The Destruction of Cybertron and its Aftermath

Cybertron, the home planet of the Transformers, has seen a series of damaging events throughout various continuities of the franchise. This article delves into the ways Cybertron was destroyed and the aftermath of these devastating events.

Notable Instances of Cybertron’s Destruction

In different continuities, Cybertron has faced destruction in a variety of ways. Here are some significant instances:

1. Transformers: The War Within (IDW Comics)

In this comic series, Cybertron was devastated due to the civil war between the Autobots and Decepticons. The conflict led to significant destruction of its cities and infrastructure, reflecting the intensity of the battles between the two factions. The series highlights the widespread damage caused by this conflict, impacting the lives of many Transformers.

2. Transformers: The Movie (1986 Animated Film)

Cybertron is shown in a state of decay due to the ongoing war between the Autobots and Decepticons. While not completely destroyed, the planet exhibited signs of advanced aging and wear, a stark contrast to its once-glorious state. The film portrays the war as aursal, with the cityscape and infrastructure heavily damaged.

3. Transformers: Prime

In this series, Cybertron is depicted as a dying planet, ravaged by the war. The planet's resources have been depleted, leading to a decline in its overall condition. The series explores the planet's past glory and its current state, emphasizing the central theme of its destruction. However, the planet is ultimately restored in the series finale, offering a glimmer of hope for its future.

4. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017 Live-Action Film)

In this live-action film, it is suggested that Cybertron was destroyed during the war. The remnants of the planet are shown drifting in space, a testament to the catastrophic events that occurred. The film portrays a bleak future, where the planet's destruction has left more questions than answers.

5. Transformers: Armada and Energon

These series depict Cybertron facing threats from Unicron and other forces, leading to significant damage and the eventual need for the Transformers to leave their home. The planet is shown to be under constant threat, with frequent attacks from enemy forces. The series highlights the urgency for the Transformers to find a new home, driven by the need for survival and the search for resources.

Literary Canon: Cybertron's Long-term Degradation

The popular canon suggests that Cybertron is not so much destroyed buth rendered uninhabitable. Extensive years of war and pillaging had depleted Cybertron’s natural resources, draining once vibrant fountains of energon and vital mineral deposits. Resources were being used up at an unsustainable rate, and what few remained were jealously hoarded and protected by both sides. This leads to a situation where resources are nearly exhausted, and the planet is left in a state of decline.

The depletion of resources severely impacted both the Autobots and Decepticons. Both factions were rapidly running out of materials, spending almost as much time searching for new sources of energon as they did battling over the remnants. The Decepticons even resorted to cannibalizing their fellow Cybertronians, capturing and melting down Autobots and non-aligned Cybertronians to create component materials.

Cybertron itself was being destroyed by the rapid depletion of its resources, as well as the damage caused by the ongoing war. Both sides soon realized that they couldn't stay on a dying planet. In their desperate quest for new energy sources, the Transformers left their homeworld, hoping that if left alone, Cybertron might heal naturally and once again support Transformer life.

Conclusion

The destruction of Cybertron is a central theme in the Transformers franchise, with various continuities exploring different aspects of its decline and eventual fate. From the civil war in 'The War Within' to the stillborn destruction in 'Last Knight,' the planet's fate is one of both destruction and resilience. The literary canon paints a picture of a once-glorious world now in ruins, a testament to the long-term impact of conflict and resource depletion.