History TheSmartGuy / AnimeAndManga

* ''Manga/SoulHunter'' provide a case of the smart guy being the main character. Taikoubou is the one to come up with plans in and out of battle and act as TheStrategist for the Zhou army. He also rarely take part in the fight himself, and when he do, win through ruse and tricks rather than strength, prompting many of his companions to wonder if he is'nt actually really weak. [[spoiler: Taikoubou is perfectly able to fight, but hide it to allow the others characters to get stronger while fighting (and because [[BrilliantButLazy he is lazy]]).

* Rowen Hashiba is described by Dais to be the smartest and most cunning of the ''Anime/RoninWarriors''. He probably got his smarts from his MadScientist father and is said to have a really high IQ.
* Seto Kaiba of ''Anime/YuGiOh''. Built up the world's biggest gaming company, designed three different card playing machines with excellent holograms, designed a card playing field on top of a ''blimp'', and has computers that can do just about anything with the right operator at the keys.
* There are plenty of cases of smart women among the twelve [=HiMEs=] of ''Anime/MaiHime'', but the standout is the ShrinkingViolet computer genius Yukino Kikukawa. This is more or less reinforced by the fact that both her [[EmpathicWeapon Child]] and her [[ForgottenSuperweapon Element]] are only good for detection and spying.
* [[JerkAssWoobie Zelgadis Graywords]] of the ''{{LightNovel/Slayers}}'' franchise is usually this alone or is also TheLancer, depending on the adaptation. In addition to being book-smart and a strategist in battle, he also knows a good deal of scientific knowledge plausible for a fantasy setting, and can solve math problems and measure distances at near-breakneck speed.
** A more straightforward smart guy is [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder Xellos]]; however, he subverts this trope by being the TokenEvilTeammate that just so happens to be a part of an AlwaysChaoticEvil race of demons, so naturally, he rarely, if ever, explains anything.
* In ''Anime/RuneSoldierLouie'', that'd be [[{{meganekko}} Ila.]]
** As a member of the Magician's Guild, she admits to being a novice, but makes up for it with her extensive knowledge of magical artifacts and ancient tomes, which she uses to help Louie and his friends.
** In the 15th episode, she fares better against the 'Guardian of the Lake' than the rest of the group: first she flushed it into the open by using the depth charges she made. Then managed to temporarily stun it by using her "shock box" to generate [[ShockAndAwe a high voltage current through the lake]] (seen [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_id5gHe7yY from 14:51-16:03).]]
* "G-4" Jinpei the Swallow from ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'' fills this role in the "smartass" variation of this trope. He's a TagalongKid who is the most prone to clever trickster style behavior and wisecracking. He often hangs out with and plays off of TheBigGuy Ryu the Owl for his hijinks. As far as actually being the book smartest member, his [[TheChick sister Jun]] better fulfills that role. Jinpei and Jun split gadgeteering skills between them.
* As a series with [[LoadsAndLoadsofCharacters lots of characters]], ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'' naturally has more than one. [[spoiler: The first, Ayase Yue, a TrueCompanions regular and TeenGenius, took this role during the Chao Arc, going so far as giving him the counsel needed for him to fight Chao. The second one, [[DeadpanSnarker Chisame]], also took this role after officially ([[CantStayNormal and reluctantly]]) joining Ala Alba, especially after they got separated with Yue in the Magic World, making her his [[OnlySaneMan sole voice of reason]]. [[{{Tsundere}} Unfortunately for her]], this makes him [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/v29/c264/7.html quite attached]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/v29/c264/8.html to her]]. Err, not in '''that''' way...for now...]]
** Other characters could also be considered for the role, such as [[IntrepidReporter Asakura]], who is an expert at gathering information, and Haruna, who usually comes up with the devious plots. Other characters, such as [[RobotGirl Chachamaru]] and even ''[[ChildProdigy Negi]] himself'' have gone into this role.

* Kurama in ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'' rarely fights hand-to-hand and never wins through brute strength; he always has to take his time to devise a strategy to beat his opponent. (This is Lampshaded several times and gets him in trouble more than once.)

* In several of the ''Sonic'' continuities (bar the animated ''[[WesternAnimation/SonicSatAM SatAM]]'' and ''ComicBook/SonicTheComic'' series), Tails usually plays this role.
* Christopher Thorndyke plays this role in the ''Anime/SonicX'' series after his [[PlotRelevantAgeUp six year age up]] this caused a bit of conflict amongst fans, and Tails becomes more of a Captain for the crew (albeit one who is not always listened to, but he ''is'' trying to organize [[GenkiGirl Amy Rose]], Knuckles and Sonic) and a mechanic.
* Among [[Manga/AxisPowersHetalia The Allied]] [[FiveManBand Forces]], Francis Bonnefoy aka France takes up this role. He's one ''really'' atypical Smart Guy, though, often thinking with the smaller head rather than the big one. But when he ''does'' use the latter rather than the former, he can be quite the ManipulativeBastard.
* Usopp from ''Franchise/OnePiece'' fills this role for the Straw Hat Pirates. Initially, it is arguable that [[TheChick Nami]] is the smart guy and Usopp is the chick due to both of them being smart (in different areas), but with Usopp being better in battle. However by the time Enies Lobby arrives, they are both capable combatants (though among the crew, they are the least reliant on physical abilities). Despite Oda officially stating Nami to be smarter than Usopp, taking into account his higher bounty, his ability to analyze his opponents' fighting styles, and his [[CrazyPrepared uncanny ability to think five steps ahead]], Usopp is clearly a straighter SmartGuy when it comes to combat situations, though they both contribute intelligence in non-combat situations. Also, he is a GadgeteerGenius who built Nami's weapon (at her request, meaning she couldn't do it herself). When it comes to more conventional sciences, Nami has him beat, but in the world of ''One Piece'', conventional sciences are [[ItRunsOnNonsensoleum rarely applicable]].
** Nico Robin is the smartest person in the crew, being a historican and archeologist she knows more about the world when anyone and she judges situations right.
** Sanji's also proven to be capable of planning some impressive strategies as well, like the whole "Mr. Prince" ploy at Alabasta to lure Crocodile out of his casino and rescue the Straw Hats that were trapped inside in a sea prism stone cage. He's definitely the smartest of the Straw Hats' "Monster Trio." Unfortunately, his brains tend to go right out the window if women are involved.
*** Sanji tends more to be [[TheLancer the Lancer]] or [[TheBigGuy the Big Guy]] (with women involved) since he is the almost perfect counterpart to Luffy. He thinks first, watches his speech and he can cook.
* Quite surprisingly to all those who've known him for a short time, Gokudera from ''Manga/KatekyoHitmanReborn''. Why surprisingly? Because the guy is the essence of a bad boy, smoking [[NoSmoking at the age of 14]], ready to beat up a teacher if his [[HoYay boss]] say so, etc., while getting 100 on his tests all the time. [[spoiler: Not to mention his C.A.I system and making up his own alphabet in class out of boredom...]] [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Rarely acts like one though.]]

* In ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'', Izumi/Izzy would qualify as "The Smart Guy". As well as Ken in Digimon Adventure 02. They are geniuses after all.
** Don't forget Miyako/Yolei in Digimon Adventure 02. She held this position prior to Ken [[SixthRanger joining the heroes]] and shared it with him afterwords.
* In ''Anime/DigimonTamers'', Jenrya Lee/Henry Wong is the smart guy with intelligence.
* ''Manga/HighschoolOfTheDead'' establishes [[{{Meganekko}} Saya]] [[NerdsAreSexy Takagi]] as both the the smartest girl at her school and, possibly, the entire cast.
** Her [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11310-5/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html analytical]] and [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11310-6/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html decision making]] abilities were demonstrated in the opening chapter, which is how she and [[{{Megane}} Hirano]] survived the outbreak long enough for Takashi and the others to find them.
** Also, when Takashi's cellphone stopped working and [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11325-4/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-15.html all the electronics at the Takagi Estate went dead]], she was able to deduce it'd been [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11325-12/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html the result of an EMP blast]] and surmised that the power plant [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11325-13/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html had likely been effected as well.]]
** It isn't long before she becomes the brains of Takashi' group, with the others [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-58604-8/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-28.html often deferring to her]] [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-58604-9/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-28.html to assess the situation]] and devise a plan of action. In short: what she lacks in combat skill, is more than amply made up for in intellect, which has saved their lives on more than one occasion.

* From ''Manga/FairyTail'', [[TalkingAnimal Happy]] fills this role, usually as a MrExposition, though he also provides simple answers to complex questions. Sometimes he combines this with TeamPet.
** Lucy pulls double duty as TheChick and TheSmartGirl most of the time, especially once [[TagalongKid Wendy]] started integrating into their FiveManBand more often (and who also displays TheChick characteristics).
* Daichi Misawa of ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'', though [[PutOnABus not for too long]]. Season 3 introduces Amon Garam, who functions as the smart guy among [[SpotLightStealingSquad the newly introduced characters]].
* Though a lot of people think he leads it, this is what Light's role is on [[spoiler:the Kira investigation taskforce]], in the second half of ''Manga/DeathNote''.

* Armin Arlelt from ''Manga/AttackOnTitan''. Most of his plans are successful. And he's the one who [[spoiler:finds the identities of the three Titan Shifters]] by looking and remembering at little details.
** Commander Erwin Smith is also a great strategist, proven during the Female Titan arc.
* Being a school for {{mad scientist}}s, almost everyone in ''Manga/HollowFields'' is smart in some way. ''The'' Smart Guy, however, is Claude [=McGinty=], a prodigy in robotics and a [[TheStoic stern]], [[TheSpock pragmatic]] thinker.
* ''Franchise/SailorMoon's'' Sailor Mercury/Ami Mizuno has an extremely high IQ, is Japan's unrivaled best student, is the most studious, and her uniform is equipped with an instrument for analyzing enemies. Her brains are pitted against Sailor Uranus's brawn in the Sailor Stars, and she defeats the enemy by studying them and using observational skill rather than simply trying overpower them, thereby winning Uranus's respect.
* ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': Satoshi/Ash's male travel companions all fill this trope to balance out Satoshi/Ash's immaturity and lack of knowledge, usually acting as a BigBrotherMentor. Each of them is very knowledgeable, which is justified by their respective occupation.
** Takeshi/Brock is the original Smart Guy. He initially wanted to become a Pokémon Breeder, which is why he knows so much about Pokémon and how to treat them properly, but he's also knowledgeable in other fields, such as women or specific towns. As a former Gym Leader, he also knows a lot of battling. After realizing that he never really pursued his original dream like his friends have done, he has found a new dream in form of becoming Pokémon Doctor, a profession that fits him even back then in the original series. To this date, Takeshi/Brock is the compampion who fulfills the BigBrotherMentor role the most, acting not only as the BigBrotherMentor to Satoshi/Ash and Kasumi/Misty, but also for all other travel companions he has traveled with.
** Kenji/Tracey is a Pokémon Watcher, another profession that justifies his knowledge about Pokémon. Since he's the only one native from the Orange Islands, his knowledge became handy when Satoshi/Ash and Kasumi/Misty traveled with him there. Fittingly, after the end of their journey, Kenji/Tracey became Ookido-hakase/Professor Oak's assistant.
** Masato/Max is a Smart-Guy-in-training, due to his very young age. He's very inquisitive, as he represents the core games' School Boys, who are basically young nerds. Because of that, he knows much more about Pokémon than other people his age, but not as much as the actual Smart Guys. His dream is to become a Gym Leader like his father Senri/Norman, a job that requires knowledge in battle.
** Dent/Cilan is Takeshi/Brock's second replacement after the latter left at the end of ''Diamond & Pearl''. He is a Pokémon Sommelier/Connoisseur, a profession that specializes in in identifying the compatibility between Pokémon Trainers and their Pokémon, and he's an A-Class Sommelier/Connoisseur to boot, which is the second highest rank. Additionally, he's also a Gym Leader and knows a lot about battling and at least more than his brother Pod/Chili. And it helps that he knows more about the Isshu/Unova region than Iris.
** Citron/Clemont is the most current male travel companion, but unlike the others, he doesn't balance out Satoshi/Ash's immaturity, as the latter has already matured enough that he doesn't need a BigBrotherMentor anymore. He's also the only one to be the around the same age as Satoshi/Ash and his female companion, while the other male companions (barring Masato/Max) were all older. However, he still balances out Satoshi/Ash's lack of knowledge, especially if it comes to the Kalos region. Not only is Citron/Clemont yet another Gym Leader, but he is also an inventor and he builds lots of useful inventions, even if more than half of them malfunction and explode, at least a good portion of them still work.
* ''Manga/KurokoNoBasuke'' has Akashi. [[AllThereInTheManual Side materials]] have his best school subjects listed as "everything". He's also the StudentCouncilPresident at his high school, even back when he was a first year. Midorima is shown to be intelligent too, but not to the same extent as Akashi.

** Other characters could also be considered for the role, such as [[HotScoop Asakura]], who is an expert at gathering information, and Haruna, who usually comes up with the devious plots. Other characters, such as [[TheBigGuy Chacha]][[RobotGirl maru]] and even ''[[TheHero Negi]] himself'' have gone into this role.

* Christopher Thorndyke plays this role in the ''SonicX'' series after his [[PlotRelevantAgeUp six year age up]] this caused a bit of conflict amongst fans, and Tails becomes more of a Captain for the crew (albeit one who is not always listened to, but he ''is'' trying to organize [[GenkiGirl Amy Rose]], Knuckles and Sonic) and a mechanic.

* In ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'', Izzy would qualify as "The Smart Guy". As well as Ken in Digimon Adventure 02. They are geniuses after all.
** Don't forget Yolei/Miyako in Digimon Adventure 02. She held this position prior to Ken [[SixthRanger joining the heroes]] and shared it with him afterwords.
* In ''Anime/DigimonTamers'', Henry Wong is the smart guy with intelligence.

* Kabuto from ''Manga/{{Psyren}}'', of the street and GenreSavvy kind. [[spoiler: He also happens to be a RealityWarper, so he's useful on the battlefield now, too]].

* As a series with [[LoadsAndLoadsofCharacters lots of characters]], ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima''' naturally has more than one. [[spoiler: The first, Ayase Yue, a TrueCompanions regular and TeenGenius, took this role during the Chao Arc, going so far as giving him the counsel needed for him to fight Chao. The second one, [[DeadpanSnarker Chisame]], also took this role after officially ([[CantStayNormal and reluctantly]]) joining Ala Alba, especially after they got separated with Yue in the Magic World, making her his [[OnlySaneMan sole voice of reason]]. [[{{Tsundere}} Unfortunately for her]], this makes him [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/v29/c264/7.html quite attached]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/v29/c264/8.html to her]]. Err, not in '''that''' way...for now...]]

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* As a series with [[LoadsAndLoadsofCharacters lots of characters]], MahouSenseiNegima naturally has more than one. [[spoiler: The first, Ayase Yue, a TrueCompanions regular and TeenGenius, took this role during the Chao Arc, going so far as giving him the counsel needed for him to fight Chao. The second one, [[DeadpanSnarker Chisame]], also took this role after officially ([[CantStayNormal and reluctantly]]) joining Ala Alba, especially after they got separated with Yue in the Magic World, making her his [[OnlySaneMan sole voice of reason]]. [[{{Tsundere}} Unfortunately for her]], this makes him [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/v29/c264/7.html quite attached]] [[http://www.mangafox.com/manga/mahou_sensei_negima/v29/c264/8.html to her]]. Err, not in '''that''' way...for now...]]

* Usopp from ''OnePiece'' fills this role for the Straw Hat Pirates. Initially, it is arguable that [[TheChick Nami]] is the smart guy and Usopp is the chick due to both of them being smart (in different areas), but with Usopp being better in battle. However by the time Enies Lobby arrives, they are both capable combatants (though among the crew, they are the least reliant on physical abilities). Despite Oda officially stating Nami to be smarter than Usopp, taking into account his higher bounty, his ability to analyze his opponents' fighting styles, and his [[CrazyPrepared uncanny ability to think five steps ahead]], Usopp is clearly a straighter SmartGuy when it comes to combat situations, though they both contribute intelligence in non-combat situations. Also, he is a GadgeteerGenius who built Nami's weapon (at her request, meaning she couldn't do it herself). When it comes to more conventional sciences, Nami has him beat, but in the world of ''OnePiece'', conventional sciences are [[ItRunsOnNonsensoleum rarely applicable]].

* Kabuto from ''{{Psyren}}'', of the street and GenreSavvy kind. [[spoiler: He also happens to be a RealityWarper, so he's useful on the battlefield now, too]].

* In several of the ''Sonic'' continuities (bar the animated ''[[WesternAnimation/SonicSatAM SatAM]]'' and ''SonicTheComic'' series), Tails usually plays this role.

* [[JerkAssWoobie Zelgadis Graywords]] of the ''{{Slayers}}'' franchise is usually this alone or is also TheLancer, depending on the adaptation. In addition to being book-smart and a strategist in battle, he also knows a good deal of scientific knowledge plausible for a fantasy setting, and can solve math problems and measure distances at near-breakneck speed.

* There are plenty of cases of smart women among the twelve [=HiMEs=] of ''Anime/MaiHiME'', but the standout is the ShrinkingViolet computer genius Yukino Kikukawa. This is more or less reinforced by the fact that both her [[EmpathicWeapon Child]] and her [[ForgottenSuperweapon Element]] are only good for detection and spying.

* There are plenty of cases of smart women among the twelve [=HiMEs=] of ''MaiHiME'', but the standout is the ShrinkingViolet computer genius Yukino Kikukawa. This is more or less reinforced by the fact that both her [[EmpathicWeapon Child]] and her [[ForgottenSuperweapon Element]] are only good for detection and spying.

* Shin of ''SaintBeast'' is one of the physically weaker members of his FiveManBand but is always carrying around a book and is the person to go to for information on the MonsterOfTheWeek.

* Rowen Hashiba is described by Dais to be the smartest and most cunning of the ''RoninWarriors''. He probably got his smarts from his MadScientist father and is said to have a really high IQ.

* ''Manga/SoulEater'' has Death the Kid who is [[SuperOCD obssessed with symmetry]] but manages to fill the role of the Smart Guy.

* In ''DigimonTamers'', Henry Wong is the smart guy with intelligence.

* Being a school for {{mad scientist}}s, almost everyone in ''HollowFields'' is smart in some way. ''The'' Smart Guy, however, is Claude [=McGinty=], a prodigy in robotics and a [[TheStoic stern]], [[TheSpock pragmatic]] thinker.

* Akari Yomatsuri from ''Anime/CaptainEarth''. She's also a PlayfulHacker.

** It isn't long before she becomes the brains of Takashi' group, with the others often deferring to her to assess the situation and devise a plan of action. In short: what she lacks in combat skill, is more than amply made up for in intellect, which has saved their lives on more than one occasion.

* In ''Anime/RuneSoldierLouie'', that'd be [[NerdsAreSexy Ila.]]

* ''Manga/SoulEater'' has Death the Kid,a SmartGuy who's , shall we say , [[SuperOCD OBSESSED with symmetry.]]
* Many MagicalGirl teams have one of these.
** Ami[=/=]Sailor Mercury from ''Franchise/SailorMoon'' (Rei[=/=]Sailor Mars in the [[Manga/SailorMoon manga]] is a secondary example.)
** A number of characters from the ''Anime/PrettyCure'' franchise. It should be noted that most of them are one of the strongest teammates and have another role, e.g. as TheLancer or TheBigGirl.
*** [[TheLancer Honoka / Cure White]] from the original ''Anime/FutariWaPrettyCure'' series. She's at the same level as [[TheHeroine her partner]].
*** [[TheLancer Mai / Cure Egret / Cure Windy]] from ''Anime/FutariWaPrettyCureSplashStar''. She's at the same level as [[TheHeroine her partner]].
*** Both [[TheBigGirl Komachi / Cure Mint]] (noticeably) and Karen / Cure Aqua ([[PersonalityPowers explicitly]]) from ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5''. The former is shown to be a very destructive BarrierWarrior, the latter is as competent as TheLancer.
*** Both [[TheBigGirl Miki / Cure Aono]] and [[TheLancer Setsuna / Cure Passion]] from ''Anime/FreshPrettyCure'' share this role.
*** [[GeniusBruiser Yuri / Cure Moonlight]] from ''Anime/HeartcatchPrettyCure''. She's the strongest teammate.
*** [[TheLancer Kanade / Cure Rhythm]], [[TheBigGirl Seiren / Ellen / Cure Beat]] and [[TheChick Ako / Cure Muse]] from ''Anime/SuitePrettyCure'' are pretty smart and share this role.
*** Reika / Cure Beauty from ''Anime/SmilePrettyCure''. She's the most competent of her team.
*** Rikka / Cure Diamond from ''Anime/DokiDokiPrettyCure''. She plays this role straight, being physically weaker in both (Cure and civilian) of her forms, and having the least destructive and least powerful magic abilities. That's right, even the BarrierWarrior is more destructive than her.

** Shikamaru is certainly the series' smart guy in the sense that he has a brilliant strategic brain and improbably high IQ and a talent for utilising humiliatingly complex and cruel [[GambitIndex gambits]].

* Being a school for {{mad scientist}}s, almost everyone in ''HollowFields'' is smart in some way. ''The'' Smart Guy, however, is Claude McGinty, a prodigy in robotics and a [[TheStoic stern]], [[TheSpock pragmatic]] thinker.

* ''Manga/HighschoolOfTheDead'' establishes [[{{Meganekko}} Saya]] as bothe the smartest girl at her school and, possibly, the entire cast.
** Her [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11310-5/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html analytical]] and [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11310-6/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html decision making]] abilities were demonstrated in the opening chapter, which is how she and [[{{Megane}} Hirano]] survived the outbreak long enough for Takashi and the others to find them.
** Also, when Takashi's cellphone stopped working and [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11325-4/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-15.html all the electronics at the Takagi Estate went dead]], she was able to deduce it'd been [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11325-12/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html the result of an EMP blast]] and surmised that the power plant [[http://www.mangareader.net/170-11325-13/high-school-of-the-dead/chapter-0.html had likely been effected as well.]]
** It isn't long before she becomes the brains of Takashi' group, with the others often deferring to her to assess the situation and devise a plan of action. In short: what she lacks in combat skill, is more than amply made up for in intellect, which has saved their lives on more than one occasion.