10 Times Batman Outsmarted Everyone

So... could the Dark Knight beat Captain America?

Batman Smart
DC Comics

Even to those who aren't huge DC fans, it's pretty obvious that Batman is one of the smartest superheroes in its universe, if not arguably the single smartest superhero out there (limited human capabilities aside).

As such, the peak of many Batman comics - and comics that feature him either in a pivotal or supporting capacity - revolve around him outsmarting everyone he comes across. There are pretty much zero characters within DC that haven't come against Batman's incredible intellect, and the practically paranoid level of planning that he carries out.

While this list includes insanely powerful villain like Darkseid and Metron, even his own superhero team isn't beyond beating outwitted by the Dark Knight's elaborate schemes, despite the fact it serves to make him one of the more unpopular members of the team as a whole.

Whether it proves that Batman has god-tier intellect and tactical knowledge, or just that he's really, really bad at trusting anyone but himself is unclear. But what is clear is that if you spend more than three minutes in a room with the masked vigilante, chances are he's constructed a plan to destroy you - and it's surprisingly one of his most endearing qualities.

10. JLA: New World Order

Batman Smart
DC Comics

With the first issue of the 1997-2006 Justice League America comic, there was truly no better way to kick off the new run than by highlighting all the heroes' abilities. While this was done for the whole team, Batman unmistakably gets the best moments within the New World Order storyline, as the plot seems focused on showing just how terrifying the targeted planning of Batman can be.

After the White Martians that are targeting the League write Batman off as 'just a human', the Knight begins doing what he does best, as he first strikes fear into the aliens hearts by sneakily taking out one of their number, and then single-handedly defeats four more by using their fear of fire to force them to concede defeat.

It's all enough that one of the Martians begins to genuinely try and figure out what Batman's superpower is, completely missing the most intimidating part about the hero - that even without powers he can do absolutely anything.

Contributor
Contributor

I like my comics like I like my coffee - in huge, unquestionably unhealthy doses.