Marvel's Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features a fresh take on Peter Parker, but the animated series expands far beyond a single hero, delving deep into the Marvel Universe. The supporting cast is packed with costumed heroes and villains from the comics, including the brilliant Amadeus Cho, one of Peter's Oscorp interns.
But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he considered one of Marvel's most significant teen heroes? Why the moniker "Totally Awesome Hulk?" Let's explore this self-assured genius.
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Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?
Despite his youth and the intense competition, Amadeus Cho is ranked among the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe. His brilliance and rebellious streak often land him at odds with authority, leading to a life partly spent evading the law. He has a soft spot for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, fiercely loyal and protective of his friends.
Amadeus's strength eventually matched his intellect. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. While the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn. Regardless of his title, 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 some argue higher). He excels at pattern recognition and complex mental calculations, although this 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 retained his intelligence and personality during transformations, avoiding the rage monster aspect.
Currently, Amadeus operates as Brawn, slightly less powerful than his Hulk form, but still capable of unleashing his full Hulk strength when necessary.
Amadeus Cho Cheat Sheet
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 (Previously 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, a significant issue as the original marked Spider-Man's debut. Amadeus quickly became the breakout character, gaining recognition as the world's seventh smartest man after winning an Excello Soap Company competition. Tragedy struck when the sponsor, Pythagoras Dupree, targeted him, leading to his family's death and forcing Amadeus into hiding with only a coyote pup. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lifelong friendship.
Amadeus's prominence grew during 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules (another fugitive hero from 2006's Civil War). Their adventures in The Incredible Hercules series solidified their iconic partnership. This dynamic duo even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. Eventually, they parted ways, leading to a new chapter.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the new Hulk, his journey documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-led a new iteration of the Champions, alongside Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv Vision, and a time-displaced Cyclops.
Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus thrives as Brawn, a powerful hero whose intellect matches his strength.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus's popularity has extended to Marvel's animated and video game projects, especially after his Hulk transformation. He's a playable character in Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and 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 (2017) marked his first appearance as the Totally Awesome Hulk (voiced by Ki Hong Lee).
Currently, Amadeus is a supporting character in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le. Depicted as a confident scientist and Peter Parker's intern at Oscorp, his potential superhero transformation remains to be seen, though it seems likely given the comic-based nature of other characters in the show.
A future MCU appearance for Amadeus is highly anticipated. His mother, Helen (played by Claudia Kim in Avengers: Age of Ultron), suggests a foundation laid long ago for his introduction.
For more on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and see the 5 ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.
