Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Friendly Neighbor

Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy, Powerful Teen Hero

While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man centers on a new 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, one of Peter's Oscorp interns. But who is Amadeus Cho, and why is he a significant teen hero in the Marvel universe? Let's explore.

Amadeus Cho: The Brains Behind the Brawn

Despite his youth, 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 spent evading authorities. He's known for his affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to friends.

Amadeus's intellectual prowess is matched by his physical strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even after the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues to fight for justice as Brawn, showcasing his incredible power and unwavering dedication.

Amadeus Cho's Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe. His pattern recognition and mental calculation skills are unparalleled. However, this intense mental activity often leaves him ravenous.

His time as the Hulk granted him immense strength, regeneration, and durability. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality when transformed, avoiding the rage-filled persona. Currently, he operates as Brawn, a slightly less powerful but still formidable version of his Hulk form, capable of unleashing his full Hulk strength when necessary.

Amadeus Cho: A Comic Book Journey

Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus 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. Tragedy struck when the sponsor targeted Amadeus, leading to his family's death and forcing him into hiding. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lifelong friendship.

Amadeus played a crucial role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their adventures continued in The Incredible Hercules series, showcasing their misadventures and eventual rise as respected heroes. Their exploits even included saving the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the Hulk, his adventures documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also joined the Champions, alongside Ms. Marvel, Nova, Viv Vision, and a time-displaced Cyclops.

Now, with Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus operates as Brawn, a powerful hero with unmatched intellect.

Amadeus Cho Beyond the Pages

Amadeus has appeared in Marvel's animated and video game projects, often as the Hulk. He's a playable character in Marvel Future Fight, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Avengers Academy, and features in LEGO Marvel games. He appeared in Ultimate Spider-Man and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled as Iron Spider, a role not seen in the comics. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man features him 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 at Oscorp. While his transformation into a super-powered hero remains uncertain, his presence suggests a future collaboration with Spider-Man. His mother's appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron hints at a potential future MCU debut.