The 10 Smartest Human Characters In DC Comics

Today on Variant, we give you our list of the 10 Most Intelligent Humans in the DC Universe, and we break some rules along the way!

Recommended Episodes:

Subscribe to the Podcast YouTube Channel:

Listen to the Podcast on:

- Follow Us on Social Media -

Variant:

Arris:

Tim (Producer)

[diamondchris]

IN DCeased Lex goes on record saying "is batman here?". To the reply "No he is dead.", he states "Then I am the smartest man in the world right now!".

[HighHeelKnight]

It would have been hilarious if Arris just said, "BECAUSE HE'S BATMAN!" and then ended the video. 😄

[shinobix]

Remember when in the DCEASE series when batman died and then lex luthor legit said, "batman is dead correct? Then i am the smartest man alive"

[fox]

Question needs to get recognized. He’s one of the greatest detectives in the DC Universe. Even Batman personally asked for his help to figure out the Cadmus conspiracy.

[jonathangoubar]

Nobody:
The Joker: *outsmarts Batman every time*

[wjt]

Let's also not forget when batman was told by, practically by a god, that he is the most strategic mind in the universe, and also the whole Mobius chair incident.

[alisw]

I really like Mr. Terrific. He's hardworking everyday of his life and humble.

[kingdomcomesuperman]

I wish Tim Drake would get more attention, he was my favourite Robin and his Red Robin comic was great.

[paulweyer]

Different types of intelligence, which is why nobody should ever take 1:1 comparisons too seriously. Love that you included Barbara. There are some writers who I wish could acknowledge her brain.

[GuyWithAnAmazingHat]

And we all know that Batman's real superpower is the ability to make cash for DC. It's exactly because he makes so much cash for DC, he can never be killed and will solve every problem.

[ivanramos]

How are Tim Drake and Barbra Gordon on the list but my man Lucius Fox didn’t even make it?!

[mohightlights]

Day 60 of asking variant to do a history of darkseid

[AirHarp]

John Henry Irons aka STEEL. He reprogrammed a Mother Box the first time he had one ON THE FLY

[Xenoxion]

That one goon from "Mystery of Batwoman" is the smartest DC character.

[purplespark]

The problem is that Batman becomes too OP: smartest human, billionaire, best hand-to-hand.

Yet people think he's relatable :D

[OTRBRANDON]

Finally Mr. Terrific got some shine


But why didn’t the question make this list?

[rehmanjaleel]

Marvel's most intelligent characters vs DC's most intelligent characters

[Man-of-tomorrow]

I agree about Batman being number one, and love the example of the Batman who Laughs. If that story arc proves anything, it’s that an unrestrained Batman is one of the most terrifying threats in comics.

[aidanklobuchar]

Missing, potential top level characters:
Doctor Sivana: Keeps up with (and perhaps surpasses) Lex during Final Crisis.
The Chief (Niles Caulder): Created a nano-bot apocalypse, and routinely disparages the likes of Dr. Magnus (creator of the metal men) as talentless hacks.
The Joker: Has outplanned and gambited Batman and Lex on multiple occasions. Has developed new, unprecedented toxins, chemicals, and nano-techonology. Has beaten Ra's Al Ghul at chess.
Professor Ivo: Roughly interchangeable with T.O. Morrow. Made Amazo, Red Volcano, and an immortality serum. Helped make Tomorrow Woman.

[OchoWins]

If the DC team made this #10 would be Harley Quinn