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** ComicBook/{{Bane}} was designed explicitly as a total package villain: a ruthless criminal with both superhuman strength and a genius intellect that rivaled Batman's own. Adaptations have not always been kind to the character, sometimes making him a DumbMuscle instead, but ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'' provided the definitive adaptation.
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** ComicBook/{{Bane}} was designed explicitly as a total package villain: a ruthless criminal with both superhuman strength and a genius intellect that rivaled Batman's own. Adaptations have not always been kind to the character, sometimes making him a DumbMuscle instead, but ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'' ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'' and ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamOrigins'' provided the definitive adaptation.adaptations.
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** Batman’s various sidekicks/adoptive children also fit the bill [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRFDpS5miYFTqLC4u8SYYJpEx7ycJaWz1onjQ&usqp=CAU being all great detectives]] and peak human martial artists. Among them Barbara and Tim are considered the smartest though are no less strong being able to take on the residents of Apokolips and come back alive. Jason and Cassandra are considered the physically strongest (the former thanks to Venom) but are also keenly intelligent. Dick Grayson being the first sidekick takes after his adoptee mentor the most so therefore has the best balance of brains and brawn.
** Killer Croc was this in his very early appearances having both greatly enhanced strength and a scaly hide as well being surprisingly clever being able to get the jump on Batman and even outwit him. Unfortunately for Croc his BadassDecay came in thick and fast soon after and he’s been written to be savage animal who gets beaten up easily for the majority of his appearances since. Only a select handful of comics such as ''ComicBook/BatmanEarthOne'' and ''ComicBook/SuicideSquad'' and ''ComicBook/RedhoodAndTheOutlaws'' reestablish the fact he’s actually a case of SmarterThanTheyLook.
** ComicBook/MrFreeze in addition to being a genius cryogenicist is incredibly formidable in a fight thanks to his cryo-suit that keeps his body cool doubling as PoweredArmour that greatly increases his strength. He’s been able to give Batman a helluva a fight multiple times in many different continuities and when teaming up with the Dark Knight they prove to be a devastating duo.
** Clayface surprisingly is a case of this DependingOnTheWriter, being a shapeshifter he’s remarkably cunning and at times quite ingenious with the weapons and people he can turn his body into. His strength is also insane being able to beat up even the likes of Wonder Woman and Supergirl with former being due to the fact [[https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-acfeada1ab9261fa10d9d7355cfca2a8 he researched]] Diana learned she was made from Clay (this was pre-SemiDivine retcon) and absorbs her essence to become massively stronger. As he says himself “A good actor always does their homework”. Averted at other times where he’s just a dumbass BlobMonster though.
** Killer Croc was this in his very early appearances having both greatly enhanced strength and a scaly hide as well being surprisingly clever being able to get the jump on Batman and even outwit him. Unfortunately for Croc his BadassDecay came in thick and fast soon after and he’s been written to be savage animal who gets beaten up easily for the majority of his appearances since. Only a select handful of comics such as ''ComicBook/BatmanEarthOne'' and ''ComicBook/SuicideSquad'' and ''ComicBook/RedhoodAndTheOutlaws'' reestablish the fact he’s actually a case of SmarterThanTheyLook.
** ComicBook/MrFreeze in addition to being a genius cryogenicist is incredibly formidable in a fight thanks to his cryo-suit that keeps his body cool doubling as PoweredArmour that greatly increases his strength. He’s been able to give Batman a helluva a fight multiple times in many different continuities and when teaming up with the Dark Knight they prove to be a devastating duo.
** Clayface surprisingly is a case of this DependingOnTheWriter, being a shapeshifter he’s remarkably cunning and at times quite ingenious with the weapons and people he can turn his body into. His strength is also insane being able to beat up even the likes of Wonder Woman and Supergirl with former being due to the fact [[https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-acfeada1ab9261fa10d9d7355cfca2a8 he researched]] Diana learned she was made from Clay (this was pre-SemiDivine retcon) and absorbs her essence to become massively stronger. As he says himself “A good actor always does their homework”. Averted at other times where he’s just a dumbass BlobMonster though.
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** Batman himself. He's one of the most intelligent heroes in all of comics and has a figure that can pass for Franchise/{{Superman}} in a dim light, is one of the world's greatest martial artists and stealth fighters, and only seems lacking [[BadassNormal in a world filled with superpowered heroes and villains]]... all of whom [[BadassBookworm he can figure out how to defeat]].
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** Batman himself. He's one of the most intelligent heroes in all of comics (being an [[OmnidisciplinaryScientist amazing scientist]] and the [[GreatDetective World's Greatest Detective]]) and has a figure that can pass for Franchise/{{Superman}} in a dim light, is one of the world's greatest martial artists and stealth fighters, and only seems lacking [[BadassNormal in a world filled with superpowered heroes and villains]]... all of whom [[BadassBookworm he can figure out how to defeat]].
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!Franchise/TheDCU
GeniusBruiser in this series.
----
* Franchise/{{Batman}}:
** Batman himself. He's one of the most intelligent heroes in all of comics and has a figure that can pass for Franchise/{{Superman}} in a dim light, is one of the world's greatest martial artists and stealth fighters, and only seems lacking [[BadassNormal in a world filled with superpowered heroes and villains]]... all of whom [[BadassBookworm he can figure out how to defeat]].
** ComicBook/{{Bane}} was designed explicitly as a total package villain: a ruthless criminal with both superhuman strength and a genius intellect that rivaled Batman's own. Adaptations have not always been kind to the character, sometimes making him a DumbMuscle instead, but ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'' provided the definitive adaptation.
** "Hardback" Bock, a ScaryBlackMan Gotham police detective, who gets his nickname because he's always carrying one.
** The criminal robotic and cybernetics expert Nathan Finch, aka Gearhead. When his kidnap scheme is foiled by Batman, an accident leaves him a quadruple amputee; he later develops incredibly powerful cybernetic limbs, and comes gunning for revenge against the hero, now a physical match even for Batman because of them.
** [[ComicBook/{{Batwoman}} Kate Kane]] is a highly educated and ranking former West Point cadet, knows over a dozen forms of martial arts, is a multilinguist, and has training from the likes of the FBI, SAS, [=SEALs=], and Green Berets, among others.
** Recurring Silver Age PrivateInvestigator Hugh Rankin is a quick-fisted brawler, but is no fool. He comes up with a BatmanGambit to get ComicBook/ElongatedMan to help him close a case and nearly figures out what Batman looks like under his mask through forensic science.
* ComicBook/{{Brainiac}}. Since 2000 (with Brainiac 13) and continuing to the present (with the "true" Coluan cyborg Brainiac) Brainiac has consistently been shown to be Superman's physical superior, able to manhandle the Man of Steel with little effort. This makes him one of the most physically powerful beings in the DCU, possibly even stronger than the likes of Darkseid (DependingOnTheWriter in regards to how the latter compares to Superman). His true form is also about seven feet tall and built like a super heavyweight MMA fighter. But it speaks to his immense power that his physical strength is probably the ''[[EvilGenius least dangerous thing about him]]'': as a "12th-level intellect", he's the smartest being in the DCU bar none (for comparison, the entirety of 21st century Earth's population amounts to a 6th-level intellect). His brain is capable of storing and processing octodecillions of minds worth of information (which he ''has'', in the process of assimilating the many civilizations he's destroyed) and grants him superhuman calculation abilities, enhanced memory, and advanced understanding of mechanical engineering, bio-engineering, artificial intelligence, physics and other theoretical and applied sciences. He has invented tech that lets him shrinking entire planets, create impenetrable force fields,[[note]]In the New Krypton arc, Zod tries to destroy his ship with a Kryptonian super-weapon. The weapon does zero damage to the ship on part of Brainiac's forcefield, but the collateral alone flat-out kills ''hundreds'' of Superman-level Kryptonians who were standing nearby.[[/note]], transfer his mind digitally, and travel through time. This is on top of being TheChessmaster and creating armies of robotic [[ActuallyADoombot bodies]] that are each able to rival and even kill Kryptonians.
* A [[UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfComicBooks Golden Age]] [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]] villain called King Kull (not related to the Robert E. Howard character), a muscular, club-wielding, loincloth-wearing protohuman who nonetheless invents {{Sufficiently Advanced|Alien}} technology and was the scientific rival of MadScientist Dr. Sivana.
** Another [[UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfComicBooks Golden Age]] Captain Marvel villain was a criminal who went to prison for over 70 years and spent the entire time reading and working out until he was the smartest, most physically capable 100-year old man around.
** Captain Marvel's main rival, ComicBook/BlackAdam, also fits this trope. He has as much physical power as Superman (he practically beat the entire Justice Society on his own), but he's also superhumanly intelligent.
** Really, the Big Red Cheese himself qualifies -- "Wisdom of Solomon" and all that.
* Victor 'ComicBook/{{Cyborg}}' Stone of the ComicBook/TeenTitans started out a downplayed version in his backstory, having an I.Q. of 196 but focusing on his athletic prospects rather than following in the footsteps of his top-tier scientist parents. After his father put him back together following the lab accident that ate his mother and much of him, he came to make a virtue of of necessity and expand his expertise in cybernetics to well-reputed authority levels by studying his own ArtificialLimbs.
* ComicBook/{{Darkseid}}. He's one of the few villains who can take on Superman in a fight and is also a [[MagnificentBastard brilliant]] [[TheChessmaster tactician]] who constantly [[ManipulativeBastard manipulates]] everyone around him into getting him what he wants.
* ComicBook/{{Deathstroke}} is basically Batman if he became a mercenary SuperSoldier and used lethal force. This means that he is both one of the best fighters in the DC Universe, as well as extremely intelligent and CrazyPrepared.
* Gorilla Grodd, one of ComicBook/TheFlash's enemies, is a killer gorilla who's also a superintelligent MadScientist and ManipulativeBastard.
* Kilowog of the ComicBook/GreenLantern Corps is another one. He's one of the biggest Corps members, always fighting up close and personal and calling people "poozers", but he's also so smart that he designed the Rocket Red battle suits for the Soviet army.
* Grunge in ''ComicBook/Gen13'' is genius-level, with a photographic memory. He just puts a lot of effort into [[ObfuscatingStupidity pretending to be a dumb slacker]].
* The ComicBook/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica villain Prometheus, a GadgeteerGenius who invented a helmet that allows him to download knowledge, including martial arts training, directly into his brain. He's one of a handful of individuals in the entire multiverse who have beaten Franchise/{{Batman}} in hand-to-hand combat.
* ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'':
** The Golden Age Hourman, career superhero and founding member of the ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica. He's a genius Chemist who created Miraclo, the chemical he uses to achieve his godly strength, speed, agility and endurance for one hour at a time. He's also an extremely successful businessman.
** The Golden Age Atom was typically depicted as a short-tempered PintSizedPowerhouse who met problems head-on... yet he's a [=PhD=]-holding Physics College Professor who is officially listed as possessing Genius-level intellect. Originally, he was as strong as humanly possible, patterned after a Circus Strongman. Later he gained superpowers, being able to bench press the weight of an entire train, survive a nuclear detonation point-blank and flatten Tanks with just one of his patented Atomic Punches.
* ComicBook/{{Lobo}} is rather dumb ''most'' of the time, but he is a genius when it comes to doing anything that can cause destruction. For example, he can't cure a deadly disease, but he ''did'' create a horde of mutant insects that acted as carriers for one ''and'' the vaccine for it (that's why he's the ''last'' Czarnian: he killed them all that way, with the vaccine created to make sure he survived). And he's strong enough to hold his own against Superman.
* In the ComicBook/MetalMen's feature in ''Bizarro Comics'', the originally incredibly [[DumbMuscle unintelligent]] Lead is quite loquacious. Also, Doc Magnus organizes a mission just to build his creations' confidence.
* Monsieur Mallah, the second of four of DC's resident mad scientist gorillas to appear on this page, and a recurring foe for the ComicBook/DoomPatrol.
* ComicBook/{{Superboy}} has shown to possess superior intellect to what humans could ever have. His mind works with incredible speeds, and combined with his TTK-powers, it might be one of his greatest assets.
* ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'': One of the most powerful heroes of the DC universe, her official power list includes "Genius-Level Intellect". And in fact she's considered a genius by Kryptonian standards, and is daughter of one of the best scientists of Krypton.
** In ''ComicBook/SupergirlRebirth'', Director Chase notes that Earth science is primitive for her newest FlyingBrick agent's standards.
* Franchise/{{Superman}} himself. He is one of Earth's most powerful heroes, but he is also a master in the use of Kryptonian technology, which is far more advanced than Earth technology. He can learn at a faster rate than humans. He is the son of Krypton's finest scientist, so the scientific skills must be a family trait.
** Eidetic memory and super intelligence are considered part of his power set (DependingOnTheWriter). Modern interpretations have the habit to make him somewhat of a DumbMuscle to contrast Batman or other smart guys, like in WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueDoom:
--->'''Superman:''' Maybe I could move the Earth out of the way.\\
'''Batman:''' If I had a week, I could list all the reasons why that wouldn't work.
** Then there are the times villains assume Superman is just a big dumb FlyingBrick, like ComicBook/LexLuthor and ComicBook/TheJoker. It always bites them in the ass. (Well, unless there's a WriterOnBoard.)
** ''ComicBook/AllStarSuperman'' is probably the definitive modern example of this for him. On top of his Fortress being laden with technology he's suggested to have invented himself (or at least figured out), he's also able to keep up in conversation with superscientists like Lex Luthor and Leo Quintum, and he resolves dozens of problems over the run of the comic (including most of the ones considered to be his Twelve Labors) through the use of science or guile rather than his strength.
** Clark Kent is also a Pulitzer prize winning investigative journalist and a best selling fiction author.
** In most depictions, General Zod is visibly larger than Superman, and doesn't pull his punches. He's also Superman's tactical superior pretty much across the board, and at least as cunning in the use of his powers as Superman himself. Notably, Zod's also Superman's big exception to Superman's [[ThouShaltNotKill code against killing]], since letting Zod run loose risks the lives of millions.
** Mongul has the general distinction of being one of Superman's villains who has the refined manners of a cultured gentleman and someone who's capable of running the technologically advanced Warworld, but is also a powerhouse who can exchange blows with the Man of Steel.
* ComicBook/TomStrong, who is usually portrayed as a cross between Reed Richards, Literature/DocSavage, and [[Characters/ClassicalMythology Hercules]].
* The Ultrahumanite, DC's first resident mad scientist, who eventually transferred consciousness into that of a large muscular gorilla, was originally written to be Superman's arch-enemy.
* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'':
** Diana herself, (mostly in the ComicBook/PostCrisis continuity) is a GeniusBruiser. In addition to having [[SemiDivine god-like]] strength and [[WorldsBestWarrior unrivalled combat skill]], Wonder Woman is exceptionally intelligent, being gifted at: diplomacy, multilingualism, equestrianism (horse riding), piloting, and weapons handling. Diana’s career in her civilian alter ego has also included professions such as military intelligence officer, astronaut, antiquities dealer, army nurse, businesswoman, and even secretary.
** [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1942 The Golden Age]] Giganta may have started out as DumbMuscle, given she was just a particularly angry and violent gorilla, but after Dr. Zool put her through his [[DevolutionDevice Evolution Machine]] she became a very large, [[SuperStrength Super Strong]] woman who swiftly became more adapt at using the hapless Dr. Zool's genius inventions than he. The rage that had made her dangerous as a gorilla only became more [[UnstoppableRage pronounced]] and [[TranquilFury sophisticated]] as a "human", making her incredibly dangerous.
** [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1987 The Post-Crisis]] Giganta was a dying MadScientist who discovered a way to transfer her consciousness into anothers body whose assistant transferred her into a gorilla to save her life. She later transferred herself into the body of a size shifting metahuman, though she would have a more difficult time thinking logically the larger she grew and at her larger sizes was more DumbMuscle than genius.
GeniusBruiser in this series.
----
* Franchise/{{Batman}}:
** Batman himself. He's one of the most intelligent heroes in all of comics and has a figure that can pass for Franchise/{{Superman}} in a dim light, is one of the world's greatest martial artists and stealth fighters, and only seems lacking [[BadassNormal in a world filled with superpowered heroes and villains]]... all of whom [[BadassBookworm he can figure out how to defeat]].
** ComicBook/{{Bane}} was designed explicitly as a total package villain: a ruthless criminal with both superhuman strength and a genius intellect that rivaled Batman's own. Adaptations have not always been kind to the character, sometimes making him a DumbMuscle instead, but ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'' provided the definitive adaptation.
** "Hardback" Bock, a ScaryBlackMan Gotham police detective, who gets his nickname because he's always carrying one.
** The criminal robotic and cybernetics expert Nathan Finch, aka Gearhead. When his kidnap scheme is foiled by Batman, an accident leaves him a quadruple amputee; he later develops incredibly powerful cybernetic limbs, and comes gunning for revenge against the hero, now a physical match even for Batman because of them.
** [[ComicBook/{{Batwoman}} Kate Kane]] is a highly educated and ranking former West Point cadet, knows over a dozen forms of martial arts, is a multilinguist, and has training from the likes of the FBI, SAS, [=SEALs=], and Green Berets, among others.
** Recurring Silver Age PrivateInvestigator Hugh Rankin is a quick-fisted brawler, but is no fool. He comes up with a BatmanGambit to get ComicBook/ElongatedMan to help him close a case and nearly figures out what Batman looks like under his mask through forensic science.
* ComicBook/{{Brainiac}}. Since 2000 (with Brainiac 13) and continuing to the present (with the "true" Coluan cyborg Brainiac) Brainiac has consistently been shown to be Superman's physical superior, able to manhandle the Man of Steel with little effort. This makes him one of the most physically powerful beings in the DCU, possibly even stronger than the likes of Darkseid (DependingOnTheWriter in regards to how the latter compares to Superman). His true form is also about seven feet tall and built like a super heavyweight MMA fighter. But it speaks to his immense power that his physical strength is probably the ''[[EvilGenius least dangerous thing about him]]'': as a "12th-level intellect", he's the smartest being in the DCU bar none (for comparison, the entirety of 21st century Earth's population amounts to a 6th-level intellect). His brain is capable of storing and processing octodecillions of minds worth of information (which he ''has'', in the process of assimilating the many civilizations he's destroyed) and grants him superhuman calculation abilities, enhanced memory, and advanced understanding of mechanical engineering, bio-engineering, artificial intelligence, physics and other theoretical and applied sciences. He has invented tech that lets him shrinking entire planets, create impenetrable force fields,[[note]]In the New Krypton arc, Zod tries to destroy his ship with a Kryptonian super-weapon. The weapon does zero damage to the ship on part of Brainiac's forcefield, but the collateral alone flat-out kills ''hundreds'' of Superman-level Kryptonians who were standing nearby.[[/note]], transfer his mind digitally, and travel through time. This is on top of being TheChessmaster and creating armies of robotic [[ActuallyADoombot bodies]] that are each able to rival and even kill Kryptonians.
* A [[UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfComicBooks Golden Age]] [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]] villain called King Kull (not related to the Robert E. Howard character), a muscular, club-wielding, loincloth-wearing protohuman who nonetheless invents {{Sufficiently Advanced|Alien}} technology and was the scientific rival of MadScientist Dr. Sivana.
** Another [[UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfComicBooks Golden Age]] Captain Marvel villain was a criminal who went to prison for over 70 years and spent the entire time reading and working out until he was the smartest, most physically capable 100-year old man around.
** Captain Marvel's main rival, ComicBook/BlackAdam, also fits this trope. He has as much physical power as Superman (he practically beat the entire Justice Society on his own), but he's also superhumanly intelligent.
** Really, the Big Red Cheese himself qualifies -- "Wisdom of Solomon" and all that.
* Victor 'ComicBook/{{Cyborg}}' Stone of the ComicBook/TeenTitans started out a downplayed version in his backstory, having an I.Q. of 196 but focusing on his athletic prospects rather than following in the footsteps of his top-tier scientist parents. After his father put him back together following the lab accident that ate his mother and much of him, he came to make a virtue of of necessity and expand his expertise in cybernetics to well-reputed authority levels by studying his own ArtificialLimbs.
* ComicBook/{{Darkseid}}. He's one of the few villains who can take on Superman in a fight and is also a [[MagnificentBastard brilliant]] [[TheChessmaster tactician]] who constantly [[ManipulativeBastard manipulates]] everyone around him into getting him what he wants.
* ComicBook/{{Deathstroke}} is basically Batman if he became a mercenary SuperSoldier and used lethal force. This means that he is both one of the best fighters in the DC Universe, as well as extremely intelligent and CrazyPrepared.
* Gorilla Grodd, one of ComicBook/TheFlash's enemies, is a killer gorilla who's also a superintelligent MadScientist and ManipulativeBastard.
* Kilowog of the ComicBook/GreenLantern Corps is another one. He's one of the biggest Corps members, always fighting up close and personal and calling people "poozers", but he's also so smart that he designed the Rocket Red battle suits for the Soviet army.
* Grunge in ''ComicBook/Gen13'' is genius-level, with a photographic memory. He just puts a lot of effort into [[ObfuscatingStupidity pretending to be a dumb slacker]].
* The ComicBook/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica villain Prometheus, a GadgeteerGenius who invented a helmet that allows him to download knowledge, including martial arts training, directly into his brain. He's one of a handful of individuals in the entire multiverse who have beaten Franchise/{{Batman}} in hand-to-hand combat.
* ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'':
** The Golden Age Hourman, career superhero and founding member of the ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica. He's a genius Chemist who created Miraclo, the chemical he uses to achieve his godly strength, speed, agility and endurance for one hour at a time. He's also an extremely successful businessman.
** The Golden Age Atom was typically depicted as a short-tempered PintSizedPowerhouse who met problems head-on... yet he's a [=PhD=]-holding Physics College Professor who is officially listed as possessing Genius-level intellect. Originally, he was as strong as humanly possible, patterned after a Circus Strongman. Later he gained superpowers, being able to bench press the weight of an entire train, survive a nuclear detonation point-blank and flatten Tanks with just one of his patented Atomic Punches.
* ComicBook/{{Lobo}} is rather dumb ''most'' of the time, but he is a genius when it comes to doing anything that can cause destruction. For example, he can't cure a deadly disease, but he ''did'' create a horde of mutant insects that acted as carriers for one ''and'' the vaccine for it (that's why he's the ''last'' Czarnian: he killed them all that way, with the vaccine created to make sure he survived). And he's strong enough to hold his own against Superman.
* In the ComicBook/MetalMen's feature in ''Bizarro Comics'', the originally incredibly [[DumbMuscle unintelligent]] Lead is quite loquacious. Also, Doc Magnus organizes a mission just to build his creations' confidence.
* Monsieur Mallah, the second of four of DC's resident mad scientist gorillas to appear on this page, and a recurring foe for the ComicBook/DoomPatrol.
* ComicBook/{{Superboy}} has shown to possess superior intellect to what humans could ever have. His mind works with incredible speeds, and combined with his TTK-powers, it might be one of his greatest assets.
* ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'': One of the most powerful heroes of the DC universe, her official power list includes "Genius-Level Intellect". And in fact she's considered a genius by Kryptonian standards, and is daughter of one of the best scientists of Krypton.
** In ''ComicBook/SupergirlRebirth'', Director Chase notes that Earth science is primitive for her newest FlyingBrick agent's standards.
* Franchise/{{Superman}} himself. He is one of Earth's most powerful heroes, but he is also a master in the use of Kryptonian technology, which is far more advanced than Earth technology. He can learn at a faster rate than humans. He is the son of Krypton's finest scientist, so the scientific skills must be a family trait.
** Eidetic memory and super intelligence are considered part of his power set (DependingOnTheWriter). Modern interpretations have the habit to make him somewhat of a DumbMuscle to contrast Batman or other smart guys, like in WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueDoom:
--->'''Superman:''' Maybe I could move the Earth out of the way.\\
'''Batman:''' If I had a week, I could list all the reasons why that wouldn't work.
** Then there are the times villains assume Superman is just a big dumb FlyingBrick, like ComicBook/LexLuthor and ComicBook/TheJoker. It always bites them in the ass. (Well, unless there's a WriterOnBoard.)
** ''ComicBook/AllStarSuperman'' is probably the definitive modern example of this for him. On top of his Fortress being laden with technology he's suggested to have invented himself (or at least figured out), he's also able to keep up in conversation with superscientists like Lex Luthor and Leo Quintum, and he resolves dozens of problems over the run of the comic (including most of the ones considered to be his Twelve Labors) through the use of science or guile rather than his strength.
** Clark Kent is also a Pulitzer prize winning investigative journalist and a best selling fiction author.
** In most depictions, General Zod is visibly larger than Superman, and doesn't pull his punches. He's also Superman's tactical superior pretty much across the board, and at least as cunning in the use of his powers as Superman himself. Notably, Zod's also Superman's big exception to Superman's [[ThouShaltNotKill code against killing]], since letting Zod run loose risks the lives of millions.
** Mongul has the general distinction of being one of Superman's villains who has the refined manners of a cultured gentleman and someone who's capable of running the technologically advanced Warworld, but is also a powerhouse who can exchange blows with the Man of Steel.
* ComicBook/TomStrong, who is usually portrayed as a cross between Reed Richards, Literature/DocSavage, and [[Characters/ClassicalMythology Hercules]].
* The Ultrahumanite, DC's first resident mad scientist, who eventually transferred consciousness into that of a large muscular gorilla, was originally written to be Superman's arch-enemy.
* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'':
** Diana herself, (mostly in the ComicBook/PostCrisis continuity) is a GeniusBruiser. In addition to having [[SemiDivine god-like]] strength and [[WorldsBestWarrior unrivalled combat skill]], Wonder Woman is exceptionally intelligent, being gifted at: diplomacy, multilingualism, equestrianism (horse riding), piloting, and weapons handling. Diana’s career in her civilian alter ego has also included professions such as military intelligence officer, astronaut, antiquities dealer, army nurse, businesswoman, and even secretary.
** [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1942 The Golden Age]] Giganta may have started out as DumbMuscle, given she was just a particularly angry and violent gorilla, but after Dr. Zool put her through his [[DevolutionDevice Evolution Machine]] she became a very large, [[SuperStrength Super Strong]] woman who swiftly became more adapt at using the hapless Dr. Zool's genius inventions than he. The rage that had made her dangerous as a gorilla only became more [[UnstoppableRage pronounced]] and [[TranquilFury sophisticated]] as a "human", making her incredibly dangerous.
** [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1987 The Post-Crisis]] Giganta was a dying MadScientist who discovered a way to transfer her consciousness into anothers body whose assistant transferred her into a gorilla to save her life. She later transferred herself into the body of a size shifting metahuman, though she would have a more difficult time thinking logically the larger she grew and at her larger sizes was more DumbMuscle than genius.
