumasa Yasukuni.
  • Dark Cybertron Volume 2 – cover art by Kazumasa Yasukuni.
    Dark Cybertron Volume 2 – cover art by Kazumasa Yasukuni.
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