Random Smartest Characters in Comic Books (20 items)

(#11) Doctor Octopus
Doc Ock was actually a pretty good guy. Hell, even Mr. Fantastic called on him to help out when the Invisible Woman was experiencing some pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, he became obsessive with his work in atomic physics, and eventually (like all decent baddies) ended up evil as a result of an experiment gone awry.
(#16) Thanos
- Infinity
Thanos is one of the most imposing enemies in the Marvel Universe, thanks largely in part to his superior intellect. He possesses many abilities common to the other Eternals, but amplified to a higher degree through his own modifications and powers.

He's a genius in practically all fields of advanced science, and often produces his own technology, which far exceeds contemporary Earth science.
(#15) High Evolutionary
Otherwise known as Herbert Wyndham, High Evolutionary started out as a student at Oxford in the 1930s. And we all know Oxford is so easy to get into. So there's that right off the bat. He later began experimenting with genetic manipulation and became obsessed with the idea of using his inventions to evolve a better world at any cost.
(#3) Doctor Doom
Doctor Victor von Doom is the main antagonist of the Fantastic Four comics, and considered to be one of the Marvel Universe's most intelligent minds. From the invention of his Doombots to developing his powerful suit of armor, Dr. Doom constantly uses his intellect to outwit the Fantastic Four.
(#12) Spider-Man
- Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, Dying Wish, Ultimate Spider-Man, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Untold Tales of Spider-Man
While never considered a "genius" by the standards of other intellectual powerhouses in the Marvel Universe, Peter Parker was always academically gifted with expertise in fields like applied science, chemistry, physics, and biology. That's saying a lot for a snotty high school kid. Even more impressive, however, is Parker's intellectual prowess once he's bitten by the spider and becomes Spiderman.

While the live action films depict Spiderman as having the ability to shoot webbing out of his wrists, comic book canon actually holds that his web-slinging abilities come from mechanical web shooters he developed himself.
(#17) Riddler

As Batman's most intelligent adversary and all around pain in the ass, Dr. Edward Nigma (get it?) is one of the most iconic supervillans in the DC Universe. He constantly devises and decodes puzzles and riddles to foil the Dark Knight, and is a highly cunning criminal strategist.

Most notably, he successfully lured Batman and Robin into numerous puzzling death traps that put not only their physical prowess but intellectual abilities to the ultimate test.