In the animated series *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, viewers are introduced to a fresh take on Peter Parker, but the show doesn't shy away from expanding its universe to include a diverse cast of characters from the Marvel Comics. Among the standout characters is Amadeus Cho, an intern at Oscorp alongside Peter, whose presence in the series adds depth and intrigue. This article delves into who Amadeus Cho is, why he has become a pivotal teen hero in Marvel's recent history, and why he's known as "The Totally Awesome Hulk." Here's everything you need to know about this brilliant yet self-absorbed character.
Who Is Marvel’s Amadeus Cho?
Amadeus Cho is renowned for being one of the smartest individuals in the Marvel Universe, often ranking as the seventh most intelligent. His exceptional intellect and rebellious nature have frequently put him at odds with authority, leading to a life on the run. A staunch supporter of fugitive heroes like the Hulk and Hercules, Amadeus's loyalty to his friends is unwavering. In recent years, he has harnessed the power of the Hulk after absorbing Bruce Banner's gamma radiation, eventually adopting the moniker Brawn. As both a thinker and a fighter, Amadeus Cho has cemented his place as a formidable force for good within the Marvel Universe.
Amadeus Cho’s Hulk Powers and Abilities
Amadeus Cho's brilliance extends beyond mere intelligence; he excels in pattern recognition and rapid mental calculations. However, such intense mental activity often leaves him ravenously hungry. After transforming into the new Hulk, Amadeus gained superhuman strength and other Hulk-like abilities such as regeneration and durability, while retaining his intelligence and personality. Currently, as Brawn, he possesses slightly less power than in his Hulk form, but can still fully transform when necessary.
Amadeus Cho’s Comic Book History
Created by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, Amadeus Cho first appeared in *Amazing Fantasy Vol. 2 #15* in 2005. This issue was a nod to the original *Amazing Fantasy #15* from 1962, which introduced Spider-Man. Amadeus's journey began after winning a competition that declared him the world's seventh smartest man, which unfortunately led to his family's tragic demise and a subsequent life on the run. His friendship with the Hulk and subsequent adventures with Hercules during the *World War Hulk* crossover and *The Incredible Hercules* series marked significant chapters in his life. Amadeus later absorbed Bruce Banner's gamma radiation to prevent a nuclear meltdown, becoming the Totally Awesome Hulk. His tenure as Hulk and later as Brawn, alongside his role in the Champions, showcase his evolution from a fugitive to a respected hero.
Amadeus Cho Beyond the Comics
Beyond the pages of comic books, Amadeus Cho has made his mark in Marvel's animated series and video games. As the Totally Awesome Hulk, he has appeared in shows like *Ultimate Spider-Man* and *Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Avengers Reassembled*, and in games such as *Marvel Future Fight* and *LEGO Marvel* titles. In *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, voiced by Aleks Le, Amadeus is portrayed as a confident scientist at Oscorp, hinting at his potential future as a super-powered hero. With his mother Helen having a role in *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, it seems the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been setting the stage for Amadeus's eventual introduction.
For those eager to learn more about *Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man*, IGN offers a spoiler-free review of Season 1 and explores five ways the new series reimagines 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