Does everyone believe Stark is smarter than Reed?

[thetrellan]

In the latest Iron Man, Gillen calls Tony Stark the smartest man in the world and directs the comment at Reed Richards. I don't doubt that he's one of the smartest, but seriously, does Stark invent a new process for every other threat he encounters? Did he invent a way to the Negative Zone or a method of shrinking that puts Pym particles to shame (because really, Pym needed that a lot more than Reed did, so where was Stark's genius all this time?). Has Stark outsmarted Galactus on more than one occasion (or even once)? Can he intuit the purposes of alien tech at a glance without any real clues?

No. Because Stark is a specialist who, nine times out of ten, confronts his problems by wearing a suit of armor, and when that fails he designs a new suit of armor. And for everything else, he creates solutions based on principles developed for the Iron Man armor. So how does this make him smarter than Reed?

Right now Marvel seems to be pushing this idea that somehow Stark is more than a match for Richards, but I've been collecting comics for 40 years and I just don't see it. Am I the only one who feels this way?

[Phelpzy]

I agree with you, no way is Tony smarter then Reed, hasn't it been stated that Reeds mind is elastic like his body so there's no limit to what his IQ, don't remember what issue exactly

[marvell2100]

While I wouldn't say Tony is smarter than Reed, his intelligence has increased significantly thanks to Extremis. I don't think that he's too far behind. Gillen, rightfully so, is selling his character.

[bobbyhamilton]

I think Reed is more intelligent in that scientific sort of way.

I have seen a push to show Banner as ultra smart as well, but I'm not 100% convinced yet; he's a smart cookie though.

For my money, I think Dr Doom is probably the most intelligent.

[T.M. Anthony]

Tony Stark: the 3rd smartest man in the world.

Reed Richards: The smartest person in the world. PERIOD.

Though intelligence is slightly subjective, I think Reed surpasses everyone of his peers by being knowledgeable in every field on a cosmic level.

I wouldn't sell Tony short, but to me he's always been behind Doom and Mr. Fantastic on the list of smartest men.

I'm not sure how T'challa, Beast, Pym, Banner and Cho fit in all that (or even Val) but thats what I've always felt.

And before somebody asks, no I don't think Petes at the same level as any of those above. He's really intelligent, more-so than most, but he isn't one of the smartest men like the rest are.

[punisher97]

I would just assume from their feats that Reed is smarter.

[icctrombone]

He is more aggressive with his intelligence. Stark doesn't have a problem devising a weapon to hurt people , whereas Reed cares more about people.

[zonzorp]

I'd be surprised if anyone believes that Stark is smarter than Richards.

[USERNAME TAKEN]

Tony isn't smarter than Reed.

Period.

[Godlike13]

1. Reed 2. Doom 3. toss up between Stark and Pym. Each have their area of specialty.

[AntiPatriot]

I heard though (don't really read it) that Tony is smarter than Reed in the Ultimate-Verse.

[Phelpzy]

Actually I thin Val passes Reed, but idk if we're counting her

[Addams]

I like these two characters fine but come on, that's ridiculous.

The only human being smarter than Reed is Val, period.

[the Dagman]

Actually I thin Val passes Reed, but idk if we're counting her

She's been a regular character in 2 books. I'd say she counts.

1. Val Richards
2. Reed Richards
3. Doctor Victor Von Doom
4. The rest

I'd say the rest is open for debate, but that's the top three. It is debatable that Stark would be even as high as #4. He's a highly gifted engineer, yes. But Reed works with engineering, like Stark, as well as theoretical and applied physics, and is a geneticist on top of that. And Doom is so close to Reed that there is nearly no difference in the two rankings. Banner has shown proficiency not just in specialized radiology, as well as with his Bannertech teleporter and force field, from when Pak was writing, a proficiency in theoretical and applied physics as well. I mean, look at the Intelligencia and those the group captured. These were supposed to be the top intelligences from the entire planet. And where was Stark? Nowhere to be seen. Not even an honorable mention. I am not saying Stark is some kind of dummy, far from it. But I don't think he is good enough to be in the elite ranks of the top of the top.

[Vic Vega]

I'd be surprised if anyone believes that Stark is smarter than Richards.

Tony has a pretty healthy ego, and might think he is smarter.

But I don't think anybody else does. The main thing I get from Indestructible Hulk is than Banner thinks that he is at worst Stark and Reed's equal.