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TheFantastic Four ’s leader and nonmigratory “ Big Brain , ” Reed Richards often look like he has the weak powers of the quartet . In a team that includes ball of fire like the Thing , the Human Torch , andthe Invisible Woman , Reed ’s ability to stretch out his body does n’t seemthatuseful ( unless you need to grab something off a really gamey ledge ) . However , it turn out that Mr. Fantastic ’s surface level might hide a much more powerful arcanum .
Reed ’s ability to stretch his form stretch toeverypart of him – let in his brain . This allows him to manipulate and provoke key areas of his brain , enabling him to comprehend virtually anything and solve impossibly complex problems . Using this hyper intelligence operation , Reed has been able to keep the Fantastic Four on the cut bound of science , solving both exotic and mundane problem with ease .
To interpret the meaning of this , let ’s take a close look at the secret behind Reed ’s flexible brainpower and discover why it ’s so powerful .
How Smart is Reed Richards, Actually?
At first , super intelligence seems like a redundant power to give someone like Mr. Fantastic . After all , was n’t Reed Richardsalreadya crack genius before the cosmic ray accident that ease up the Fantastic Four their powers ? InUltimate Fantastic Four , Reed already had an intelligence quotient of 269 by the time he was 16 . In the mainstream world , an adult Reed had the mentality to construct a rocket ship open of traveling faster than idle , something no scientist in the literal humanity has been able-bodied to do .
However , when one compares Mr. Fantastic ’s achievementsafterhe get his power , the deviation in intelligence is quite obvious . Reed ’s first faster - than - sparkle rocket ( the Marvel-1)is an antique compared to the starship , dimensional portal , clock time machines , and shrinking machine he ’s invented since then . Even things fans take for award , like the Fantastic Four ’s fluid molecules costumes , represent breakthroughs in applied science that are beyond the power of entire teams of scientists to bring out – rent alone one man who seems to make suchbuniverse - intermit inventions every day .
Reed Richards ’ brainiac even extends to clear routine problems . While most news report show him seek to breach dimensional barrier or experiment with a new unreal intelligence , inFantastic Four # 512,Reed bring out he regularly invents things for the general public – like a hypersonic cure for acne that he sells to Revlon to raise money to fund the Fantastic Four ’s activities ( and you wonder where the cash to build their flying cars amount from ! ) The casual speeding with which Reed invents groundbreaking technology bear witness his creative thinker is indeed flexible and fast enough to tackle incredibly complex problems , and definitely commit his intelligence on a superhuman level .
Mr. Fantastic’s Superhuman Neuroplasticity
So , how does Reed ’s pliable brain workplace ? While devotee can only speculate , it ’s hint that Reed ’s power to stretch out give his brain a superhuman level of neuroplasticity . A normal human brain on a regular basis alteration and reorders itself throughout life , creating stronger or feeble connections bet on what thoughts or action a person select to reinforce . This “ neuroplasticity ” allows the brain to adapt to changes , assist to retain cognitive functioning or even regain key map after suffering strokes .
While “ neuroplasticity ” does n’t mean the brain is like plastic , in Reed ’s subject , his Einstein literallyisas malleable as plastic . This could mean Reed ’s brain changes its shape to fit whatever puzzle he ’s working on – energize certain area while produce ( or eliminating ) sure brain synapsis to optimize his problem - solve accomplishment . Rather than simply rely on his raw flair , Reed can make himself even smarter in thespecificareas he demand to be ( i.e. language , logic , imagination ) while tone down other parts of his brain that might get in the way of solving a problem .
This is confirmed inUltimate Fantastic Four # 26,when Sue Storm ’s mother asks Reed to decipher some Atlantean cutting , let out she knows Reed ’s brain is as whippy as his body . While language is n’t Reed ’s normal region of expertise , his brain adapts and he creates a mathematical formula to decodes the carvings . Although this is n’t the mainstream Reed Richards , it ’s quite possible that Reed could employ his psyche in a exchangeable way .
Reed exhibits even eldritch force inEarth X # 7when an elderly Mr. Fantastic of an alternative futurestretches his brain ’s cerebrum to replicate the ten - Men leader ’s Charles Xavier . He can then practice Xavier ’s Cerebro unit to track missing Inhumans much like the telepathic mutant could . This evoke Reed Richards cangive himself new powers(or at least sham them ) byrearranging his encephalon to resemble other people’s . Keep in creative thinker also that this Reed had not stretched inyears , indicate that the younger , healthier mainstream Mr. Fantastic could accomplish evengreaterfeats .
It ’s also worth noting that the twosuperheroes confirm to be bright than Mr. Fantastic – Moon Girl and Reed ’s daughter Valeria Richards – are both vernal children whose head are still evolve . As neuroplasticity studies indicate children ’s brains are more adaptable and conciliatory than adults , this could be a rationality why these two are presently fresh than Reed . As they mature , it ’s possible their minds will become less flexible ( while Reed ’s brain remains hyper ductile ) changing the dynamic .
Are Other Stretchy Heroes Also Super Smart?
Considering how Reed ’s stretching powers enhance his intelligence operation , one has to ask – areotherstretchy heroes also passing fresh ? Well , over in DC Comics , super sleuthRalph Dibney ( aka the Elongated Man)often promotes himself as “ The World ’s Greatest Detective . ” Ralph is n’t just being cocky either – Batmanregularly consults with the Elongated Man when he want a second opinion .
Ralph ’s intelligence is bind to his power to practice sidelong thinking – or his skill at regard connection and/or possibilities others dismiss . As he ’s a tec and not a scientist like Reed , his Einstein functions in a different way of life – but it ’s potential they both owe their brightness to their enhanced neuroplasticity .
So , while stretching powers might look like a lightheaded ability at first , it ’s deserving noting that theFantastic Fourwouldn’t have been able to accomplish anywhere near as much as they have without Reed Richards – or his fantastical flexible mentality .
Next : Mr. Fantastic is formally Marvel ’s Dumbest Genius
