In the animated series *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, the spotlight isn't just on a new version of Peter Parker; it casts a wide net across the Marvel Universe. Almost every character in the show's supporting cast is drawn from the rich tapestry of Marvel's comic book heroes and villains, including Peter's fellow interns at Oscorp, like the brilliant but self-absorbed Amadeus Cho.
Amadeus Cho has emerged as one of Marvel's most significant teen heroes over the past few decades. Known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk," his journey is as fascinating as his nickname. Here's everything you need to know about this character, from his origins to his current role in the Marvel Universe.
Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?
Despite his young age, Amadeus Cho is one of the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe, often ranked as the seventh smartest person. His intelligence and defiance of authority have led him to spend much of his teenage years on the run from the law. Amadeus has a soft spot for fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, often risking his own safety to protect his friends.
In recent years, Amadeus has gained the strength to match his brainpower. He became the Hulk for a time after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation. Even with the classic Hulk back in action, Amadeus continues to fight for justice as Brawn, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the cause.
Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities
Amadeus is exceptionally intelligent, with a knack for pattern recognition and mental calculation. His only downside is the intense hunger that follows his computational feats. After becoming the new Hulk, Amadeus gained the physical strength to match his mental prowess, retaining his intelligence and personality even in his transformed state.
Currently, Amadeus goes by the name Brawn, which is slightly less powerful than his Hulk form, but he can still fully transform when necessary. His unique blend of strength and intelligence makes him a formidable hero.
Amadeus Cho’s Comic Book History
Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho debuted in *Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15* in 2005. He was introduced during a competition sponsored by the Excello Soap Company, which led to his recognition as the world's seventh smartest man. After his family was tragically killed, Amadeus went on the run, eventually befriending the Hulk.
Amadeus played a significant role during the *World War Hulk* crossover in 2007, partnering with Hercules in *The Incredible Hercules* series. Their adventures solidified Amadeus's status as a hero. After absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, Amadeus became the new Hulk, leading to his adventures in *Totally Awesome Hulk* and his involvement with the Champions.
Currently, with Bruce Banner back as the Hulk, Amadeus has taken on the role of Brawn, continuing to make an impact in the Marvel Universe with his intelligence and strength.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Amadeus has made his mark in Marvel's animated and video game projects. In gaming, he appears as a playable character in titles like *Marvel Future Fight*, *Marvel Puzzle Quest*, and *Avengers Academy*, as well as in the LEGO Marvel games.
In animation, Amadeus has appeared in *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled*, voiced by Eric Bauza as Iron Spider. In the 2017 *Spider-Man* animated series, he was portrayed as the Totally Awesome Hulk, voiced by Ki Hong Lee.
In *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is introduced as a self-assured scientist and one of Peter Parker's fellow interns at Oscorp. While it's unclear if this version will become a super-powered hero, given the comic-inspired cast, it seems likely he will eventually team up with Peter as Brawn.
Amadeus's potential debut in the MCU seems imminent, especially since his mother Helen had a role in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, hinting at a broader introduction to this character in future projects.
For more on *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, check out IGN's spoiler-free review of Season 1 and explore the 5 ways the new series reinvents Peter Parker's mythology.
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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
