Fact Check: "Capcom confirm that Zero (from Mega Man X series) killed original Mega Man, thus making Cataclysm theory canon in the game series"
What We Know
The claim that "Zero killed original Mega Man" stems from the so-called "Cataclysm theory," which suggests that Zero, a character introduced in the Mega Man X series, went on a rampage that resulted in the deaths of Mega Man and other characters from the original series. This theory has been popular among fans but lacks official confirmation from Capcom. In fact, Keiji Inafune, the creator of the Mega Man franchise, explicitly denied this theory in a 2008 Q&A, stating, "No, Zero did not kill them" (Inafune Denies Cataclysm Theory).
The Cataclysm theory originated from fan interpretations and webcomics, notably "Bob and George," but it has been widely recognized as non-canonical (Mega Man Fanon Wiki). Various discussions among fans have acknowledged that while the theory is intriguing, it remains speculative and is not supported by official game narratives (How did the classic series end?).
Analysis
The evidence against the claim is robust. Inafune's direct statement serves as a primary source that categorically refutes the idea that Zero killed Mega Man. His authority as the creator of the series lends significant weight to this denial. Additionally, the Cataclysm theory is largely viewed as a fan construct rather than an official storyline, as indicated by its origins in fan comics and discussions (What is Mega Man canon and what is fanon/headcanon?).
Furthermore, while some fans argue that the absence of the original Mega Man characters in the X series suggests a violent transition, this interpretation is speculative and not backed by any canonical evidence. Capcom has not provided any official narrative that supports the Cataclysm theory, and many fan theories have been dismissed by the franchise's creators (Mega Man X's Cataclysm Theory Actually Makes a Lot of Sense).
The reliability of sources discussing the Cataclysm theory varies, with fan discussions often reflecting personal interpretations rather than established facts. While some fans may still cling to the theory, the lack of corroborating evidence from official sources makes it less credible.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that Capcom confirmed Zero killed original Mega Man, thus making the Cataclysm theory canon, is not supported by any official statements or evidence. Inafune's clear denial of the theory, combined with its origins in fan speculation rather than canonical narrative, firmly establishes that this claim is unfounded.
