Marvel's Amadeus Cho Explained: Who Is the Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Character?

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? Let's explore this brilliant, yet self-absorbed character.

Who is Amadeus Cho?

Despite his youth, Amadeus Cho is among the Marvel Universe's most intelligent individuals. His brilliance and rebellious nature have often led him into legal trouble, resulting in a life partially spent on the run. He's known for his affinity for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends.

Amadeus's intellectual prowess is now matched by incredible physical strength. He briefly became the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Though the classic Hulk has returned, Amadeus continues his heroic endeavors as Brawn. Regardless of his moniker, Amadeus Cho is a force for good.

Amadeus Cho's Powers and Abilities

Amadeus possesses exceptional intelligence, officially ranked as the seventh smartest person in the Marvel Universe (though his actual ranking might be 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, durability, and regenerative abilities. Unlike the classic Hulk, Amadeus retains his intelligence and personality in his transformed state, avoiding the rage-fueled persona.

Currently operating as Brawn, his power level is slightly diminished compared to his Hulk form, but he can still access his full Hulk strength 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 (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 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. Tragically, the sponsor targeted Amadeus for death, leading to his family's demise and forcing him into hiding. A chance encounter with the Hulk forged a lasting 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. They even saved the multiverse from Amatsu-Mikaboshi.

After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, Amadeus became the new Hulk, documented in Totally Awesome Hulk. He also co-founded 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 operates as Brawn, a powerful hero with unmatched intellect.

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Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics

Amadeus's presence has grown in Marvel's animated and video game projects, especially since 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.

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 marks 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 portrayed as a confident scientist and Peter Parker's Oscorp intern. His future as a superhero remains to be seen, but given the series' pattern of using comic book characters, it's likely.

A future MCU appearance is also anticipated, especially considering his mother's minor role in Avengers: Age of Ultron.