Last time, we discussed the Top 10 Real Doctors in Marvel Comics, both in the academic and medical sense. After diving into the educated fellows of the Marvel universe most of you also wanted to explore the great minds of the DC universe. So, here I bring you the top 10 real doctors in DC Comics!
The ranking is based on the characters' significance to the mainstream arc and other popular story arcs within the DC universe and their overall popularity. Not on the list are DC characters who are original creations of the DC Extended Universe (television and film, e.g. Harrison Wells).
At number 10 we have...
10. Dr. Daniel Garrett | Ph.D in Anthropology
Dr. Garrett was the original Blue Beetle before passing the mantle to Ted Kord. During his time as an archaeologist he taught the subject at Midwestern University in Keystone City. While Ted Kord graduated and earned a college degree, it’s unknown if he ever earned a Ph.D on a certain field. Ted Kord was Dr. Garrett’s favorite student and best friend.
9. Dr. Silas Stone | Ph.D
While it’s unknown what specific degree Silas Stone has, the doctor has expert-level knowledge in the area of physics, genetics, robotics and inter-dimensional travel (portals). He is the father of Cyborg and was responsible for his creation. In Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice he was portrayed by actor Joe Morton. He also built the Titan Tower.
8. Dr. Thomas Wayne | M.D., Surgeon
Apart from being one of DC Comics’ most wealthiest businessmen, Batman’s father was also a surgeon. During the Flashpoint event when Flash altered the timeline of the entire DC universe, instead of Thomas Wayne dying, Bruce Wayne was the one who was tragically shot, which led Thomas to become the Batman.
I'm a man who has too much blood in his hands to be called good. I'm a man who had nothing to live for—until the day I met the Flash. - Thomas Wayne
7. Dr. Martin Stein (Firestorm) | Ph.D in Physics
Dr. Martin Stein won a Nobel Prize for his research and work in the area of physics. It was after a terrible nuclear accident that he was merged with Ronnie Raymond, forming the superhero Firestorm. Martin Stein is portrayed by actor Victor Garber in the CW’s The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow.
6. Dr. Victor Fries | Ph.D in Physics
Better known as Mister Freeze, Dr. Fries is a leading expert in cryogenics, a branch of physics dealing with low cold temperatures. In the attempt to put his dying wife in cryostasis, he suffered a terrible accident which impaired him to live at normal human temperatures. In order to stay alive he must function within a sub-zero-temp suit. A recurring Batman villain, Mister Freeze was recently portrayed in season two of Gotham by actor Nathan Darrow. He was also portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Batman & Robin.
5. Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel | M.D. in Psychiatry
Before becoming the murdering psychopath known as Harley Quinn, Dr. Quinzel worked at Arkham Asylum treating mental illness. After she fell in love with one of her patients, the Joker, she joined him in his criminal adventures. Margot Robbie will be portraying Harley Quinn in the upcoming Suicide Squad.
I'm known for being quite vexing, I'm just forewarning you. - Harley Quinn
4. Dr. Hugo Strange | M.D.
One of Batman’s top villains, Dr. Hugo Strange specializes in the area of psychology, psychiatry, genetics and chemistry. He is responsible for countless experiments that have led to the creation of many powered individuals. He has been an authority figure at Arkham Asylum and has also worked along the ranks of Amanda Waller. Hugo Strange was recently portrayed by actor B.D. Wong in season two of Gotham.
Creation is always so violent. - Dr. Hugo Strange
3. Dr. Ray Palmer (Atom) | Ph. D in Physics
Dr. Ray Palmer developed a device that allowed him to shrink in size while maintaining his normal mass. A member of the Justice League, the Atom has been part of many important story arcs throughout the DC universe. Ray Palmer/Atom is portrayed by actor Brandon Routh in the CW’s Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow.
2. Dr. Bruce Wayne | J.D. (Doctorate of Law)
Billion-dollar-boy Bruce Wayne attended many universities throughout his young adult life, but he never actually finished his studies, except for one. Bruce Wayne graduated from Yale University and earned a degree in Law apparently!
The actual university even dedicated several articles on the occasion, which you can read by clicking here. Batman is definitely one of the most iconic comic book heroes of all time and with a law degree on his resume, that just gives us more reasons to love him. If you ever find yourself in court, give Batman a call. Ben Affleck recently portrayed Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
When I was 10, my parents were murdered in front of my eyes. I've spent my life training to fight the same sort of criminals that took them from me. - Batman
1. Dr. Jon Osterman | Ph.D in Atomic Physics
You know him better as Doctor Manhattan. One of the most powerful beings in all of DC, Dr. Osterman was once a watchmaker. On the day when he and other scientists were conducting tests on intrinsic fields, he left a watch he had fixed for his wife inside a test chamber, causing him to enter the chamber and accidentally trapping himself in. After the accident he becomes Doctor Manhattan, a being of almost unlimited capabilities. Billy Crudup portrayed Jon Osterman/Doctor Manhattan in 2009's Watchmen. It was recently revealed in DC Rebirth #1 that he was responsible for the creation of the New 52.
Honorable Mentions
Like in the Marvel Top 10, the DC universe contains many educated individuals, so some unfortunately didn’t make the list. Nonetheless, here are some honorable mentions:
Alexander Luthor | Genius Individual
It is unknown if Lex Luthor ever earned a doctorate degree, regardless, he is considered to be the smartest man in DC Comics. He runs LexCorp, the wealthiest corporation in the DC universe and also became the president of the United States at one point. He was portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Dr. Tina Mcgee | Ph. D in Nutrition & Metabolism
In the comics Dr. Mcgee was a professional nutritionist at Syracuse University who under a grant from Harvard, went to work at S.T.A.R. Labs aiding and researching the Flash. She is portrayed as a physicist and current head of Mercury Labs in the CW’s The Flash by actress Amanda Pays.
Simon Stagg | Scientist
The man behind Stagg Enterprises, Simon Stagg is the one responsible for the creation of Metamorpho. Simon Stagg was portrayed by actor William Sadler in The Flash.
Jay Garrick | Physicist & Chemist
The original Flash, Jay Garrick in the comics was a student at Midwestern University where during an experimental accident, he became the Golden Age speedster. While unknown if he ever earned a Ph.D, he studied physics and chemistry. He was portrayed in the CW’s The Flash by actors Teddy Sears and John Wesley Shipp.
Arthur Light | Physicist
Known as Dr. Light, the scientist once worked at S.T.A.R. Labs where he developed his light powers. A female version of Dr. Light was portrayed in The Flash by actress Malese Jow.
Find out more on your favorite educated heroes at the official DC website and the DC Database.
Who do you think should’ve made the list? Leave your thoughts down in the comments!