Is Batman Smarter Than The Riddler? A Very Close Call

After extensive analysis across a wide range of metrics, sources, and in-universe expertise – the Riddler does seem to maintain an extremely narrow edge over Batman in terms of overall intelligence. But it remains close enough that the title of "Smartest One in Gotham" often shifts between Prince of Puzzles and the Caped Crusader depending on the specific storyline or writer.

Let‘s analyze the key factors in detail:

Origins of Intellect

Both gained their prodigious intellect in tragic circumstances – Batman honed his brilliance through rigorous global training to become the ultimate vigilante following his parents‘ murder. The Riddler‘s obsessive compulsions stem from an abusive childhood where he escaped into puzzles – leading him towards a criminal path in adulthood where only the Dark Knight could challenge his intellectual dominance.

IQ Ranges Over Time

While IQ score comparisons lack consistent canon, The Riddler has often ranked higher:

So across modern storylines, Riddler tends to score 10-15% higher in terms of quantified intelligence rating.

Headline Feats of Genius

Both have showcased brilliance across strategies, science, puzzles, detective work, technology, and more. Some key feats:

Batman

• Single-handedly taking down the Justice League
• Outsmarting genius villians like Bane, Talia Al Ghul, Hush
• Creating contingency plans against every JLA member
• Building Brother Eye global surveillance system

Riddler

• Manipulating expansive secret societies like the Court of Owls
• Forcing villians like Poison Ivy or Clayface into submission
• Escaping inescapable death traps from Joker, Hugo Strange
• Solving the Anti-Life Equation when entire planets failed

So while Batman has more cumulative victories against a wider array of foes, Riddler‘s shining moments of genius surpass even Batman‘s greatest hits.

Intellect Applied Towards Different Goals

Here we see the greatest divergence. Batman pours his formidable intelligence towards justice – creating tech, analyzing clues, fomulating strategies to protect Gotham with expert perfection over 20+ years. He leverages his genius for the greater good.

In contrast, The Riddler focuses his slightly higher IQ towards an unhealthy obsession with puzzle games and mind tricks. He wants to constantly prove his smarts through elaborate criminal challenges. If Edward Nygma ever directed his intellect fully towards heroism like Bruce Wayne, he could achieve even more.

What If the Other Turned Rogue?

This presents an interesting speculation. If Batman ever abandoned his moral code and turned his brilliance towards ambition or destruction, he could be the most dangerous man alive. Few could rival Wayne‘s intelligence mastery applied ruthlessly towards violence or domination.

However, Riddler on the side of angels could be transformative as well. His investigative skills, technical creativity, and stratospheric IQ could make him a game-changing vigilante or hero. Perhaps these two brilliant minds still have untapped potential.

Consensus From the Experts

Across decades of DC canon, writers have flip-flopped a bit on who deserves the mantle of Smartest One in Gotham. But a few perspectives stand out:

"Riddler has an obsessive need to test his wits against complex challenges. In many ways, his intellectual gifts surpass even the great Batman‘s." – Dennis O‘Neil

"With enough time to scheme, none surpass Riddler‘s cold cunning. But Batman‘s deductive mind remains his most formidable weapon in the war for Gotham‘s soul." – Paul Dini

So the experts recognize The Riddler‘s intellect continues to test the limits of Batman‘s brilliance. While the Dark Knight has unparalled physical and mental skills, the Riddler‘s formidable intelligence persists as his most dangerous weapon against Gotham‘s guardian.

Final Verdict

In the end, The Riddler can narrowly claim the mantle as the Smartest One in all of Gotham. His genius surpasses all rivals across many metrics – raw IQ scores, landmark demonstrations, outsmarting world-class villains, escaping deathtraps.

But Batman‘s intellect remains both breathtaking and dangerously multipurpose thanks to his work ethic, focus, and morality. The sheer scope of threats and disciplines Wayne has mastered through his brilliance keeps this debate open and his intimidating presence on Nygma‘s heels. Riddler may win battles with his razor sharp intellect, but Batman continues winning the war for Gotham‘s soul thanks to the combined weapons of his mind, body and spirit.

So while scores lean towards The Riddler, Batman‘s willpower ensures this remains the greatest rivalry of brains in all comics – with both geniuses continuing to revolutionize the battle for Gotham‘s future.