Dark Matrix

The Dark Matrix is an entity from the Marvel Comics portion of the Generation 1 continuity family.

The Dark Matrix (also called the Anti-Matrix or Corrupted Matrix) is an entity that emerged and became distinct from the Creation Matrix. Corrupted by a series of impure users, the Matrix developed a malevolent sentience dedicated to the proliferation of evil and suffering in the universe. In some instances, the Dark Matrix could even exist independently to the Matrix itself, allowing it to spread its influence even further. The ultimate blasphemy against the Cybertronian God Primus, the Dark Matrix is a threat to all that lives, but especially the Transformers.

Fiction

Marvel The Transformers comics

When Optimus Prime was killed during the conflict over the Hydrothermocline, Ratchet was unable to repair the Autobots' fallen leader. Unaware that the life-giving Creation Matrix was a physical object (despite Ratchet having his hands in Prime's chest for several days), the Autobots believed its power was lost. A funeral was held for Prime, where his body was launched into space. Funeral for a Friend

Time passed, and Prime's coffin-craft crashed down on a distant moon called VsQs. The impact brought forth an awareness in the Creation Matrix. When another dying being crashed nearby, the Matrix restored it. This being had been a Deathbringer, however, an entity that provided the sweet release of death to the terminally ill. Empowered by the Matrix, however, the Deathbringer's function broadened in scope, bringing death to all life. This corrupted function brought it to Earth, and conflict with the Autobots. The Deathbringer was tricked into destroying itself by Op, but the damage had been done -- its corrupted purpose intrigued the Matrix, which now had a taste for violence and evil. Dark Creation Deathbringer

Time passed, and another creature made contact with the Matrix. Insignificant in size and scale at first, the creature was nevertheless evil, a predator that killed for sport instead of for food or defense. As the Matrix examined the creature, it became fascinated with it, and this time augmented a vessel deliberately to experience more of evil. The Matrix-spawn grew in size and hunger, murdering a science team from the nearby planet Cameron that came to investigate the Matrix power source.

Soon the Transformers, Autobot and Decepticon alike, converged on VsQs in search of the Matrix. The Matrix-spawn attacked Windsweeper, but when Thunderwing recognized the connection between the creature and the Matrix, the Matrix bade its spawn to retreat. Jazz of the Autobots accidentally stumbled upon the creature's lair, where the physical Matrix now rested. The three-way struggle continued, as Thunderwing fought the Matrix-spawn and the Autobots attempted to secure the Matrix. Thunderwing proved victorious, killing the creature and claiming the Matrix from the weakened Autobots. He returned to the Ark in the Autobots' own shuttle, in preparation of using the Matrix's power to obliterate Prime and the Autobots personally. Dark Creation All Fall Down The Void! On the Edge of Extinction!