Amadeus Cho: Marvel's Brainy, Powerful Teen Hero
While Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man centers on a fresh take on Peter Parker, the animated series delves deep into the Marvel Universe. Supporting characters are largely 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? Let's explore:
Amadeus Cho: Genius and Gamma-Powered Force
Amadeus Cho consistently ranks among the Marvel Universe's smartest individuals, despite his youth. His brilliance and rebellious streak often lead him into legal trouble, resulting in a life partially 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 incredible physical strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk's return, Amadeus continues his heroic journey as Brawn, retaining his intelligence and personality while wielding immense power.
Amadeus Cho's Abilities and Powers
Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranking as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though potentially 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 superhuman strength, regeneration, durability, and other Hulk-like abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intellect and personality, avoiding the rage-fueled transformations. Currently operating as Brawn, his power level is slightly reduced from his peak Hulk form, but he can still unleash his full Hulk potential when necessary.
Amadeus Cho: A 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. Tragedy struck when the contest's sponsor targeted Amadeus, resulting in his family's death. This led him on the run, eventually forming a bond with the Hulk.
Amadeus played a crucial role in 2007's World War Hulk crossover, teaming up with Hercules. Their partnership led to The Incredible Hercules series, filled with memorable adventures. This dynamic duo even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi. Their paths eventually diverged.
After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the new Hulk, 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 Comics
Amadeus has appeared in various Marvel 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 features 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).
Currently in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. His future as a superhero remains to be seen, but given the series' pattern of basing characters on comic book counterparts, it's likely he'll become a powerful ally to Spider-Man. His mother's appearance in Avengers: Age of Ultron suggests the MCU may also introduce him soon.
