Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy, Powerful Teen Hero
While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features a fresh take on Peter Parker, the animated series delves deep into the Marvel Universe. Many supporting characters are based on comic book heroes and villains, including Amadeus Cho, Peter's Oscorp intern. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero in Marvel's recent history? This exploration covers:
- Amadeus Cho's Identity
- Amadeus Cho's Hulk-related Powers and Abilities
- Amadeus Cho's Comic Book Origins and Journey
- Amadeus Cho in Other Media
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Who is Marvel's Amadeus Cho?
Despite his youth and the abundance of competition, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature often lead him into legal trouble, resulting in a life partly spent evading authorities. He displays a fondness for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, readily defending his friends.
Amadeus later gained strength to match his intellect, becoming the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn. Regardless of his moniker, Amadeus Cho is a powerful force for good.
Amadeus Cho's Hulk Powers and Abilities
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual ranking might be higher). His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are extraordinary, although intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.
His time as the Hulk granted him immense physical strength, matching his mental capabilities. At his peak, he possessed the Hulk's full strength, regeneration, durability, and other abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-monster aspect.
Currently, he operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful form than his Hulk persona, but still capable of fully transforming when necessary.
Amadeus Cho Quick Facts
- First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15 (2005)
- Creators: Greg Pak & Takeshi Miyazawa
- Aliases: Mastermind Excello, Hulk, Brawn, Prince of Power
- Current Team: Agents of Atlas (formerly Champions, God Squad, Avengers)
- Recommended Reading: Incredible Hercules - The Complete Collection Vols. 1-2, The Totally Awesome Hulk Vols. 1-4, Champions: Because the World Still Needs Heroes
Amadeus Cho's Comic Book History
Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in 2005's Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15. He gained recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. However, the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted Amadeus for death to maintain his own ranking. Following his family's death, Amadeus went into hiding, eventually befriending the Hulk.
Amadeus played a significant role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, partnering with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series. This dynamic duo even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. After their partnership ended, Amadeus absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, becoming the new Hulk, detailed in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined the Champions alongside other teen heroes.
Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful hero combining strength and intellect.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has become a recurring character in Marvel's animated and video game projects, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in games like Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and also appears in LEGO Marvel games.
In animation, he appeared in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled, voiced by Eric Bauza as Iron Spider. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man marked his first appearance as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Ki Hong Lee).
In Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Peter Parker's intern. His future as a super-powered hero remains uncertain, but given the comic book origins of other characters in the series, it's likely. His mother, Helen Cho, appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron, suggesting the MCU has been laying the groundwork for his introduction.
For more on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, see IGN's review of Season 1.
