Many anime series have a character who is presented as extremely intelligent (if not a genius). This often serves as a benchmark for the rest of the cast, especially when they are outsmarted by the prodigy in question.
However, there are a handful of individuals who are presented as brilliant yet often do not meet the standard. Through analyzing these faux intellectuals, it can be better understood why they aren't as smart as they have been portrayed and their worst shortcomings. Further, a more stark contrast can be built to other characters who actually deserve the title of genius.
10 Giovanni Wasted His Asset & Exposed His Identity For No Reason (Fire Force)
Giovanni was presented as a fiercely intelligent member of the White-Clad. He was the former leader of Company Three and had resources both in Haijima and Vulcan's own home. This placed the villain in an opportune position to steal his target's key and unlock the Amaterasu, especially since he could prompt Lisa to do it for him.
However, instead of instructing her to do so, he stormed the compound and forcefully took it. Though he was successful, this effectively obliterated all espionage networks the White-Clad had on the Empire's companies in a single move - a sacrifice that could have been avoided.
9 Meruem Was A Natural Genius But Wasted It Playing Gungi (Hunter X Hunter)
Initially, it seemed as if Meruem was unstoppable. He was able to defeat the most seasoned game masters after only several matches, with his mind evolving rapidly from every mistake made. Once the King bested them, he would use the strategical knowledge he acquired to dominate the entire world.
However, Komugi completely overturned his plans since he never was able to outsmart her in a game. This was in spite of the fact that she was a child who couldn't see the board. Even the King's own Royal Guards worried about his obsession with winning against her.
8 Light Yagami Only Got As Far As He Did Because Of The Notebook (Death Note)
While Light Yagami was ultimately able to defeat L in a battle of wits, this was only on account of the massive advantages he had. His detective adversary (understandably) could not conceive of the way he committed his murders since the Death Note was surmised to be a work of fiction until later in the series.
Even with the most superb killing utility on the planet, Light's identity would still have been exposed if not for Misa's expendable assistance.
7 Szayel Was Outsmarted By Mayuri (Bleach)
Szayel Aporro Granz was the eighth strongest Espada and its resident scientist. Obsessed with perfection, he was able to defeat both Uryu and Renji simultaneously through his organ doll creations.
However, when placed against the Soul Society's Mayuri Kurotsuchi, he was quickly outmaneuvered despite how he had progressed his own work beyond his adversary's. This culminated in one of the most horrifying deaths of Bleach, with Granz suffering an agonizingly slow demise for his temerity.
6 Merlin's Foolish Decisions Endangered Herself & Others (Seven Deadly Sins)
Merlin was handily the most intelligent member of the Sins. However, her errors have led to staggering consequences, both for herself and others.
This was seen through her attempt to bargain with Galand, a myopic endeavor that left her petrified in stone and vulnerable before the demon. It was also proven through her deceit of both the Supreme Deity and Demon King, accepting their gifts but refusing to pledge her allegiance to either faction. Her home was destroyed by both gods for her arrogance.
5 Principal Nezu Is Terrible At Protecting The Students (My Hero Academia)
Principal Nezu's intelligence-enhancing quirk belies his actual ability. Though he is competent at weaponizing machinery (proven through his fight against Kaminari and Mina Ashido), he is terrible at protecting U.A. from its enemies.
The most glaring example was proven through Shigaraki's first attack on U.A. High and during the raid on the Forest Camp. Were it not for Midoriya's diligence, Gentle Criminal would have also avoided the heroes stationed around the grounds' perimeter and crashed the school festival.
4 Radical Ed Was Childish & Irresponsible (Cowboy Bebop)
Radical Ed was a child who Jet Black and Spike Spiegel allowed aboard their ship during their adventures. She was a veritable genius, proven to be a match for some of the galaxy's most talented minds (such as Chessmaster Hex).
However, what she possesses in raw intellect is lacking in the way of practicality. Ed has displayed far fewer survival skills than anyone else on the crew and usually relies on them for her own protection. Additionally, she accidentally pitted Spike against her own father by placing a bounty on his head since she wanted to see him again.
3 Orochimaru's Plan Got Him Killed (Naruto)
Orochimaru is often regarded as one of the most intelligent characters in the Naruto series. He was responsible for turning the Sand against the Leaf, weakening both villages and causing the chaos he desired.
However, his ambition to obtain Sasuke's body was brutally shortsighted. As his own form began to deteriorate, the young Uchiha's power only improved. By the time Orochimaru was prepared to possess his body, the wayward shinobi turned against him and struck him down in his bed.
2 Seto Kaiba Frequently Loses Despite His Vast Resources (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Seto Kaiba was one of the finest duelists in the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe and a man determined to defeat the Pharaoh. However, he has seldom actually achieved this objective in spite of the many underhanded techniques he used to procure his victory and the resources at his disposal.
Worse yet, Kaiba's intelligence has not tempered his pugnacious and reckless disposition. Consequently, he was defeated by Pegasus in the Duel Island arc because of how he overestimated himself. If not for Yugi's victory, this would have portended a bleak future for the young billionaire.
1 Hange Is An Inventive Genius Who Lacks Judgment (Attack On Titan)
Hange was the premiere engineer for the Scouts, responsible for creating invaluable resources such as an automated titan killing machine and the armor destroying thunder spears. Their reliable intellect ingratiated them to Erwin, compelling the man to nominate them as the future of the regiment.
Unfortunately, Hange's judgment is notably lacking. Not only would Hange forego Reiner's execution (thereby allowing Pieck to save him), but they would often dwell within biting range of her titan experiments. This led to a number of close and potentially fatal encounters with them, none of which Hange took seriously.
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