Given Superman's/Kal-El's parents being considered as 8th level intellects, Superman must at least possess the POTENTIAL to be an 8th level intellect and even untrained would still likely possess the intellectual capacity to be one of the most intelligent beings living on the DCnU Earth.
The DC Universe has never really known how to address their descriptions of intellectual capacity in an objective level. The DCnU is littered with a variety of geniuses at varying levels of intellectual capacity and development.
One such measuring tool was the use of the "genius levels of intellect" scale rated from one to twelve, with twelve being the maximum. Yes, there are rumors of a 16th level intellect but canon writings only take the scale to 12. Given the difficulties in determining how such intellects are rated:
- There is no objective scale that has been clearly determined
- The five known measures are still highly subjective
The five markers set down by DC in the previous continuities of the DC Universe were:
- Highest level of genius intellect currently defined is a 12th level intellect.
- this has been displayed as the ability to consciously have 12 simultaneous thought processes at a genius level of intellect being performed concurrently. Intellectual capacity at that level is capable of developing sciences and concepts beyond the comprehensions of even other known geniuses and associated with the potential to master an unlimited number of disciplines. Such intellects are capable of memorizing entire libraries of information, multitasking and building entire mental simulations with the speed and accuracy of supercomputers. It has been hinted, however, that intellects at a level greater than ten are inherently unstable and prone to erratic behavior.
- Brainiac 5 of the Legion of Superheroes, and the original planetary computing machine Brainiac are considered to be at this level.
- The entire 31st century Earth's population is considered to be at a 9th level of intellect.
- The scientist Jor-El of Krypton was individually considered at the 8th level of intellect.
- The average citizen of Colu is individually considered to be at the 8th level of intellect.
- The entire 21st century Earth's population is considered to be at a 6th level of intellect.
- One last marker: Lex Luthor has been estimated of being a 8-9th level intellect and the smartest human on the DC Earth.
Given these ratings and the recent reveal that Jor-El is at least an 8th level intellect and considered by "The Collector" to be Krypton's leading scientific mind, and Lara was also considered a first rate scientist on Krypton, this means Kal-El has the genetic potential to be considered a genius of that order. Assuredly with his mind's enhancement under a yellow sun, he is certain capable of being one of the most intelligent beings on the DC Earth. His greatest weakness is likely a lack of significant exposure to information and education to challenge his intellect to achieve its greatest state.
