Top 10 Smartest DC Superheroes
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Top 10 Smartest DC Superheroes
These do-gooders like to break a mental sweat once in awhile too! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Smartest DC Superheroes.
For this list, we’re only looking at heroes, while excluding genius villains such as Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias.
You don’t earn a name like Mister Miracle by being average. Introduced in 1971, Mister Miracle quickly endeared himself to comic book lovers thanks to his dizzying intellect, superhuman abilities and immortality. One of the smartest beings in the universe, Mister Miracle possesses an un-godly amount of knowledge about the galaxy. On earth he assumes the alter ego Scott Free, where he doesn’t exactly attempt to hide his wealth of knowledge. He’s managed to strike a balance between practical human knowledge and the otherworldly knowledge of the cosmos. This makes him a formidable force in any altercation!
A son of earth, Adam Blake was granted superhuman powers after a comet passed over his home when he was born – hence the name Captain Comet. Touted as the pinnacle of human evolution, Blake more than lives up to the moniker, if only for his genius level intelligence. His brain evolved well beyond the scope of a typical human; granting him telekinesis, clairvoyance and even the ability to teleport. Captain Comet is one of the brainiest members of the Justice League, whose ranks include noted geniuses like Batman and The Flash. As such, he more than deserves a spot on our list.
All characters evolve over time, and Martian Manhunter is no exception. The extra-terrestrial started off as less of a super-genius and more of a super-sleuth. However, as he took on a larger role within the DC Universe his intelligence grew. Nowadays J’onn J’onzz is considered one of the Justice League’s smartest members and the group often turns to him for advice during moments of uncertainty. What makes Manhunter special is the breadth of knowledge at his disposal. He has travelled extensively throughout the universe and learnt its secrets. This makes him a formidable foe and a trusted ally in all situations. Just make sure you keep him away from fire…just sayin’.
There’s no doubt that over the years Barbara Gordon has morphed into one of Batman’s most trusted allies. This is due to her genius level I.Q., photographic memory and exceptional martial arts skills. The character is no less impressive when she trades her super-suit for civilian clothes, holding a Ph.D. and having earned a doctorate in library science. Despite being crippled by the Joker in The Killing Joke, Gordon demonstrated a high level of mental fortitude; taking on the mantel of Oracle and serving as the resident brainiac for the Birds of Prey. While she’s since reclaimed the Batgirl persona, she’s continued to demonstrate time and time again that she’s one of DC’s smartest characters.
Cyborg’s intellect stems from the numerous experiments performed on him during his youth; by his scientist parents no less. This, in combination with his prosthetic implants, makes him one of most dangerous duel-threats in the DC universe. Through logic and deductive reasoning Cyborg can solve almost any problem with his mind. And when that doesn’t work, he has his metallically enhanced body to fall back on. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the accident that gave Cyborg his powers also led to him receiving an internal computer, one that can interact with other computers; granting him access to unlimited information. So yeah, he’s pretty smart.
Whereas most of the superheroes on our list strike a balance between intelligence and physical prowess in a battle, Brainiac 5 relies entirely on his massive mindpower when the going gets tough. The character, who hails from the 30th and 31st centuries, has a 12th level intellect; double that of humanity in the 20th century. Not only is he one of smartest beings on earth, he’s one of the smartest in the entire galaxy! Brainiac 5 fights his battles with his mind and with his dizzying array of equipment that he himself invented. A member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Brainiac 5 is far and away its smartest member.
Ray Palmer made his first appearance back in 1961, during the Silver Age of comic books. And similar to many characters during that era, he was responsible for creating his super alter ego. A brilliant scientist, Palmer was looking for a way to effectively shrink matter in order to help solve issues such as overpopulation. However, he soon discovered that he could shrink himself down to the atomic level while retaining his strength, thus becoming the superhero known as Atom. One of the smartest physicists in the world, Palmer uses his genius level I.Q. to solve problems big and small…no pun intended.
While he may not be DC’s most well-known crimefighter, Ted Kord is certainly one of its smartest. An inventor, whose powers are a direct result of his intellect, Blue Beetle has risen to become one of the Justice League’s most respected minds. What makes this character so impressive is his ability to construct a device for any situation. With a mastery of chemistry, engineering and physics – not to mention an aptitude for alien tech – Blue Beetle’s mind is as valuable as any in the DC universe. While he is often outshined by some of the Justice League’s flashier members, it doesn’t affect his standing as one of their brightest minds in the slightest.
A fixture on any list that revolves around DC’s smartest superheroes, Mister Terrific isn’t someone you want to challenge to a battle of the minds. Just like his predecessor Terry Sloane, Michael Holt’s talent and intelligence is limitless, as evidenced by his ability to conquer any problem with their mind. The holder of more than a dozen Ph.D.’s across a multitude of subjects, not to mention a world class athlete, you needn’t look much further than Mister Terrific’s name to know what he’s all about.
Come on, could it have been anyone else? Bruce Wayne may not hold the secrets of the universe in his utility belt, but his particular set of skills enable him to outwit any opponent. His brain power allows him to best foes of superior strength like Bane, while simultaneously keeping him on an even playing field with mad geniuses like the Joker. What makes Batman a truly worthy opponent for any villain is his overarching knowledge of all subjects. He possesses the perfect combination of book smarts and streets smarts. There’s no mystery he can’t solve; no problem he can’t work out. Batman’s superpower is literally his brain; and it’s capable of taking on anything that the bad guys throw its way!
These do-gooders like to break a mental sweat once in awhile too! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Smartest DC Superheroes.
For this list, we’re only looking at heroes, while excluding genius villains such as Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias.
#10: Mister Miracle
You don’t earn a name like Mister Miracle by being average. Introduced in 1971, Mister Miracle quickly endeared himself to comic book lovers thanks to his dizzying intellect, superhuman abilities and immortality. One of the smartest beings in the universe, Mister Miracle possesses an un-godly amount of knowledge about the galaxy. On earth he assumes the alter ego Scott Free, where he doesn’t exactly attempt to hide his wealth of knowledge. He’s managed to strike a balance between practical human knowledge and the otherworldly knowledge of the cosmos. This makes him a formidable force in any altercation!
#9: Captain Comet
A son of earth, Adam Blake was granted superhuman powers after a comet passed over his home when he was born – hence the name Captain Comet. Touted as the pinnacle of human evolution, Blake more than lives up to the moniker, if only for his genius level intelligence. His brain evolved well beyond the scope of a typical human; granting him telekinesis, clairvoyance and even the ability to teleport. Captain Comet is one of the brainiest members of the Justice League, whose ranks include noted geniuses like Batman and The Flash. As such, he more than deserves a spot on our list.
#8: Martian Manhunter
All characters evolve over time, and Martian Manhunter is no exception. The extra-terrestrial started off as less of a super-genius and more of a super-sleuth. However, as he took on a larger role within the DC Universe his intelligence grew. Nowadays J’onn J’onzz is considered one of the Justice League’s smartest members and the group often turns to him for advice during moments of uncertainty. What makes Manhunter special is the breadth of knowledge at his disposal. He has travelled extensively throughout the universe and learnt its secrets. This makes him a formidable foe and a trusted ally in all situations. Just make sure you keep him away from fire…just sayin’.
#7: Barbara Gordon
There’s no doubt that over the years Barbara Gordon has morphed into one of Batman’s most trusted allies. This is due to her genius level I.Q., photographic memory and exceptional martial arts skills. The character is no less impressive when she trades her super-suit for civilian clothes, holding a Ph.D. and having earned a doctorate in library science. Despite being crippled by the Joker in The Killing Joke, Gordon demonstrated a high level of mental fortitude; taking on the mantel of Oracle and serving as the resident brainiac for the Birds of Prey. While she’s since reclaimed the Batgirl persona, she’s continued to demonstrate time and time again that she’s one of DC’s smartest characters.
#6: Cyborg
Cyborg’s intellect stems from the numerous experiments performed on him during his youth; by his scientist parents no less. This, in combination with his prosthetic implants, makes him one of most dangerous duel-threats in the DC universe. Through logic and deductive reasoning Cyborg can solve almost any problem with his mind. And when that doesn’t work, he has his metallically enhanced body to fall back on. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the accident that gave Cyborg his powers also led to him receiving an internal computer, one that can interact with other computers; granting him access to unlimited information. So yeah, he’s pretty smart.
#5: Brainiac 5
Whereas most of the superheroes on our list strike a balance between intelligence and physical prowess in a battle, Brainiac 5 relies entirely on his massive mindpower when the going gets tough. The character, who hails from the 30th and 31st centuries, has a 12th level intellect; double that of humanity in the 20th century. Not only is he one of smartest beings on earth, he’s one of the smartest in the entire galaxy! Brainiac 5 fights his battles with his mind and with his dizzying array of equipment that he himself invented. A member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Brainiac 5 is far and away its smartest member.
#4: The Atom
Ray Palmer made his first appearance back in 1961, during the Silver Age of comic books. And similar to many characters during that era, he was responsible for creating his super alter ego. A brilliant scientist, Palmer was looking for a way to effectively shrink matter in order to help solve issues such as overpopulation. However, he soon discovered that he could shrink himself down to the atomic level while retaining his strength, thus becoming the superhero known as Atom. One of the smartest physicists in the world, Palmer uses his genius level I.Q. to solve problems big and small…no pun intended.
#3: Blue Beetle
While he may not be DC’s most well-known crimefighter, Ted Kord is certainly one of its smartest. An inventor, whose powers are a direct result of his intellect, Blue Beetle has risen to become one of the Justice League’s most respected minds. What makes this character so impressive is his ability to construct a device for any situation. With a mastery of chemistry, engineering and physics – not to mention an aptitude for alien tech – Blue Beetle’s mind is as valuable as any in the DC universe. While he is often outshined by some of the Justice League’s flashier members, it doesn’t affect his standing as one of their brightest minds in the slightest.
#2: Mister Terrific
A fixture on any list that revolves around DC’s smartest superheroes, Mister Terrific isn’t someone you want to challenge to a battle of the minds. Just like his predecessor Terry Sloane, Michael Holt’s talent and intelligence is limitless, as evidenced by his ability to conquer any problem with their mind. The holder of more than a dozen Ph.D.’s across a multitude of subjects, not to mention a world class athlete, you needn’t look much further than Mister Terrific’s name to know what he’s all about.
#1: Batman
Come on, could it have been anyone else? Bruce Wayne may not hold the secrets of the universe in his utility belt, but his particular set of skills enable him to outwit any opponent. His brain power allows him to best foes of superior strength like Bane, while simultaneously keeping him on an even playing field with mad geniuses like the Joker. What makes Batman a truly worthy opponent for any villain is his overarching knowledge of all subjects. He possesses the perfect combination of book smarts and streets smarts. There’s no mystery he can’t solve; no problem he can’t work out. Batman’s superpower is literally his brain; and it’s capable of taking on anything that the bad guys throw its way!
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